Foreign Language Placement Exam

All incoming students (both new and transfers) who have previous experiences with a foreign language—be it in a classroom setting, in the family, from foreign travel, or in some other manner—and wish to continue the study of that language at Suffolk must take a placement examination in order to be placed in a course that corresponds with their proficiency in the language.

At this time, the only examinations being offered are in French and Spanish. Students who wish to study Italian, Chinese or American Sign Language should consult with HLGC faculty at the beginning of their first semester of residence.

For Spanish, contact Professor Poliana Alarcon Bustos.
For French, contact Professor Barbara Abrams.
For students who wish to take Language Exemption Examinations for exemption from the core language requirement, contact Professor Chris Dakin.

The placement examination is taken online and you're only allowed to take this examination once. This examination is intended to aid in the placement of the student in the appropriate level of language instruction, and will not count towards an exemption of the language requirement.

Keep in mind that this is a simple multiple-choice exam that does not test fluency in speaking or writing in any deep way. After taking the exam, results will display on the screen and we suggest that you print out a copy of the score onto a sheet of paper.

If you feel you have a strong enough background in a language, you may choose to take the Language Exemption Examinations by contacting Professor Chris Dakin.

Instructions

  • Follow the instructions on the Emmersion website and register to take an exam
    This does not cost anything, you are simply registering as a new user in order to take your exam
  • After registering you will be taken to the page where you will choose the exam you wish to take
    Please note: You can only take this examination one time, so make sure you have allotted yourself at least 1 hour of free time to complete the full process. This includes about 15-30 minutes for actual test time, time needed when registering, and printing out a score at the end
  • An email will be sent to the person in charge of the language, but it is still advisable for you to send them a follow-up email to make sure you are placed in a class as soon as needed
  • Print out a copy of your results page just to be safe

Learn more about the foreign language placement process [PDF]