Foreign Language Placement Exam

For Spanish, contact Prof. Iani Moreno or Prof. Saraí García
For French, contact Prof. Barbara Abrams
For students who wish to take Language Exemption Examinations for exemption from the core language requirement, contact Prof. Chris Dakin

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 the proper course. 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.

The placement examination is web-based, and you are only allowed to take this examination ONE time. After taking the exam, results will display on the screen, but it is suggested that you print out a copy of the score onto a sheet of paper. 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 speaking and writing fluency in any deep way. If you feel you have a strong enough background in a language, you may choose to take the Language Exemption Examinations.

Instructions

  • Follow the instructions on the Truenorth website and register to take an exam. This does not cost anything, you are simply registering as a new user.
  • After registering you will be taken to the page where you will choose the exam you wish to take.
  • Please note that you can only take this examination ONE time, so make sure you have allotted yourself at least 1 hour of free time. 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.

This diagram explains the foreign language placement process [PDF]