The purpose of placement testing is to identify which Illinois course is most appropriate for you so that you can pick up your studies where you left off. Placement testing is NOT NECESSARY if you have never studied the language. If you want to begin studying a new language, you can simply enroll in its elementary-level course.
The purpose of proficiency testing is usually to try to fulfill the General Education language requirement. Most of the language proficiency exams do not award academic credit.
Placement testing and proficiency testing in a less commonly studied language are carried out by the department that offers the language, usually at the beginning of each Fall and Spring semester. The department decides the date and time of the test, the manner in which testing is conducted, and the grading scheme. The department also determines how much academic credit, if any, your performance earns. Consult with the language department or with your academic advisor to find out how your academic record will be affected.
Please be aware that a less commonly studied language MIGHT NOT BE OFFERED every semester. Just as course availability depends on instructor availability, placement testing and proficiency testing also depend on the availability of an instructor who is qualified to assess your four language skills - reading, writing, listening, and speaking. If testing is not available when you wish to test, please check with the department that is responsible for the language to see what your options are.
A fee may be charged to defray the cost of administering and grading a proficiency exam. The student is responsible for paying any fees that are charged.