Language Placement

A placement test is required to determine the most appropriate level for you to start.

Please note:

  • You may leave unanswered any questions you don’t understand, but try to answer as many questions as you can.
  • You will have to complete the test in one instance only. 
  • You will not be able to re-take the test. 
  • The test results are valid for one calendar year. 

Fall 2025 Placement Dates

The placement exam period begins Monday, July 1, 9:00 a.m. and ends Thursday, July 31, 12:00 p.m.
Placement exam results will be posted by August 7, 5:00 p.m.

Register for the test Take the online placement test
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Students who receive a notice of placement between intermediate L4 and advanced L5 need to fulfill an oral interview scheduled directly with the language program director, Anna Iacovella, Ed.D. (anna.iacovella@yale.edu).

Further information about placement testing and the use of placement scores at Yale can be found on the Center for Language Study website.

If you have any questions or if you encounter any issues accessing the test, please contact Anna Iacovella, Ed.D. (anna.iacovella@yale.edu). For technical issues, please fill out the support form.

Academic Honesty

Before taking the placement test, please read Yale College’s policy on academic honesty.

Placement Test Results

Results shown immediately upon completion of exam; for L4 and L5, students receive a message to contact the language program director for an oral interview. Placement exam results remain valid for one calendar year. 

Students with documented disabilities may request accommodations for placement testing through the Student Accessibility Services office. Please contact the SAS office through the online registration form to submit your request at least one week before your placement test.

Further information about placement testing and the use of placement scores at Yale can be found on the Center for Language Study website.

Technical Requirements and Support

Mobile devices are not supported for the online placement tests. You should use a computer with a current version of MacOS or Windows and a recently updated browser. For Mac users, the Chrome or Firefox browser is preferred.

If you experience technical issues in accessing or taking the test, please complete the Placement Test Support Form.

Please note that technical support for online tests is available during all Yale workdays. On weekends and holidays, you may expect a response on the next workday. For a list of Official Yale Holidays, check the online calendar.

Questions?