Proficiency Exam

The Wingate University Modern Languages Proficiency Exam is Not a placement exam but a one-time-only opportunity for students to earn up to six credit hours of French, German or Spanish based upon their demonstrated skill.

Take the proficiency exam.

Who should take the exam?
New students who have taken two or more years of French, German or Spanish in high school; native speakers of these languages; and heritage speakers (i.e., students born to parents whose native tongue is French, German and/or Spanish) are strongly encouraged to take this exam.

Students who have had less than two years or who took two years but did not perform very well are strongly encouraged to enroll in a 101 section of their preferred language.

Why should I take time to take the exam?
In less than an hour, you can earn up to six hours of credit at no cost to you or your family. It also opens up your schedule to take other classes and puts you ahead in your academic program. Students who decide to take a 101, regardless of all the years of language instruction they had in high school, just to get an easy A, usually end up not doing as well. They find themselves bored, and soon they are missing classes and important assignments. It is important that you find the right class for you, so that you can continue to improve your language skills.

What is the exam like? How long does it take?
The exam has two parts. First, the student comes to the Language Lab in Burnside-Dalton 303 during the times indicated in the Orientation Schedule and takes a 25-minute computerized-adaptive test. The student will get a score at the end of the testing session. That score determines whether the student should go on to the next part, or if that student should not receive any credit.

French:
If a student scores 255-299, the student is to write a composition on an assigned topic. If a student scores 300 or above, an oral interview will determine the student's proficiency, the credit-hours to be earned, and the proper course in which to enroll. Students who score under 225 should enroll in French 101.

German:
If a student scores 225 or above, that student is to come for a second test, an oral interview that will determine the student's proficiency, the credit-hours to be earned, and the proper course in which to enroll. Students who score under 225 should enroll in German 101.

Spanish:
Students with a score between 200-249 must write a composition from a list of provided topics. The composition will take another 30 minutes. Performance on this section will determine whether or not the student will receive credit for Spanish 101-102.

Students whose score falls between 250-349 must write a composition from a list of provided topics. This composition will take another 30 minutes. Performance on this section will determine whether or not the student will receive six hours credit and place out of the intermediate sequence (Spanish 201-202).

Students whose score is 350 or above must write a composition from a list of provided topics. The composition will take another 30 minutes. Performance on this interview will determine whether or not they should receive six hours credit, fulfill their language requirements, and place at the 300 level.

When is the exam given?
The exam is given at the beginning of the fall semester, during orientation.

Where is the exam given?
The exam is given in the Foreign Language Laboratory in Burnside-Dalton Room 303.

What do I need in order to take the exam?
You only need to bring a photo I.D.

What if I did not take the exam during orientation or forgot to take the second part?
This is a one-time-only opportunity courtesy of Wingate University to earn credits free of charge. Many institutions give placement exams but will not give any credits for free. If you do not take advantage of the exam when it is offered, you forfeit that opportunity. You can still get credit-by-examination, but you will have to pay a fee. Please talk to the registrar if you have any questions.

What if I did not score very well but I know that I am proficient in the language?
If a student feels dissatisfied with his or her results, s/he has a right to challenge it. The student is to contact Dr. Ann Moncayo, Department Chair, at (704) 233-8050 or amoncayo@wingate.edu. She will schedule an oral interview, the results of which will be final.

If I do earn credits, how do I get those into my transcripts?
Students, academic advisors and the registrar's office will be notified of the results. The academic advisor and you will be notified of a recommended course to take. Credits earned will be automatically registered into the student's record by the registrar's office. We recommend that you check your transcript when you go for advising during the spring.

Start the proficiency exam.

CONTACT:
Dr. Ann G. Moncayo
Associate Professor of Spanish & Department Chair
amoncayo@wingate.edu
704-233-8050