CAMPUS-BASED LANGUAGE TEST
NEXT UC MERCED PROCTORED EXAM WILL BE OFFERED:
Fall Semester 2024
Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM
Must be registered for exam by Friday, September 20th (location will be emailed to you upon registration).
The Campus-Based Language Test is offered once in the Fall & Spring semesters, 4-6 weeks into the semester.
If you have not already fulfilled the General Education language requirement through high school course work, AP or IB exams, or UC Merced coursework, you have the option to take the following exam in one of the following languages listed here.
The cost for the exam is $50 if you would like to take the UC Merced proctored exam, which is currently offered once a semester on campus, or $70 if you take the BYU exam with the Proctor360 option (see below for more information).
Passing the Campus-Based Language Test results in waiver of the GE language requirement; however course credit is not awarded.
Language Test Information
Do you speak a language other than English proficiently?
Based upon your proficiency in another language, would you like to test out of the UC Merced General Education language requirement? UC Merced is offering Language Proficiency Testing of select languages that are not offered on this campus (through coursework) as an option to fulfill the language requirement for graduation. The online test, taken at home or at UC Merced, was created by Brigham Young University and is used by universities across the United States as a convenient option for students who wish to bypass the language requirement.
Who can take the test?
If you are a UC Merced undergraduate currently enrolled who has not already fulfilled the General Education language requirement through high school course work, AP or IB exams, or UC Merced coursework, you have the option to take the exam in one of the following languages listed here. If you plan to take the test instead of classes, we encourage you to do so before your junior year so if you do not pass you still have time to complete college coursework, as needed. However, you can take this test anytime.
What language can I take the test in?
Tests are offered in the languages found here.
When and where can I take the test?
There are two testing options. Option 1 is online at your convenience, proctored by staff at Proctor360. Option 2 is in person at UC Merced, offered once per semester, approximately 4-6 weeks into each semester. The Fall 2024 in-person language proficiency exam will be offered on Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 PM. The location of the testing room on campus will be provided upon registration. Students must register at a minimum of 3 days in advance to take this test. Limited seating is available.
How long does it take?
Students have up to 2.5 hours to take the test. Most finish the exam in under two hours. Once you begin the test, you may not leave, nor refer to any devices or support materials. Computers will be provided to students to use for the UC Merced proctored exam.
What is the test like?
The language test consists of 3 sections: listening, reading, and grammar. The test is all multiple choice, so all the answers are on the test; you don’t have to come up with anything. You will not have to speak or write an essay. To prepare, you can study a beginning and intermediate college textbook. You can also go to YouTube to practice listening to your language. The recording on the test goes quickly, and you are not allowed to stop or rewind; therefore, be well-rested, and listen carefully when you are doing the listening section at the beginning.
Is it free?
No, the test is not free. Option 1, taking the test at your convenience with an online proctor, costs $70. Option 2, taking the test in person at UC Merced with a UCM proctor, costs $50. Both are significantly less than the cost of one year of a foreign language. The campus test administration is offered once per semester.
HOW DO I SIGN UP AND PAY FOR THE ONLINE (OFF-CAMPUS) OPTION?
Download this pdf
HOW DO I SIGN UP AND PAY FOR THE ON-CAMPUS OPTION?
Download this pdf
Who may I contact if I have questions that are not answered on the BYU website?
For additional questions and answers start here.
If you don’t find your answer there, please email ge@ucmerced.edu.
