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Spanish Proficiency Test at a glance
The Spanish proficiency test allows students to earn institutional credit at Worcester State for Spanish language classes they have already taken. It also determines at what level students should begin taking Spanish classes at Worcester State.
Students need to select the level that best corresponds with their knowledge and pass the test at that level. If they pass the test, then they earn credit for that level and all previous levels. There are 4 tests available, one for each course of the language sequence: 101, 102, 210 & 211. Credit earned counts toward your degree, allowing you to complete your program in less time, and with less expense.
Please refer to the FAQ below for more information. If you have any other questions not answered here or need to make an appointment to take the test, please email spanishtest@worcester.edu.
FAQ
- The Spanish proficiency test at WSU serves two purposes: 1) it helps place students in the right level Spanish class, and 2) it allows students to earn WSU credit for Spanish language classes at no cost.
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You will need to select the level of test that you believe you are at. The following table is meant as a guideline. No preparation is necessary, but you are welcome to review the items listed below. Keep in mind that the lists are not exhaustive.
Test Years studied in high school Material to be covered Additional resources 101 (Beginning Spanish I)
1-2 - numbers, weather, time, classroom objects, dates, months, seasons, present tense, gender agreement, possession, question words, subject pronouns, gustar, ser & estar, ir + a + infinitive, present progressive, saber & conocer, family
For a more complete list, here is a link to the materials we use in this class at WSU. 102 (Beginning Spanish II)
1-2 - everything from 101
- reflexive verbs, daily routine, por & para, preterite tense, imperfect tense, direct & indirect object pronouns, holidays, environment, parts of the body, verbs like gustar, comparison, professions, present perfect tense
For a more complete list, here is a link to the materials we use in this class at WSU. 210 (Intermediate Spanish I)
2-3 - everything from 101 & 102
- city/travel, media, present subjunctive in noun & adjective clauses, the imperative, possessive pronouns, demonstrative adjectives & pronouns, future tense, conditional tense, relative pronouns
Here is a link to the grammar for an intermediate level course. Unidades 1-5 cover what can be found at this level at WSU. 211 (Intermediate Spanish II)
3-4, or grew up speaking Spanish
- everything from 101, 102, & 210
- political beliefs, subjunctive in adverbial clauses, past subjunctive, past perfect subjunctive, uses of “se”, technology, pluperfect tense, pluperfect subjunctive, prepositions, uses of the infinitive, pastimes, future perfect tense, conditional perfect tense, si clauses, the passive voice, pero/sino
Here is a link to the grammar for an intermediate level course. Unidades 6-8 cover what can be found at this level at WSU. -
During the regular academic year, testing is done by appointment only during the times below. Please email spanishtest@worcester.edu indicating which day/time you would like to take the test so your spot can be reserved. We ask that you email us one week before you plan to take the test (a minimum 72 hours notice is required).
For Summer 2025, proctoring will take place 2-4pm on the second day of orientation for incoming students only. Dates are: June 18, 24, and 26.
All students may take the Spanish proficiency test:
August 19, 10am-12pm
August 27, 12-2pm
*Appointments are preferred for August dates.*Please check back for the Fall 2025 schedule in August.
If you are unavailable during these times, please email spanishtest@worcester.edu to find another time.
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You can take it any time while you are an undergraduate student at WSU, but we highly recommend taking the test during the summer before your first semester so that your score and placement are as accurate as possible. See the schedules above for specific times that the test will be offered.
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During the summer, the test will be administered in Science and Technology 406.
During the fall and spring semesters, the test will be administered in the Spanish Clinic, located in Sullivan 302-B.
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The test is administered through Blackboard and you will take it on a PC computer with a proctor to answer any questions you may have.
The exact format depends on the level, but in general, the tests consist of mostly multiple choice questions, with a shorter section for listening/speaking and writing. There is no writing section for 101.
There is no time limit, but we suggest you plan for about an hour to complete the test.
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You will receive your score within a week of taking the test via email. A score of 70 or higher is passing for each test.
If you pass the tests for 101, 102, or 210, you will be asked to take the test for the next level at your earliest convenience.
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You can take the same level of test once per semester, and you can take the same level of test up to three times while a student at WSU. The semesters are: Summer I, Summer II, Fall, and Spring.
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Credit earned from the Spanish proficiency test is institutional credit, not transfer credit.
You can use your credit for a Spanish major or minor, the Latin American and Latinx Studies minor, or LASC credit (TLC, GP). If you plan to continue taking Spanish classes, you should do so as soon as possible after taking the proficiency test to ensure accurate placement.
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For any questions regarding the Spanish proficiency test, please email spanishtest@worcester.edu.
Suite S-303 and S-304