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• University Center for the Humanities

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Placement in World Languages and Literatures at WMU

Now is the best time to take the online placement exam and to enroll in a language class. If you postpone your language studies, even for one semester, you may find the recommended class to be difficult.

WebCape Online Placement Exam

The WebCape Online Placement Exam should be taken before coming to Orientation if you wish to continue the foreign language study you began in high school or learned some other way. This online exam is available in French, German and Spanish.

The WebCape Online Placement Exam cannot be used to satisfy any foreign language requirement nor are any credits awarded on the basis of the online exam. Accepting help of any kind, for instance consulting a dictionary or another person, could result in a course placement beyond your level of readiness.

The Online Placement Exam is designed to help you determine the first course you should take based on your ability. This multiple-choice exam presents questions of different ability levels, adapting the next question's level according to your answers. The number of questions you will be required to complete depends upon your ability to use the language. The duration of the test varies, but it usually takes 20 - 30 minutes.

How to Access and Take the Online Placement Exam

Log into GoWMU -> select the Student Services tab -> select "Steps to Registration" -> select the placement examination. Your Western Identification Number will be needed to begin the test.

Once complete, you will receive an overall score and the corresponding WMU course in which you should register. Print out or make note of your exam results for use in registering later. If you have questions about your placement, contact the appropriate department:

Department of World Languages and Literatures 410 Sprau (269) 387-3001

Department of Spanish 420 Sprau (269) 387-3001

Testing in Other Languages

For placement tests in languages other than German, French and Spanish, and for monitored test-out exams in languages other than German, French, Latin, and Spanish, students should contact the Department of World Languages and Literatures.

Monitored Placement Exam

Students with previous experience in French, German, Latin or Spanish may choose to also take the Monitored Test-out Exam, a qualifying exam to exempt students from the specific language requirements of many WMU programs. This monitored test-out exam can be taken only once and can only be taken before beginning your first class in that language at WMU. Although some requirements may be fulfilled with the monitored test-out exam, no credit is awarded. To schedule an appointment to take the monitored placement exam, students should contact the Department of World Languages and Literatures.

Retroactive Credits

Some students may be eligible to receive retroactive credits for language skills acquired before entering WMU. For information, please review our policy on retroactive credits.

Foreign Credits

Credits for language studied at a foreign university may be granted on official proof that the student has completed the course work successfully. Please consult one of our faculty members in the appropriate language for further information on transfer credits.