Language Placement Testing
ESL Placement Testing
See ESL Testing
Other Languages
French, German, Italian, Spanish
- Prior course grades (C or higher or Pass) from other colleges are accepted, based on the student’s unofficial transcript.
- Placement test scores from other colleges will be accepted. Provide Score Report to Dr. Tara Narcross, Chair of Languages and Communication. (tnarcros@cscc.edu)
- If a student has high school credit for the language, it will have the following values
ONLY if the student has completed the high school course(s) within the last two years
with a grade of B or better, based on the student’s unofficial high school transcript:
- Level 1 or 2 completed: Placement into 1101
- Level 3 completed: Placement into 1102
- Level 4 or higher completed: Placement into 1103
- If the student has experience from living or working in another country, an oral (video) assessment will be needed. See procedures below.
Arabic, Chinese, Japanese
- Prior course grades (C or higher or Pass) from other colleges are accepted, based on the student’s unofficial transcript.
- Placement test scores from other colleges will be accepted. Provide Score Report to Dr. Tara Narcross, Chair of Languages and Communication. (tnarcros@cscc.edu)
- High school credit is NOT accepted for placement in these languages. If a student has high school credit and wishes to be placed in a higher level, an oral (video) assessment will be needed. See procedures below.
- If the student has experience from living or working in another country, an oral (video) assessment will be needed. See procedures below.
Procedure for oral (video) assessment
If an oral (video) assessment is determined to be appropriate, the Languages and Communication
department chairperson will reach out to the appropriate lead instructor to schedule
the assessment. The student will need to provide visual proof of identification during
the video chat. If no instructor is available to do the interview, the student will
be placed into 1101.
If the student is placed into 1101 because no instructor is available to do the interview,
the student can request that the classroom instructor provide a brief diagnostic no
later than the second day of class. If the class instructor determines it is appropriate,
the student can be moved up to the appropriate level (this change will be processed
through Instructor & Chair using BOIPF).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
No. The placement test will determine your current language level.
That is up to the institution to which you are transferring.
If you place above Intermediate Spanish (SPAN 1103), you need to complete SPAN 1103 at Columbus State if you want to declare the Associate of Arts, Spanish transfer major. If you place above Intermediate Spanish and opt not to take SPAN 1103, you should declare our general Associate of Arts transfer major.
Additional Information
Please direct any questions or concerns to:
Languages & Communication Department
614-287-5400