Resources

Language Placement Testing

Language Placement Tests are used to gauge the level of proficiency a student has achieved in another language. These tests help to place students in the appropriate class level, which may be used for registration purposes or for closing out Foreign Language Requirements (depending on their major and test score). 

PLEASE NOTE: A placement test is NOT a course permit. If you need a permit after taking the placement test, you MUST request one. See the "Request Permits" Page.

The Department of World Languages holds placement testing at the USF Tampa campus & the USF St. Petersburg campus. Students may choose to take a test at whichever campus is convenient for them. Select a campus below for more information about scheduling an on-campus or virtual Language Placement Test:

USF Tampa (On-Campus)

Language Tests Offered: French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, BYU FLATS (please see BYU FLATS information below)

Placement Test Fee: $25

In-person testing is available on the Tampa campus in Cooper Hall (CPR 419). Testing is offered on a walk-in basis, no appointment necessary. Please arrive an hour before testing ends to ensure that you have adequate time to complete the test. Please note there will be no testing on days in which the University is closed for a holiday/break.

*Testing for the Spring 2026 Semester starts on the first day of the semester: Monday, January 12th, 2026. All testing times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

In-Person Testing Schedule - Spring 2026
Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays
11:30am - 4:30pm 1:30pm - 4:30pm 8:30am - 11:30am

 

USF Tampa (Virtual)

Language Tests Offered: French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish, BYU FLATS (please see BYU FLATS information below)

Placement Test Fee: $25

Virtual testing is by appointment only and proctors must be contacted using the link below to schedule an appointment. 

  • Write your full first and last name, USF email, and USF ID (U#).
  • Appointment changes are welcome 24 hours in advance ONLY.
  • New testing appointments are released weekly. Please check back on the scheduling page 1-3 business days later if there are no available testing appointments.

*Testing for the Spring 2026 Semester starts on the first day of the semester: Monday, January 12th, 2026. All testing times are Eastern Standard Time (EST).

Schedule a Virtual Language Placement Test (Tampa)

 

USF St. Petersburg (Virtual)

Language Tests Offered: French, Spanish

Placement Test Fee: $25

Language Placement Testing on the USF St. Petersburg campus is currently issued online through the Debbie Nye Sembler Student Success Center. 

Schedule a Virtual Language Placement Test (St. Pete)

Required Materials:

  • See "Prepare for Your Test" Below
  • Note that the St.Pete campus request both your USF ID & another photo ID.

Questions?

Please contact testing@usf.edu. 

 

BYU FLATS Testing

If you need to take a language placement test for a language that is NOT one of the following: French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish, then you might be able to take a BYU FLATS test.

SEE BYU INFORMATION

BYU Tests are offered by appointment ONLY. Please email Bonnie Healan for more information. 

Prepare For Your Test

There are no study guides for the language placement tests. However, students may prepare for the test by having the required materials ready and by knowing what to expect. 

About the Test

The language placement test is a fully computer adaptive multiple choice test. There is no listening portion. The test broadly covers vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension in the target language. Students are given one hour to complete the test.

The use of notes, the internet or any resource is prohibited. Breaks are not allowed during the test. Students may have a drink with them, but it must be in a sealable bottle/cup if the student is testing in-person in one of our computer labs. 

Required Materials for On-Campus and Virtual Testing:

  • Photo ID (USF ID or Driver's License)
  • Debit or Credit Card (for the exam fee)

Additional Required Materials for Virtual Testing:

  • A computer - desktop or laptop
  • Microsoft Teams 
  • Speaker/Headphones
  • Microphone
  • Camera
  • Reliable internet connection
  • A private space for testing
  • Your computer must be able to screenshare and use the camera at the same time

We will not be able to proctor if you do not have the requirements needed for the test. If you are missing the technology requirements, please consider our in-person testing option (listed above).

Questions?

Please contact Bonnie Healan