A placement test is for students who want to study a language at UW and are trying to find the best level of course to register for.

A proficiency test is for students who do not want to study a language at UW and are only looking to clear a degree requirement for language proficiency. (The College of Arts & Sciences 1st year language requirement, JSIS, CISB, Linguistics, etc).

All majors in the Humanities require, as a baseline, evidence of proficiency in a world language which can be demonstrated in several ways; this includes taking a world language through the third college quarter or placement by the UW into the fourth college quarter. Many majors in language or area studies require proficiency through 2 or 3 years’ worth of study.

Information for placement and proficiency tests offered in the Humanities are found on our Language Testing page. Some departments will have one test for placement and proficiency, and some will have separate options. 

UAA also has a table with information on language testing here, but be sure to check with departments if the information is up to date.

If students want to test in a language not currently offered at UW, they should contact the Language Learning Center.