Language Placement Test at Marian University

If you want to continue taking courses in a previously studied foreign language, you will complete foreign language placement testing online before your New Student Orientation session. You must complete the foreign language course in which you are placed to fulfill the graduation requirement. Additional back credit may be awarded if that course is taken and passed with a C or higher.

Placement testing results are valid for two years from the test date.

Marian University uses the WebCAPE Test for French, German, and Spanish. The test is multiple-choice and covers grammar, reading, and vocabulary. It is an adaptive test, which means that the question difficulty will vary depending on how you respond. Do not get discouraged if you are unfamiliar with some of the material. Make your best guess and go on to the next question.

The Marian Latin Placement Test is multiple-choice and covers grammar, reading, and vocabulary. It is not an adaptive test.

You should only take the test once, and do your best. You should not use books, notes or any other materials or resources. Remember, this is a placement test and if you get help, use restricted materials, or purposely answer incorrectly, you will place yourself in a course that is unsuitable for you.

No academic credit is awarded for taking the test. However you may earn back credit depending on your placement. See the section on back credit below. 

Marian recognizes prior experience in the study of a foreign language by awarding back credit to students who place beyond the introductory level.

Students who test into 102-level and above receive back credit for prior courses if they take the course they tested into and pass it with a "C" or better.

Marian University offers French, German, Latin, and Spanish. Classes in other languages (Chinese, Italian, Japanese, etc.) are available through cross-registration with other universities in Indianapolis. See the Office of the Registrar for more information. American Sign Language does not fulfill the foreign language requirement.

The foreign language requirement is waived for international students whose high school courses were taught in their first language (not English). Contact the Office of the Registrar to verify eligibility.