Instructions for the Online Spanish Placement Test

There are two parts of instructions for the Online Spanish Placement Test. Please read both parts of
the instructions thoroughly before beginning the Spanish Placement Test. We highly recommend that
you print them out so that you can reference them during the test. At the end of the instructions, you
will be asked to acknowledge that you have read them, understand them and agree to the conditions
presented to you as the test taker.

Part I: Introduction to the Online Spanish Placement Test

Who is required to take the Spanish Placement Test?
If you are a student who has taken Spanish previously and plan to enroll in a Spanish course at UMAnn Arbor, you MUST take the test. If you have no prior knowledge of Spanish, you do NOT need to
take the placement test; you are eligible to directly enroll in either Spanish 100 (intensive) or
Spanish 101 (standard). The objective of the placement test is to determine which course level is
appropriate for your skills.

You may be randomly selected to speak, in Spanish, with a representative of the Department of
Romance Languages & Literatures (RLL) at any point to verify your placement. If you are a first-year
or transfer student and do not complete the test before your orientation session, you may not be allowed
to register for a Spanish course while at orientation.
When and how often can the test be taken?
Since the test is administered online, there is no specific testing date. You may take the test anytime
during one of the open testing sessions, listed on the RLL website. You may not take the placement
test more than once, therefore you are encouraged to take the test under optimal conditions. If you
are a first-year student or transfer, you must take the test at least five business days prior to the start
of your orientation program so that you are able to receive your results by orientation.
Where can the test be taken?

Given that you are only permitted to take the test once and that the test has mostly audio
components, you need to choose a quiet space that will produce no possible interruptions and has an
excellent internet connection.
On what device can the test be taken?

The test must be taken through a computer terminal (such as a desktop or laptop) with an excellent
internet connection. Tablets and other mobile devices should not be used.
Which browser should I use?

It is imperative that you use the correct version and browser required of the test. It is recommended
that you take the test in one of these environments:
If using Mac: Mac OS 10+. Mac OS 9 is not supported. Safari 6.0+, current versions of Chrome or
Firefox.

If using Windows: Windows 7 recommended. Current versions of Chrome or Firefox.

If you have any technical difficulties with the link to the test or website, or while taking the test, it is
best to stop the test immediately, then contact ITS at 4help@umich.edu or (734) 764-HELP. Please be
ready to provide them with the following information:
o Your name, UMID # and uniqname
o The URL of the site in question
o The browser being used (include the version number)
o The operating system being used
o Any error messages
After speaking with ITS to correct any technical difficulties, you may write to RLL
at rll.mailbox@umich.edu to request that your circumstances be reviewed for a possible retake.
Retakes are only considered in the event of technical difficulties caused by unforeseen events. All
requests must be made within one month from the day you completed the exam. All decisions will
be documented by RLL and will be considered final.
How can I view my score?

If you are a first-year or transfer student, you will not see your placement result immediately, rather
you will receive it during orientation. If you are a current student, be aware that it takes 1-2 business
days for scores to process. You will NOT be notified of your score automatically. You may view your
placement results via: Wolverine Access > Student Business > Academic Records > View
Placement Exam Results. If you have questions, contact RLL at rll.mailbox@umich.edu or (734) 7645344.
What if I require accommodations to take the Spanish Placement Test?

If you need special assistance for the online Spanish test, you should contact the LSA Testing
Accommodation Center at lsa.testcenter@umich.edu to make a request for extended time
accommodations two (2) business days in advance of when you will take the online test.
Have you grown up in a Spanish-speaking home or environment?

If so, you are encouraged to take the Spanish Placement Test, however, you may be a good candidate
to enroll in the course Spanish 278, Spanish Heritage Language. Please talk to your advisor about
the Spanish 278 option, as it is geared specifically to students who have come from Spanish-speaking
homes or environments. Spanish 278 fulfills the same requirements as, and may be a substitute for,
Spanish 277.

Part II: The Format of the Online Spanish Placement Test

What is the format of the test?

Breakdown of sections
o There is a listening comprehension section, and a combined grammar, vocabulary
and reading section. Each section has several parts, and each part contains a number
of questions. There are 99 questions total.

The first section of this test is the listening comprehension section. There are five
parts. In each part, you will listen to audio passages and answer questions based on
these audios. The questions are all multiple choice. You only have time to listen to
each audio once before answering the questions.
Time allowance
o Allow yourself one hour to complete the test. The text is approximately 50 minutes
long.
o There is a timer on screen, so you can apportion your time accordingly. The timer
will start as soon as you begin.
Strict order
o You may answer a question only once.
o You may not pause the test and return to it later. DO NOT click continue later.
o Once you move on to the next question, you will not be able to return to any
previously answered questions to change your answers.
o Please review your answers closely prior to clicking on "Next.
Sample test
o Before taking the Spanish Placement Test live, take the sample test. This will allow
you see if your computer and software will function properly with the actual test.
o To go to the Sample Test, click on "Test Center" on the upper left-hand side of the
beginning screen.
o

How do I move from section to section on the test?

To go from section to section, from part to part, and from question to question, use
the "Next" button at the bottom of the screen. To move from screen to screen, use
the "Next" button. Do not use the other buttons to move from question to question. Because
this is a timed exam, do not use the "Continue Later" button. If you begin the test and click
"Continue Later", the timer will keep running while you are gone.
When time runs out, the test will finish automatically with everything that you have
completed up to that point.
Once you have completed the entire test, you will see that the "Next" button will be grayed
out.
By clicking on the "Finish" button (which is next to the "Next" button), you complete the
test. You will not immediately receive any feedback nor see the results of the test, but your
results will be recorded.

How do I get started?

To go to the actual Spanish Placement Test, click on "Test Center" on the upper left-hand side
of the home screen.
You will see instructions for each section next to the Romance Languages logo, which you
will find on the left most side of your screen.

By taking this test, I acknowledge the work I will submit for this test is my own; I will neither
give nor receive any aid on this test. I also acknowledge I have read the instructions,
understand them and agree to them as the test taker.
I agree