Spanish placement test

What is the Spanish placement test?

The score from the placement test is a starting point and may be modified by the department in conjunction with the information on your high school transcript. 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 Spanish 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 web-based Spanish Computerized Adaptive Placement Exam uses state-of-the-art computer testing techniques to place students accurately and efficiently in the first two years of college language courses. The test 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 Spanish Language Placement Test?

A student who took Spanish prior to entering the University of Nevada, Reno and who is continuing study in Spanish at the University, must take the placement test. Students who have never taken any prior Spanish classes do not need to take this exam but will need to work with an Mr. Kay to allow them to enroll in SPAN 111.

Heritage Spanish speakers, Native Spanish speakers, or Spanish speakers who grew up speaking Spanish in their homes cannot take this test. Please contact the Spanish Heritage Undergraduate advisor, Mr. Ortiz, to take a different Spanish assessment test to then enroll in the Spanish Heritage Language track, starting with SPAN 227 (which satisfies the foreign language requirement).

Where do I take the test?

The test is administered by the University Testing Center. If you do not live in Reno, contact the department chair to find a local proctor.

How do I take the test?

Fill out the eligibililty survey to determine eligibility. If eligible, you will be asked to schedule a time to take the test at the UNR Testing Center. If you aren’t eligible, you will be instructed on what to do.

At the UNR Testing Center (or other proctored site):

Create and sign into your account when directed to the “Emmersion” login page
Purchase the Spanish Reading/Grammar test ($10)
Enter your payment information
Take the test

Upon completing the test, take a screen shot of your score and keep for future advising sessions (in case your score does not get entered in time for you to register for a class) or to send to Mr. Kay, the Spanish placement advisor.

Within three days the scores will be uploaded into MyNevada; you will then be able to enroll in the course into which you were placed.

Frequently asked questions

When should I take the test?

The placement test makes an enrollment recommendation for the immediate semester. You should take the test before enrolling. The test score will be valid for one semester.

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 minutes 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 course at the level they placed into. Students may retake the placement exam after six weeks if they want a better score (higher class level). If you feel that your test score does not accurately reflect your language ability, contact Mr. Kay.

What if I have technical issues?

If you have technical (computer-related) problems with the test, please contact the WebCAPE support team at (801) 471-0883.

What if I want to test out of the Spanish language program and waive my foreign language requirement?

You will take a web-based two-hour proctored exam through Avant that will assess your Spanish Speaking, Writing, Listening, and Reading abilities. You will need to receive a score of 5 on each of the skills (ACTFL Intermediate-Mid).The test costs $19.90. If you are interested in waiving your language requirement, please contact the Department Chair.

I need more information

More information about the policy is found on the Department’s webpage: