The Spanish proficiency test allows students to earn 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.
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.
(Beginning Spanish I)
(Beginning Spanish II)
(Intermediate Spanish I)
(Intermediate Spanish II)
grew up speaking Spanish
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).
Fall 2024:
September 4 – December 6
If you are unavailable during these times, please email spanishtest@worcester.edu to find another time.
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.
During the summer, the test will be administered in Sullivan 138.
During the fall and spring semesters, the test will be administered in the Spanish Clinic, located in Sullivan 302-B.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For any questions regarding the Spanish proficiency test, please email spanishtest@worcester.edu.
