Foreign Language Placement Exams

Foreign Language placement is required for any student with prior language experience who wants to enroll in their first UNO course in one of these languages: 

• Chinese
• French
• German
• Spanish
• Russian

Native speakers should contact a Foreign Language advisor in the Foreign Language Department for permission to enroll.

Students with no prior Foreign Language experience do not need to take a placement exam. Students who are placed into a course at the 1120 - level or higher may be eligible for retroactive credit for UNO courses they test out of. The student must earn a final course grade of “C -” or better in the course they are placed into in order to receive retroactive credit. Retroactive credit forms are available in the Department of Foreign Languages, and only available after successful completion of the UNO Chinese, French, German, Spanish, or Russian course into which a student has placed.

You can not use this exam to be placed out of the language requirement for the Bachelor of Arts Degree. Only verified AP and International Baccalaureate scores, or transferable credit will qualify for exemption. 

Each Foreign Language Placement Exam is a computer based test. It is untimed. The exam can be taken on any computer with Internet access. You are only allowed to take the placement exam once every 365 days. A second attempt is not permitted for another 365 days after the first placement attempt. Results are valid for 1 year. The test should take approximately 25 minutes to complete. If your test is interrupted, you are able to return to the exam by re-entering your registration information and clicking the resume button. 

Registering for a Foreign Language Placement Exam

1. Register via MavLINK (the University Student Information System).
2. After you register you will receive a confirmation email that you are registered.

Taking a Foreign Language Placement Exam (View Instructions)

1. You will have the option to take the exam "now" or "later" after completing your registration.
2. If taking the exam "later" enter via MavLINK
3. Click on Academics
4. Under Academics Click on Register for Exams
5. On the Test Registration Management page
6. Under My Pending Tests
7. Click on Take Test under Actions

You should NOT consult websites, books, notes, friends, or any other materials or resources while taking the test. Remember, this is a placement test. If you get help or use restricted materials, or purposely answer incorrectly, you will place yourself in a course that is unsuitable for you.  

Special Accommodations

Students who require accommodations need to contact Accessibility Services at 402.554.2872 to establish a plan.

Placement 

Entrance into certain Foreign Language courses is contingent on a student's score on the specific Foreign Language Placement Exam according to the following criteria:

The scores used for cutoffs are recommendations based on ample research among similar student populations, and are the scores most predictive of success.  If for whatever reason you think that the score you obtained does not represent your actual ability, you should talk with the Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature (ASH 301a). 

Results 

Your grades can be accessed multiple ways:

• OPTION 1)
• Placement Results will be emailed to you
•  
• OPTION 2)
• Enter via MavLINK
• Click on Academics
• Under Academics Click on Register for Exams
• On the Test Registration Management page
• Under MY Past Tests
• Click on Grades under Actions

The privacy Act prohibits the releasing of test results by phone; please DO NOT phone for your results.  Results are valid for 1 year. 

For additional information regarding Foreign Language Placement please visit Placement Information on the Foreign Languages & Literature website.

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