Department of World Languages, Literatures & Cultures
Advanced Placement Test

To ensure correct placement in college-level language courses, the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures requires all entering students who have prior knowledge of Spanish, French or German and who plan to continue their language studies in these areas to take a placement test. Only one attempt is allowed per language.

You will take the Computer Adaptive Placement Exam, or CAPE, an adaptive multiple choice format examination that includes grammar, reading and vocabulary questions. No two students receive the same test because questions are randomized. The test determines your competency level in approximately 20 minutes.

Who should take the test?

Any student who plans to continue prior language studies in Spanish, French or German at the college level. You cannot place out of the foreign language requirement in the College of Liberal Arts, but you may qualify for advanced placement credit.

Why do we test?

The placement test is a good predictor of your language abilities; proper placement makes your language studies more successful.

What is tested?

Vocabulary and grammar skills in one of the common target languages: Spanish, French or German. Note: Though placement exams are not available for Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Greek or Russian, we do offer courses in these languages as well as study abroad programs, internships and exchanges to help you improve your language and culture skills.

When should I take the test?

Students may not take the placement test until an Auburn University student ID number has been assigned. Incoming freshmen and transfer students should take the test at least two weeks prior to attending orientation (Camp War Eagle or Successfully Orienting Students). Current Auburn University students may also take the placement test, but it is strongly recommended they do so at least two weeks before class registration begins each semester to ensure proper placement and ability to enroll.

Placement Levels

To access and complete the test

Before you start:

• Allow at least one hour for the test. Most students finish in less time; however, once you start, you cannot pause and return later.
• Have your Auburn University student ID number or user ID (current students) and password ready.

Words of caution:

• Please consider taking the test on a computer, not a mobile device.
• Please be patient - the test can be slow at times, especially at the very end, so give it some time. Do not use the Back button and do not refresh the screen.
• If you see an error message, please take note of the message and send it to worldlanguages@auburn.edu.

When you are ready to start:

• Log in to AU Access
• Go to Academic Portals
• Click on Student Self-Service
• Click on Student Tab
• Click on World Language Placement Test

To view your completed test score:

• Log in to AU Access
• Go to Academic Portals
• Click on Student Self-Service
• Click on Student Tab
• Click on Student Records
• Click on View Test Score 

If you experience technical difficulties, contact the Department of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures at 334-844-4345. If you require special accommodations for testing, please make arrangements to take the test through the Office of Accessibility at 334-844-2096.