Foreign Language Challenge Examination

In order to fulfill the foreign language requirement at North Park, you will need to decide if you want to continue in a language previously studied or know, or begin a new language. You must be proficient through the 1020 level to meet the Foreign Language General Education requirement.

Beginning a New Foreign Language

You will begin with level 1010 and then continue on to level 1020.

Previously Studied Foreign Language

When you register for your first semester, you will be placed into a foreign language level based on the number of years previously studied in that language.

• If you have more than 2 years of a high school language you should not register for the 1010 level language. Foreign language 1010 and 1020 must be taken in sequence, preferably during the student’s first year.
• If you feel that you can test higher than the course placement mentioned above, you may take a Foreign Language Challenge Exam. 
• You may not test backwards and place into a lower level course.

Foreign Language Challenge Exams

Foreign language challenge exams measure whether a student has the language skills equivalent to those students who have taken first-year university foreign language 1010, and/or 1020.

• Listening and reading comprehension, as well as basic culture and civilization will be tested. Contact the Department of Modern Languages for detailed information about exam content.
• By placing out of the GE requirement, you fulfill the foreign language requirement at North Park University. You do not receive credit for work done in high school. If your preparation is sufficient, and if you are a global studies major, an international business major, or planning on major/minoring in the language, you can take advantage of credit-by-examination for courses above 1020. Intermediate language credit is also available through CLEP examinations.
• Language placement exams are offered and evaluated by the Department of Modern Languages. A placement examination will be available during Threshold and/or the first week of each semester.
• Students with Advanced Placement credit in foreign language should see the chair of the Department of Modern Languages during registration.

Guidelines and policies are subject to change without notification.