Foreign Language Exemption

Students who speak a language not offered at North Park University may be exempt from the foreign language requirement under the following circumstances:

Exemption for Language Acquired Outside School

If you learned a language, other than English, from parents or grandparents (such as speak Spanish at home and went to an English speaking school in the United States) you may take a language proficiency exam in the language you know.

• If the language is offered at North Park University (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Spanish or Swedish) you should contact the Foreign Language Department to arrange for a proficiency exam. Proficiency exams are offered at the beginning of each semester.
• If the language is not offered at North Park University you are responsible for finding a person competent to conduct the exam in the language in question. The test administrator must be an employee of a four-year institution.
• You must self identify to the Office of Student Enrichment Services and Support You are subject to pay any testing and posting fees charged by North Park University and/or another 4-year university administering the proficiency exam. You may not use a community college, community center, church or relative to administer the proficiency exam.
• You must follow the Credit by Examination guidelines.
• You must demonstrate proficiency equal to at least the first year, level 1020, of formal study in the language. If you successfully pass the 1020 level proficiency exam you are exempt from the foreign language requirement. North Park University does not award credit for the 1010/1020 level.

Exemption for Language Learned in the Language's Native Country

If you learned a language, other than English, in the language's native country (such as learned to speak Russian in Russia) you will be exempt from the Foreign Language Requirement if you meet the following criteria.

• Provide transcript evidence at or above the high school level, such as results of graduation exams, that your high school or university schooling was in a language other than English. Transcripts must be translated into English and certified by a translating agency. Transcript translation by community centers, churches, relatives or consulates are not accepted.
• Successfully complete one semester at North Park University.
• You must self identify to the Office of Student Enrichment Services and Support. 
• You are subject to pay any testing and posting fees charged by North Park University.
• If you successfully meet the above criteria you are exempt from the foreign language requirement. North Park University does not award credit for the 1010/1020 level.
  

All guidelines and policies are subject to change without notification.