Information on L&S Proficiency Exams

Introduction

Proficiency procedures assess your language proficiency in order to meet particular requirements.

The L&S Language Requirement

We advise all incoming students to consult resources on the new L&S Language Requirement and how to fulfill it.

For students entering FA26 or after, please note that the previous metric—three years of high school study—no longer fulfills the requirement. You can satisfy the L&S Language Requirement by completing at least three years of secondary school in which the primary language of instruction was a language other than English, starting from grade 6 or above, as verified by transcripts.

Otherwise, to fulfill this requirement, you can take a dedicated proficiency exam (see below) OR take a language class:

  • you can take a language class in a language you're already studying OR
  • you can start something new with one of the 57+ additional languages we teach on campus! 

Other Proficiency Exams

For other types of proficiency assessments outside the L&S Language Requirement (e.g., Global Studies major), please contact individual departments.

Quick Links

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Placement Exam Information

L&S Language Requirement Proficiency Exams via the Berkeley Language Center 

The languages listed below are using a common proficiency exam format for the L&S Language Requirement supported by the Berkeley Language Center.  

Exam Format

  • Part 1: A closed-book, autograded exam completed at home and on bCourses, UC Berkeley’s learning management system. Exams typically range from 60-120 minutes. 
  • Part 2 (if Part 1 is passed): An instructor-graded, proctored exam. Part 2 of the exam takes place during the academic year and typically takes places in October and March. Students who pass Part 1 will be instructed on how to enroll in Part 2.

Pre-Exam Checklist & Considerations

You can practice different types of questions and the exam platform (bCourses) by taking this practice test.  (To do so, you will need your Calnet ID and password.)

If you would like to use your DSP accommodations for this exam, please contact Dr. Emily Hellmich, Associate Director of the Berkeley Language Center (eahellmich@berkeley.edu).

Before taking Part 1 of the exam: 

  • Find a quiet space with stable internet connection.
  • Remove all materials/resources from your workspace and close all other browsers. You are not allowed to use any materials (books, online resources, etc.) during the exam. 
  • Locate speakers/headphones. Many exams have audio/video tracks.

Enrolling in an L&S Language Requirement Proficiency Exam

If you would like to attempt to demonstrate second-semester proficiency in one of the languages below by taking Part 1 of the exam, please click the appropriate link in the table below. This link will enable you to self-enroll in a bCourses site through which you will take Part 1 of the exam. 

Language 

Link to Enroll in L&S Proficiency Exam, Part 1
Arabic

Coming soon! Check back July 1

Bosnian/Serbian/Croatian

 Coming soon! Check back Aug. 1

Chinese (Cantonese)

 Enroll in the Cantonese L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)

Chinese (Mandarin)

 Coming soon! Check back July 1

Filipino

 Coming soon! Check back July 1

French

 Enroll in the French L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)

German

 Enroll in the German L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)

Modern Greek

 Enroll in the Modern Greek L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)

Hebrew

 Coming soon! Check back July 1

Hindi

 Enroll in the Hindi L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)

Italian

 Coming soon! Check back Aug. 1

Korean

 Enroll in the Korean L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)
Spanish Coming soon! Check back July 1
Urdu Enroll in the Urdu L&S Proficiency Exam (Part 1)
Vietnamese  Coming soon! Check back Aug. 1

Don’t see your language here?

Some languages taught at UC Berkeley are using other exam formats for their proficiency exams. Please contact the undergraduate advisor or language program coordinator for your language. You can find the undergraduate advisor for all languages taught at UC Berkeley here.