Frequently asked questions about
Foreign Language Placement & Credit testing
(available for download at http://arts-sciences.und.edu/languages/info/testing-faqs-aug-2014.pdf)
1. Is a Foreign Language Placement and Credit (FLP&C) test the same as a CLEP test?
No. CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests are a product of an organization called the College
Board, which is also the organization behind the SAT. CLEP test results are recognized by many, many
institutions and CLEP test are offered at many testing sites across the country. In fact, the UND testing center
(http://und.edu/health-wellness/counseling-center/frequently-requested-tests.cfm) is an authorized testing site
for CLEP exams. FLP&C tests, on the other hand, are administered by the Language Department, and earn only
UND institutional credit; that is, the credits you earn by taking an FLP&C test are intended primarily for UND
use. If you transfer to another institution, there is no guarantee that the new institution will recognize your
FLP&C-earned credits. Some do, but many do not.
2. Why would I take a Foreign Language Placement and Credit test rather than a CLEP test?
Most students who take the FLP&C tests are not planning to transfer to another institution. They are simply
looking to get UND credit for their proficiency and/or be placed in a language class of an appropriate level.
They do not need the “portability” of the CLEP scores, and therefore can’t justify the higher cost of the CLEP
test (usually around $80 plus a $15 testing fee paid to the testing site, versus $20 per language for FLP&C
testing, which includes up to 2 attempts for both the level I and level II tests for that language.
3. Can I take the FLP&C test online or at an off-campus testing site?
Currently, no, though we are looking into possibilities for this in the future. For the time being, our best
recommendation for students unable to come to Grand Forks is to find the nearest authorized CLEP testing site
and take the CLEP test there and submit the CLEP results to the registrar for acceptance as transfer credits.
4. Are there any deadlines for FLP&C testing?
Strictly speaking, no, though there are two important factors to consider:
1) For most students, it is important to test before or during the first week of the semester in which
they’re considering taking a language course, so that they can drop or add a language course based on
the results of the placement/credit test. No student may test out of a course in which he or she is
currently enrolled after the last day to add a full-term course/last day to drop a course without
record. More details below under the question about restrictions.
2) Students nearing graduation: Because the last 30 credits of your undergraduate program can not
include either transfer credits or placement test credits, you should not put off taking the test until you’re
nearing the end of your undergraduate program. While there is process for petitioning to have these
credits accepted as part of your last 30 credits, it is far simpler and more risk-free to simply do your
placement testing at the beginning of your academic program.
5.What languages do you test for?
French, German, Latin, Russian and Spanish. In addition, though no standardized testing is done for Norwegian
or Chinese, in certain cases native speakers of those languages may be eligible for credit. Email
steven.finney@email.und.edu for details.
6. How many credits can I earn through testing and what courses will they count for?
Credits are awarded in increments of 4, with each block of 4 credits counting for a semester of 101, 102, 201 or
202.
French test #1 can award up to 12 credits (equivalent to 101, 102 and 201).
French test #2 can award an additional 4 credits (equivalent to 202).
German test #1 can award up to 8 credits (equivalent to 101 and 102).
German test #2 can award up to 8 additional credits (equivalent to 201 and 202).
Spanish test #1 can award up to 8 credits (equivalent to 101 and 102).
Spanish test #2 can award up to 8 additional credits (equivalent to 201 and 202).
The Latin test can award up to 12 credits (equivalent to 101, 102 and 201).
The Russian test can award up to 8 credits (equivalent to 101 and 102).
7. Can I retake a test if I don’t earn credit the first time?
Yes, you may retake once, for a total of two attempts.
8. Do I have to take test #1 in a given language before I can take test #2?
Not necessarily, but that’s what we generally recommend unless you are reasonably sure that your proficiency
is high enough to at least test out of some of the credits available through test #2. For example, if you’ve been
raised in a bilingual home or have become fluent by studying or living for a time in a country where the
language is spoken, it may indeed make sense for you to go directly to test # 2. If you earn any credit at the
test#2 level, you’ll automatically receive all credits available at the test #1 level.
9. I’m a native speaker of one of the languages taught at UND. Can I get credit for proficiency in my native
language? Do I still have to take a test?
In most cases, yes to both, though policies vary a bit from language to language due to relationships UND has
with individual partner institutions in other countries. To find out about your language, send an email to
steven.finney@email.und.edu.
10. When and where are the tests given?
When: you can see the current semester's testing schedule at the Foreign Language Placement & Credit
webpage: http://arts-sciences.und.edu/languages/info/placement-tests.cfm.
Over the course of the semester, there may be exceptions to the listed schedule, in the form of individual
days when testing is not available. Always schedule your test at least 24 hours in advance.
Where: tests are normally given in the Merrifield Lab, room 306A of Merrifield Hall. Occasionally
we may use another room if a schedule conflict arises. In such cases, students who are scheduled to test
will receive notice of the alternate site.
11. What kinds of things are on the test?
All tests are multiple-choice. Most of the tests include a listening comprehension section, a reading
comprehension section and a structure/grammar section.
