French Placement Test
What is the French placement test?
The score from the placement test is a starting point and placement may be modified by the department in conjunction with the information on your high school transcript in regards to previous French instruction and/or an oral interview. Placement into the program attempts to sequentially place the student from where they last left off from in their language studies. According to the modified score entered into MyNevada, the student will be able to enroll for the specific French course listed on the policy page.
The placement test does not exempt a student from any language requirements. The placement test merely informs students where they should begin their language study at the University of Nevada, Reno. Placing beyond the first semester (111) level does not grant credit for any levels that the student places beyond.
The online French Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam (WebCAPE) uses state-of-the-art computer testing techniques to accurately and efficiently place students in the first two years of college language courses. WebCAPE selects each test item as a result of the answer to the previous question. When the student answers an item correctly, a more difficult question is presented; if an item is answered incorrectly, an easier question is given. In short, the test adapts to the student's level of ability and will accurately determine the student's competency level in about 20 minutes.
Who needs to take the French language placement test?
A student who took French prior to entering the University of Nevada, Reno and who is continuing study in French at the University, must take the placement test. Students who have never taken any prior French classes do not need to take this exam and should enroll in FREN 111.
Heritage French speakers, Native French speakers, or French speakers who grew up speaking French in their homes can not take this test. Please contact Elena Shimanskaya to help with your placement.
How do I take the test?
The placement test can be taken online for $10 from any location with a high-speed internet connection.
To take the test, follow these steps:
- Click on the link below (make sure you have read the information on this page before starting the test)
- Create an account by providing the information requested
- Sign into your account when directed to the "TrueNorth" login page
- Purchase the French Reading/Grammar test
- Enter your payment information
- Take the test
- Your scores will be accessed by the department and will serve as a starting point and may be modified in conjunction with the information on your high school transcripts and/or an oral interview. The modified score will be sent to Admissions and Records within five business days
- Record your score in a safe place (take a screenshot) and keep it for future advising sessions (in case your score does not get looked at in time for you to register for a class)
When should I take the test?
The placement test makes an enrollment recommendation for the immediate semester. You should take the test before enrolling.
Can the test be repeated?
The test may be repeated, but there is a mandatory six-week waiting period between testing sessions (there are no exceptions to this restriction).
How much time should I allow to take the test?
Taking the test should require anywhere from 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how you perform (the test is much shorter for beginners than for intermediate learners).
What if I'm not happy about my language placement?
Students must take the University course at the level that the department places them into. If you feel that your test score does not accurately reflect your language ability, email Elena Shimanskaya.