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Languages Department

Modern Language Placement Test

If a student’s intended major requires a modern language (or if they wish to take a modern language course as an elective) and they plan to take French, German, Russian, or Spanish to meet that requirement, they must take the Clemson Modern Language Placement Test (MLPT) before registering for a modern language course. They do not have to take the MLPT if they are beginning a new language in which they have no background. If a student chooses to continue in a language in which they completed at least three semesters in high school OR has AP or IB credit, they will start at a minimum of 1020 or higher (depending on MLPT score). If, for any reason, they think that they may change to a major in the future that may require a language, they should take the test so that their score is on file. Students are expected to begin their study of the language at the level the test has recommended. If a student wishes to take a class in which they did not place, they are encouraged to attend the first day of class. If they still wish to change, they can contact a Department of Languages Academic Advisor for the next steps. Any transfer student or student who brings in credit for a modern language from another institution and plans to continue in that language is not required to take the MLPT; this includes students bringing in AP or IB exam scores from high school. These students should simply register for the next level in the language sequence.

Additional MLPT FAQs

  • What do I do if I took one language in high school but want to change into a new language?

    You are welcome to start in the beginning level of a new language. However, we recommend that you still complete the placement test in the language you studied in high school. This will allow you to switch into that language if you change your mind later in your studies.

  • What if I took less than three semesters of a language in high school?

    If you have taken less than three semesters of a language in high school, you will take the MLPT to see where you place.

  • When do I take the Exam?

    Your exam MUST be completed prior to your scheduled orientation date. Completing the exam in a timely manner is essential so that you are able to register for the appropriate course level.

  • In what cases would I not take the MLPT?

    There are a few scenarios in which you would not need to complete the MLPT:

    • You’re bringing in transfer credit: in this case, you will start in the next level of the language unless you are beginning a new language.
    • You’re a native or heritage speaker: in this case, you do not need to take the MLPT. However, you will need to speak with an instructor for a fluency exam. Under MLPT Instructions you will find the list of instructors by language. For our purposes, a native speaker was born and raised in the country of the language (it is your first language). A heritage speaker grew up hearing it in the home and/or their surroundings.
    • You’re starting a completely new language and have no prior language experience.
    • You took an AP or IB language exam: if your score is high enough to earn credit through the admissions office, you can start at the next language level. If you did not pass your course exam, you will need to take the MLPT. Your advisor will be able to help you determine what level you may bring into Clemson.
  • Can I repeat the test if I don’t agree with my initial placement?

    Unfortunately, you cannot repeat the test. If you disagree with your results, you will have the opportunity to talk with your language instructor the first day of class. They can help you determine if you need to move up or down a level. After you’ve talked with the instructor, they will alert the Registration Coordinator to make any changes that need to be made.

  • Who do I contact for further questions?

    Any further questions, contact Languages advisors:

    Anna Grace Araiza (agheise@clemson.edu) or

    Dorcas L. Perez (dorcasp@clemson.edu)

MLPT Instructions

  • French, German, Russian and Spanish

    WebCAPE is a placement test that assesses your language ability and assists you and your advisor in choosing the right level language course. It is multiple-choice and covers grammar, reading, and vocabulary. Please be aware that the test is designed to alternate between asking difficult and easier questions in order to determine your skill level. Do not be discouraged by the more difficult questions that you cannot answer. Make your best guess and go on to the next question. This on-line system is dual platform so it works in both Windows and Mac environments.

  • ASL, Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and Latin

    Please contact the professors listed below for assessment:

    For ASL Placement:

    Language screenings are conducted via Zoom on the following schedule.

    • Fall language screenings are only offered on May 1, June 1 and August 1
    • Spring language screenings are only offered on Oct 1, and Nov 1.

    If you are an admitted student and want to schedule an ASL placement screening,  email Prof. Bo Clements (wrcleme@clemson.edu).

    Use the subject line, ASL Placement Screening Request, and include 

    • Your full legal name
    • CUID Number
    • Declared Major
  • Native Speakers, Near-Native Speakers and Heritage Learners

    If you are a native speaker, near-native speaker or heritage learner (you spoke it at home but were not educated in the language), you should NOT take the placement test as it is designed only to evaluate high school experience in a classroom. You will be interviewed by a professor in that Language field (see the list below) for proper assessment of your abilities. This will require setting up an appointment and may take time.

  • Preparing for the Exam

    1. Your high school coursework and/or prior experience with the language should have prepared you for the exam, but you are encouraged to refresh before logging in to take the exam.

    2. You will need to create a proper test environment; that is, do not use reference materials, and do not consult others to answer exam questions. You must comply with the Clemson Academic Integrity Policy.

    3. Please allow for an hour to take the exam. While the amount of time to complete the exam is usually less than this, the number of questions you will be required to complete depends upon your ability to use the language.

    4. You may only attempt the exam ONCE! While it is possible to log back into the exam, only your first attempt will be evaluated for placement purposes.

  • Accessing the Exam
    1. Go to the following link: https://app.emmersion.ai/registration?shortId=f19d99d37f 
    2. To register for the exam, click on "Create Account".
    3. For user name, enter your Clemson email; and for student ID, use your CUID. Note: Use the official Clemson email account (xxx@clemson.edu) to register. Do not use the Google email account.
    4. After the account is created, use the information you use above to sign in. After signing in, you will be brought to your Dashboard. From here, you can select the language(s) you would like to take by clicking on "Take Test" and proceeding through the exam.
    5. Once you have finished the exam, the score should be visible in your iROAR profile. As an option, you may print the results for your record.
    6. You can log back in at any time to check the results at webcape.truenorthtest.com.

    If you have any questions about WebCAPE registration, please contact Prof. Rosa Pillcurima at rpillcu@clemson.edu

  • After the Exam

    1. Upon completion of the exam, you will be given your placement level.

    2. This information will automatically be sent to Clemson.

    3. Students who believe they were misplaced on the basis of the placement test score should get in touch with Prof. Rosa Pillcurima (rpillcu@clemson.edu). Students may not place themselves, or change their placement without departmental approval.

    4. The department reserves the right to change the student’s placement if it believes that the student has not been placed at the most appropriate level.

  • Academic Integrity

    Students should not receive any help, nor should they refer any texts or electronic sources of information during the online exam. It is expected that all students will maintain the highest level of academic integrity when taking any of the Modern Language Placement Tests. Specific details of the Clemson Academic Integrity policy can be found in the Undergraduate Catalog under the section entitled: Academic Regulations. Students found in violation of this policy may be suspended or dismissed.

Department of Languages
Department of Languages | 717 Strode Tower, Clemson, SC 29634