Spanish Placement Test
Information about Spanish Course Placement
If you have prior experience with the Spanish language (in the
home, in a Spanish class, or living in a Spanish speaking country)
you should take the Spanish Placement Test to help determine which
Spanish class is most appropriate.
During the first week of class, you will be asked to show your
Placement Test Score (or, if you are in a beginning Spanish 101
class, sign a document that states that you have never had any
prior experience with the language). Even though the results
of the test are not mandated for placement, all Spanish teachers
will help make sure that students are in the correct classes.
Since the test is different every time it is taken, consider
taking the Placement Test more than once and then using an average
of your scores. This will likely give you a better indicator
of the level you belong at.
If you have been away from Spanish for a year or more, the test
will reflect the fact that you are "rusty"; however, the first
couple of weeks in the course will bring you back to your actual
ability level quickly.
Look at the Catalog Descriptions of Spanish courses at COCC
and the Sequence Chart of COCC Spanish Transfer Classes to help you decide which Spanish class is
most appropriate.
If your placement test score is only a few points away from
another level, you might consider the other level. For
example, Spanish 102 placement is recommended with scores between
176 - 225 or one year of high school Spanish. However, if you
score 221 and you have had two years of high school Spanish, you
might consider the Spanish 103 class instead of the 102
class--especially if you have been away from the class for a year
or more.
You should also review your scores with your advisor while
consulting the Sequence Chart of COCC Spanish Transfer Classes.
If you are still unsure, feel free to talk to a
Foreign Language Advisor.
Instructions for Taking the Placement Test
The placement test is administered through the internet servers
at Brigham Young University in Utah. When you click the link at the
bottom of this web page, you will be brought to BYU's WebCape
login.
When you are asked for a password enter:
bobcats1(the last digit is the number
one)
You will then see an informational page about the test
itself. Click BEGIN.
Next, you will be asked to fill in some personal information.
Below is a graphic similar to one you will encounter when beginning
the exam.
Please fill in the following carefully:
Click "Begin Exam" to start the test. Once started, answer each
question without interruption until the test is completed. DO NOT
use any reference materials. Allow 15-25 minutes. The number
of questions is not fixed -- the exam will ask as many (or few) as
necessary to determine your ability.
When you complete the exam, you will see your results and they
will also be transmitted to the Foreign Languages Department.
Print your results and keep a copy to show to your advisor.
HELPFUL LINKS: