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  2. Center for Writing & Learning
  3. Language Proficiency Exam
  4. Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

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Contact Information

Center for Writing and Learning (CWL)

253.879.3404
cwl@pugetsound.edu

Who needs to satisfy the requirement?

Students at the University of Puget Sound who are graduating under the 2022-2023 Bulletin or an earlier Bulletin must demonstrate first-year college-level proficiency in a language other than English. The language graduation requirement is one of several undergraduate degree requirements. 

When is the proficiency exam given?

We use BYU FLATS and a couple of other language testing services such as ALTA, depending on the language being tested. Many of the proficiency exams are proctored remotely, and so students may sign up to take an exam at the time most convenient for them. However, we encourage students interested in the proficiency exam to take it as soon as possible: you use it or lose it with language! Taking the exam early in your college career will help you make more informed choices about your course selection and help you to graduate on time.

You can learn more about the testing protocol by emailing cwl@pugetsound.edu.

When I take the exam, how and when will I be notified of the results?

You will receive the results of your proficiency exam directly from our test provider. Tests may take more than a week to score and process. Please take this time into account when scheduling your test date.

What if I take the test, and I don't pass?

You may retake all proficiency assessments one time, and you can schedule your re-take at any time that is convenient for your schedule. However, depending on your results, it may be better to simply make alternate plans to fulfill the language graduation requirement, like registering for a language course. Your academic advisor can help you consider your options!

I know a language that is not on the list. What do I do?

We provide proficiency tests in a wide variety of languages. If you speak a language not on this list, please contact the CWL; we will do our best to locate a proficiency exam for you. If you are a year or more away from graduating and we cannot find you a test in your language, we recommend that you consider alternative options to fulfill the language graduation requirement. If you are a graduating senior and there is not a test available in your language, you can submit a Petition for Waiver of Academic Policy to the Academic Standards Committee.

 

I have an AP 4 in Latin. Do I have to take the proficiency exam?

No. A score of AP 4 or better in any language satisfies the language requirement as stated in the 2022-2023 Bulletin, page 10. Check to make sure that the Registrar’s Office has received an official copy of your AP scores and has it on file.

 

I have taken several years of language in high school. Do I really have to take a proficiency exam if I want to test out of the language graduation requirement?

Yes, unless you have a score of 4 or higher on an AP language exam or a score of 5, 6, or 7 on an International Baccalaureate Higher Level language exam. Be sure the Registrar’s Office has an official copy of your AP or IB scores.

I have taken college-level courses at another institution. Do these fulfill the requirement?

In the case of courses at other institutions, the transfer value must also equal at least two units of Puget Sound credit. Successful completion of such coursework will be interpreted as receiving a passing grade. Language classes in study abroad programs or at institutions overseas may satisfy this requirement, provided the transfer value of the coursework equals at least two units of Puget Sound credit for a language class at the first-year level. Please contact the Registrar’s Office to confirm that courses taken at another institution can be used to fulfill the requirement.

 

What is the official record that I have completed the proficiency exam?

Your transcript will read "Puget Sound language requirement completed" in the semester it was completed.

Do I get course credit for passing the proficiency exam?

No. You do get a special notation on your transcript that reads "Puget Sound language requirement completed" in the semester in which it was completed. By passing the exam, you will also have completed a Puget Sound graduation requirement.

 

What if I have other questions that are not addressed here?

Please contact the Center for Writing & Learning at cwl@pugetsound.edu or at 253.879.3404.

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