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Department of Romance, German & Slavic Studies

Columbian College of Arts & Sciences

French Placement Exam

The French language program’s placement test is designed to help incoming students determine what level course to begin at. 

IMPORTANT: Please read the instructions below before taking the test.  Note that the test does not guarantee placement in a particular course.

 

Who Needs to Take the Placement Test

 

 

Non, you do not need to take a placement test if you:

  • Never studied French in high school, and do not speak French at home (please enroll in FREN 1001)
  • Have an advanced level of French and plan to take the ESIA waiver exam instead of taking a French course

 

 

Oui, you do need to take the placement test if you:

  • Have taken French courses previously at an institution other than GW
  • Have never formally studied French, but speak the language at home (heritage speaker)
  • Have studied “just a little,” “a long time ago” or if you feel you “did not learn anything.” (You may be at the second semester 1002 level, which includes a review of 1001.)
  • Received a score on an AP or IB exam that makes you eligible to receive credit, and you have not yet seen the credits transfer

 

Instructions for Access

  • Visit the online test page.
  • For “Email,” you will need to use your entire official GW email address.
  • For “Student ID,” put your GWID, starting with the G.
  • Once you create your account and log in, there will be a short pre-test survey.
  • There is no time limit and no need to rush! The test usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Note: Scores are entered into the GW system manually, so it may take 24-48 hours before you can enroll in a course.

 

College Credit Exams

Currently, GW accepts the Advanced Placement (AP) exam and the International Baccalaureate (IB) exam.

  • Advanced Placement Exam: The College Board offers an Advanced Placement exam in French Language. Credit for AP exams is subject to change. Please see the GW Bulletin for AP credit information.

  • International Baccalaureate Exam: The International Baccalaureate Organization offers several French exams at the higher level (HL) and standard level (SL). Credit for IB exams is subject to change. Please see the GW Bulletin for IB credit information.

At this time, GW does not accept credit for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) or SAT II exams. However, the score may help determine your level. Contact the director of the French language program with any questions.