Current UW students who wish to continue their language studies in Russian may take a placement assessment to determine which class is the most appropriate level to connect with. Current UW students who do not wish to continue taking language classes and want to clear a world language proficiency requirement for their degree should take the proficiency test.

Yes - if you have AP or IB scores, we can use them as placement metrics.

Placement tests are intended for students who would like to continue studying a Slavic language at the UW, but do not know which class level they should begin with. The Russian placement test is an hour long written exam, and may be taken one time by a student in a given year. The test is administered online via Canvas, and results are typically available within a week. Please email slavoffice@uw.edu with your UW NetID for access to the Russian placement test.

There are currently no associated costs with taking a placement assessment in Russian.

The Canvas assessment primarily covers reading and writing skills through grammar and vocabulary concepts.

For the proficiency assessment, while students do not need to study for the test, they can review materials from previous courses they may have taken to prepare. Additionally, the following materials are also available to support students preparing to take an assessment through Avant:

• STAMP 4S Remote Proctoring Test Taker Guide
• STAMP 4S Benchmarks & Rubric Guide
• Language Writing Examples
• STAMP 4S Power Up Guide
• STAMP 4S Sample Tests

Proficiency tests are intended for students who are trying to meet the UW’s world language proficiency requirement for graduation by placing out of 103. Placement assessments are different, and are intended for students who will continue taking classes in Russian at UW. The proficiency assessment in Russian should only be used by students who are looking to clear an admissions deficiency or meet a graduation requirement.

The Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures offers proficiency assessments in Russian via the Avant STAMP 4S online platform. STAMP 4S is a remotely proctored, web-based test that assesses language proficiency. The test has four sections, and test items are based on real-world, everyday situations:

• Reading (30 multiple choice questions)
• Writing (3 prompts)
• Listening (30 multiple choice questions)
• Speaking (3 prompts)

On average, the Avant test takes 2 hours to complete. The maximum amount of time allowed is 3 hours. Exam results typically take between 1-2 weeks to process.

Once students have registered and paid for their test, Avant will send further instructions regarding proctoring and students can then schedule the date and time for their test. Students are responsible for ensuring their systems are compatible with the Avant exam and proctoring systems; to take the assessment online, students will need a compatible computer with a webcam and microphone in order to take the test. Once students have confirmed their system meets test requirements, they can register for the proficiency assessment in Russian here.

Please note: The AVANT proctoring system is not currently compatible with Chromebooks. Access to computer workstations is available through the UW Library system when campus is open, and students can also borrow laptops for home use through the UW Student Technology loan service.

If you have any questions on testing administration, or need technical assistance with proctoring, please contact Avant Assessment Support at support@avantassessment.com.

Please note - exam results typically take between 1-2 weeks to process. Students must plan their time accordingly if you need the score in order to graduate or fulfill admission deficiencies. The Slavic department administrator will communicate results to students who took the test directly, once they are available. Questions on results and reporting should be directed to slavoffice@uw.edu.

If you have any questions on testing administration, or need technical assistance with proctoring, please contact Avant Assessment Support at support@avantassessment.com.

Once every 12 months. The department does not conduct assessments during the breaks between quarters, and recommends that students take their assessment at least 8 weeks before the end of the quarter in which the student needs the test results confirmed. While testing during winter or spring breaks is not possible, it is possible to take tests in Russian during summer quarter. There are currently no limits to the number of times students can take a placement assessment in Russian.

Test results are valid for 1 year following the test date.

Students will not have access to specific scores, but placement or proficiency outcomes will be reported to them following completion of the test. If you have not heard back from the department within three weeks of taking your assessment, please contact slavoffice@uw.edu.

No, academic credit is not awarded for the placement or proficiency tests.