The main objective of foreign language placement exams is to determine the best level for students to continue their French or Spanish language studies at Wake Tech. It is to the students’ advantage to be placed into the appropriate course allowing them to improve their language skills at Wake Tech, so that upon transfer, students may successfully continue their studies at a four-year institution.

Even though credits earned through the placement exam counts towards graduation requirements at Wake Tech, students are strongly encouraged to meet with an Academic Advisor to determine how credits earned through placement may affect their transfer status, degree completion, and financial aid. The implications of credits earned through placement exam may vary based on individual student pathways for transfer.

Students may be eligible to take a foreign language placement test if they fall into one or more of the following categories:

1. The student has recently earned a grade of B (87) or better consistently in three courses of high school study of the same language.
2. The student has recently lived or studied in a French or Spanish speaking country, for more than six months.
3. The student has interacted and/or communicated in French or Spanish on a daily basis at work or in another formal setting.

Information about French and Spanish Placement Exams

Note: Students who have completed a curriculum foreign language course at Wake Tech are not eligible to take placement exams. 

Placement tests are free to Wake Tech students; they may be taken only once. Tests are given using computerized adaptive software. The tests last 5–40 minutes, and results are given immediately. Students must present a picture ID.  

Students who successfully place out of FRE and/or SPA 111/181 will need to drop that class and add the appropriate level of language to study. Alternatively, they may add another class that they may need to meet their degree requirements at Wake Tech. If students have questions regarding which classes they should take for their degree at Wake Tech, they need to consult with an Academic Advisor.

Schedule a French or Spanish Placement Exam

Students may take a French or Spanish foreign language placement exam as a walk-in at the following campuses in the Testing Center between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

• Southern Wake Campus (SL226)
• Northern Wake Campus (NB209)
• RTP Campus (Room 101)

Questions? Contact [email protected].