FAQs
Do I really have to take this assessment?
If you would like to continue with French, German, or Spanish at Loyola and have not previously taken a course here, you must take the placement assessment. Your results are an important advising tool used to help place you into a course that best matches your learning level.
If you are earning course credit for French, German, or Spanish, from AP or IB exams, you will not need to take the FLPA for that language. To determine if you may be getting course credit from a foreign language AP or IB test, check out the AP and IB Score credit guide.
If I take a foreign language class at another college and plan to transfer the course to Loyola, do I have to take the Foreign Language Placement Assessment (FLPA)?
You do not have to take the FLPA as your advisor should be able to determine your placement based upon that course work. However, it is recommended that you take the assessment if you took the class more than a year ago, or if you have had significant experience with that language outside the classroom since you have taken the course.
Do I have to take the class that I placed into?
No. This placement is just a tool to help you determine at what level you should take. If you feel that your score is not reflective of what course you should take, please consult your academic advisor who you will meet with during New Student Orientation and consult with the Foreign Language Placement Coordinator for your language of choice.
Will the Foreign Language Placement Assessment exempt me from the Foreign Language Requirement in the College of Arts and Sciences and School of Communication if I score high enough?
No. The placement test is just a tool to help you determine at what level language you should take. If you would like to try and test out of the language requirement, you can set up a Foreign Language Competency Exam with the Deans’ Office.
College of Arts and Sciences
To schedule an appointment to take a language competency exam in: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish, please call or stop by the CAS Dean’s Office at Sullivan Center 235 (773.508.3500) or Lewis Towers 900 (312.915.6520). For instructions on scheduling an appointment to take a language competency exam in any other language (listed in the table above), please send an e-mail request (specifying the language test requested) to the CAS Dean's Office at CASLanguageTesting@luc.edu. Be sure to include your name, Loyola ID number, the language test you're requesting, and your CAS majors/minors. For more information, visit the College of Arts and Sciences website.
School of Communication
Scheduling a Competency Exam through the SOC Dean's Office: To schedule an appointment to take a language competency exam in: Chinese (Mandarin), French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, or Spanish, please call or stop by the SOC Dean’s office at 51 E. Pearson, 201 on Water Tower Campus (312-915-6548). For instructions on scheduling an appointment to take a language competency exam in any other language (listed in the table above), please send an e-mail request (specifying the language test requested) to Assistant Dean Shawna Cooper-Gibson,scoopergibson@luc.edu. For more information, visit the School of Communication website.
I'm not required to take this test, but can I take it anyway?
Certainly. Just follow the log-in and testing instructions.
What if I lost my username and/or password and can’t log in?
Check out our Overview Page for log in information.
What if I am taking the Foreign Language Placement Assessment (FLPA) online and the system crashes or my internet connection fails?
If you experience a system failure or other technical problem while taking the FLPA, you may attempt to take the test again with no penalty. After attempting the test again, if you still are unable to complete the test, contact the Placement Assessment Team at the Hub at placementtest@luc.edu or at 773.508.7700 explaining the nature of the problem. You should expect a response within one-two business days.
How do I retake this test?
See our Retake information Page.
What if I don’t know my AP scores yet?
If your AP scores will not be available by your New Student Orientation and you plan on taking Spanish, German, or French your first term here, we strongly recommend you take the Foreign Language Placement Assessment by your placement assessment deadline.
Is there a fee required to take the test?
There is no fee to take this test.
Where do I find my results/course placement?
View our placement results interpretation page
How do I interpret my Foreign Language Placement Assessment results?
View our placement results interpretation page
What if I disagree with my placement?
If you disagree with your placement, you may take the test a second time.
If you feel that your score is not reflective of your ability, please consult your academic advisor who you will meet with during New Student Orientation or consult with a Foreign Language Placement Coordinator for your language of choice.
What if I can't take my test by the deadline.
We recommend taking your test as soon as possible before orientation so your advisor can best determine what foreign language class level you should take. However, if you cannot take it before orientation, you academic advisor should be able to help you assess an appropriate level. You should still take the assessment as soon as possible.
What if I didn’t take my test before orientation but want to take it now?
If you haven't taken it before you register at orientation, you can take it as soon as possible afterwards and contact your academic advisor with the results.