ADVISORY FOR FALL 2025: Seating in language classes is limited. Please ensure that you complete the placement process by June 10, 2025.

 
The language requirement of the Liberal Arts Curriculum requires language proficiency at the intermediate level achieved by coursework (LANG 103+104) or by placement testing. These guidelines help you select the right language course based on your proficiency. 

Language placement is determined by the following:

• AP scores (officially reported to Catholic University)
  1. See equivalency chart
  2. Take the next course in the language sequence.
• IB scores (officially reported to Catholic University)
  
  1. See equivalency chart
  2. Take the next course in the language sequence

• Transfer credit (of dual enrollment courses or those taken at another institution)

1. 1. See equivalency chart of already approved courses (listed by state):.
      If you have taken a course not on the list above, please send your official transcript for course transfer evaluation to cua-transfercredit@cua.edu
   2. Take the next course in the language sequence. 

• Number of years of language learning:

Years of study	Placement Note: LANG denotes any of the following language-specific course codes: ARAB, CHN, FREN, GER, ITAL and SPAN.
1-2 years of high school language	LANG 101: Elementary I  (or placement test)
3 or more years of high school language (B average preferred)	LANG 103: Intermediate I (placement test is not required but strongly recommended)
Prior informal study or self-study	LANG 101: Elementary I (or placement test)
Homeschooling	LANG 101: Elementary I (or placement test)

• Spanish Heritage Speakers
  If you speak Spanish with family at home, please take the Heritage Speaker Placement Test. Contact Dr Anastasiya Stoyneva (stoyneva@cua.edu) for details. Native speakers of other languages should consult Dr Stoyneva regarding testing availability.
  

Note: If you score above the intermediate level on the written placement test, you must have an oral interview. The placement coordinator will be in touch with you to schedule an oral interview.

 

Recommendation

It is a good idea to review prior to taking the test. Looking over your high school textbooks or a review grammar will help ensure that some rustiness with the language doesn't set you back unduly. We want your language class to be challenging (but not too challenging), so you'll have the opportunity to put your language to work as soon as possible in internships, study abroad or any of the thousands of international and cultural events and venues available to you in the D.C. area.