Spanish Placement Test
The purpose of the placement test is to determine a student's proper course level, to ensure the best possible academic experience in a language course. The placement level dictates a student's starting point for language study at CSUB, and is used by academic advising to direct students to the correct course.
Students enrolling for the first time in a CSUB Spanish course must take the placement test. Students may NOT self-place into language courses and must enroll according to their placement results. Taking the placement test provides an opportunity to earn bonus units toward graduation (see below).
Exception: Students entering with course credit (AP or transfer) do not need to take the placement test, although they may if they wish to. In the case of AP credit, the student's score will determine course placement:
| AP Score | Credit Granted | Course to enroll in |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | SPAN 1000 & 1010 | SPAN 2000 or SPAN 2020 (for Heritage Speakers) |
| 4 | SPAN 1010 & 2000 or SPAN 2000 & 2020 (for Heritage Speakers) | SPAN 2010 or SPAN 2030 (for Heritage Speakers) |
| 5 | SPAN 2000 & 2010 or SPAN 2020 & 2030 (for Heritage Speakers) | SPAN 3000 |
*Note: Courses may not be taught every semester. Check the most current list of projected course offerings.
Bonus credits!
Up to 6 additional "back" units may be awarded if: (a) a student takes the placement test, (b) places into at least Spanish 1010, and (c) enrolls in and achieves a grade of C or above in that course.
For example, if a student places into and successfully completes Spanish 1010, additional credit for both Spanish 1000 and 1010 will be awarded. Likewise, if a student places into and completes Spanish 2000, additional credit for Spanish 1000, 1010 and 2000 will be awarded.
These "bonus" credits are also available to students who place into the fluent (i.e. heritage) speaker track (Spanish 2020 and 2030) or at the 3000 level. For example, if a student places into and successfully completes SPAN 2020, they will earn back credit for SPAN 1000 and SPAN 1010.
French Placement
| AP Score | Credit Granted | Course to enroll in |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | FREN 1000 & 1010 | FREN 2000 |
| 4 | FREN 1010 & 2000 | FREN 2010 |
| 5 | FREN 2000 & 2010 | FREN 3000 |
*Note: Courses may not be taught every semester. Check the most current list of projected course offerings.
Testing Schedule - By appointment only.
To schedule a test contact Julie Garcia at jjuarez4@csub.edu.
When will I receive my placement exam results?
- You will receive an email (CSUB email address) regarding placement level.
- Results are sent 7-14 days following your exam.