12. Are there any restrictions for who can take a test?
Yes. First of all, no one may take a test unless they present a valid official UND picture ID on testing day. No
exceptions. Drivers’ licenses will not work, and it is not enough to simply give your UND identification
number.
Second, no student whose transcript shows enrollment at any time in a foreign language course may attempt to
test out of that particular course, EXCEPT that students currently enrolled in a language course may test in that
language BEFORE the last day to drop without record. Here are some examples to clarify:
Student A has taken Spanish 101, but failed the course, and now would like to test out of it to replace his failing
grade with a passing one. He may NOT do this, however, because he has already been enrolled in Spanish 101.
To replace his failing grade, he must re-take the course.
Student B enrolled in Spanish 101 but dropped six weeks later, after the last day to drop without record. She
now would like to try to test out of Spanish 101. She may NOT do this, however, because her transcript shows
that she has already been enrolled in Spanish 101. The fact that she withdrew from the course makes no
difference.
Student C has taken Spanish 101, and wishes to test out of Spanish 102. He CAN do this, though he can only be
awarded up to four credits, for Spanish 102. No matter what his score on the test, his grade for Spanish 101 will
not change.
Student D enrolled in Spanish 101 several semesters ago, but dropped a few days into the first week of class,
before the last day to drop a course without record. He would now like to try to test out of Spanish 101. He
CAN do this, as his transcript does not show that he’s ever been enrolled in a Spanish course, because he
dropped before the last day to drop without record.
Student E is currently enrolled in Spanish 101. It is the first week of class. She would like to try to test out of
Spanish 101. She CAN do this, provided she does it before the last day to drop a course without record (usually
the Wednesday or Thursday of the second week of classes). If she waits until after the last day to drop a class
without record, she may not take the placement test for Spanish 101.
13. Can I take a test to replace a grade for a language course I’ve already taken?
No. See previous question.
14. Can I attempt to test out of a course that I once enrolled in, but dropped?
Maybe, depending on when you dropped the course. If it was before the last day to drop without record (usually
the Thursday of the second week of class) and the course therefore doesn’t show up on your transcript, you will
be allowed to take the test. If you dropped the course after the last day to drop without record, and the course
therefore shows up on your transcript (even though it shows that you withdrew), you may NOT take the test.
(See examples under the question about restrictions, above.)
15. Can I attempt to test out of a course I’m currently enrolled in?
No, EXCEPT at the very beginning of the semester, before the last day to drop without record. (See examples
under the question about restrictions, above.)
16. How much do the tests and credits cost?
Testing costs $20 per language (includes 2 attempts each for test #1 and, if applicable, test #2). Credits earned
through testing cost $5 per credit.
17. Do I have to pay any fees at the time of testing?
No, all fees will be billed through the regular UND Campus Connection fee-payment system.
18. Do I need a perfect or near-perfect score to earn credit?
No, on most tests you may actually get quite a few answers wrong and still earn at least some credit.
Unanswered questions count as wrong, so it’s better to make your most educated guess than to leave a question
unanswered.
19. Can I use a dictionary or other resources while taking the test?
No. Resources of any kind may NOT be used. You must have only the test booklet and answer sheet on your
desk while taking the test.
20. Can I pause or replay listening comprehension tracks while I’m testing?
No. All listening comprehension tracks must be played continuously, with no pausing or replaying.
21. What do I need to bring to my testing appointment?
1. Your valid, official UND picture ID. No exceptions. A driver’s license and/or your UND
identification number are not enough.
2. A pencil.
22. How long do the tests take?
Individual times vary, naturally, and many students use less than the full allotment of time. The allotted times
for each test are:
French #1: 90 minutes.
French #2: 65 minutes
German #1: 60 minutes
German #2: 65 minutes
Spanish #1: 60 minutes
Spanish #2: 65 minutes
Latin: 60 minutes
Russian: 65 minutes
23. How long does it take to learn the results of the test?
Depending on testing load and time of completion, your test will either be graded immediately while you wait,
or at some time during the next two business days. In the latter case, you’ll be notified via email within three
business days after testing.
24. How long does it take for the credits to show up on my transcript?
Depending on the time of semester and workload at the registrar’s office, the credits may take up to four weeks
to appear on your transcript.
25. How soon will I be billed after I take the test?
Each month’s billings are submitted by batch at the end of the month. Once submitted, they’ll appear on your
account within two weeks.
26. How do I sign up to take a test?
Look at the schedule and send an email to Steven Finney at steven.finney@ und.edu. Specify the day, date and
time you’d like to test, the language you want to test in, the courses you’d like to test out of, and what collegelevel coursework, if any, you’ve done in that language.
27. Who do I contact if I have questions not answered here?
Steve Finney is the testing coordinator. The best way to reach him is via email at: steven.finney@ und.edu
You may also leave a voice message on his office phone: 701-777-4652
Response time to emails and voice messages will depend on the time of semester and the corresponding testing
load. However, except at high-volume times at the beginning of the semester, inquiries will typically be
answered by noon the following day. If you haven’t received a response after an entire business day, contact
Language Dept. Administrator Linda Ziegelmann at 701-777-3813.