Proficiency Testing
The Language Resource Center coordinates proficiency testing in Bengali, Indonesian, and Punjabi, as well as in languages offered through the Columbia-NYU Language Agreement.
Columbia University students seeking an exemption from their school or program’s language requirement, based on demonstrated proficiency, should email lrc@columbia.edu. For languages offered by other Columbia language departments, students should contact the relevant department directly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I satisfy the language requirement?
You should check with your particular school or program for specific information, but in general, the language requirement can be satisfied in one of four ways:
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- Satisfactory completion of the second term of an intermediate language sequence.
- Successful completion of an advanced level language course that requires a 2102 course or the equivalent as a prerequisite.
- Demonstration by proficiency examination of competence equivalent to completion of the second term of an intermediate language course.
- Students whose first language is not English can fulfill the language requirement by providing evidence that they have completed their secondary schooling in that language.
Do I need a proficiency or a placement exam?
If you wish to satisfy the language requirement through option 3 above, you must take a proficiency exam.
A proficiency exam measures what you are able to do in a target language in reference to proficiency criteria, such as those established by ACTFL. They are not tied to specific course content or materials and therefore should not be used to determine the appropriate course level at a particular institution.
A placement exam on the other hand is designed to determine which language class course best matches your background and ability in a given language. As such, placement exams are dependent on and are a function of a specific language curriculum.
How often can I take a proficiency exam?
A proficiency exam should only be taken once.
What must I score on a proficiency exam to satisfy the language requirement?
You must score at the Intermediate High level or higher, as measured on the ACTFL proficiency scale, or its equivalent on another scale, in all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, writing) to satisfy the language requirement.
For more information on the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, visit https://www.actfl.org/publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-proficiency-guidelines-2012
What does it cost to take a proficiency exam?
Proficiency exams for all languages taught at Columbia or offered through the Columbia-NYU Language Agreement are free of charge.
As a matter of policy, the Language Resource Center strives to arrange for examiners at other institutions to provide proficiency testing for Columbia students at no cost, as a professional courtesy. However, some institutions or individual examiners require payment for their services. In such cases, any fees charged to the Center for administering a proficiency exam will be passed on to the student requesting the test.
Please note that certain programs, such as Columbia College, may cover all costs associated with proficiency testing for their enrolled students. For more information, please contact lrc@columbia.edu.
What if the language I want to be tested in is not listed above?
The Language Resource Center can try to arrange for proficiency testing in a wide range of languages. Please note however, that the Center cannot guarantee that it will be able to find a qualified examiner for every language. If a suitable tester cannot be found, a proficiency exam cannot be administered for that language, and you will need to fulfill the language requirement through an alternative option.
What is the usual format of a proficiency exam?
There is no single standard format for a proficiency exam. In general, the exam consists of a written component to assess reading and writing skills, followed by an oral interview to evaluate speaking and listening proficiency.
The written portion is administered at the Language Resource Center under staff supervision and typically takes no more than two hours. The oral component is conducted remotely by phone or via Zoom and usually lasts between 15 and 20 minutes.
Who gets the results of my exam?
When you register for a proficiency test through the Language Resource Center (LRC), you should indicate who should receive your exam results. In most cases, this is the Office of the Dean of Academic Affairs within your school; however, you should confirm the appropriate recipient for your specific situation. The examiner will then send the results directly to that individual, with a copy provided to the LRC.
Can the LRC grant me the language exemption I seek?
No. The role of the Language Resource Center is limited to arranging testing and certifying that the proficiency exam is valid and meets professional standards. Only the appropriate Dean or Advisor within your program can grant an exemption.
What if I still have questions about proficiency testing at Columbia? Please contact lrc@columbia.edu if you have more questions or if you would like additional information about proficiency testing.