Proficiency Exam & Equivalency
Language Proficiency Exam
The SDSU Language Proficiency Test may be taken to waive 200- level language courses
that are prerequisites for more advanced classes. To register for an exam, email the
following information to [email protected]: Your name, email, phone number, Red ID number and/or SDSU ID.
High School Equivalents
High school foreign language courses may be used for purposes of placement in college courses and may be counted toward meeting the language requirement in various majors. These high school courses will not count as college credit toward graduation. Secondary school language courses can be used as follows:
- The first two years of high school level language count as the equivalent of the first semester of a college level course, although students with fewer than three years of high school level language may complete the first semester college course for graduation credit.
- The first three years of high school level language count as the equivalent of the
first two college semesters, although students with fewer than four years of high
school level language may complete the second semester college course for graduation
credit. Students who have completed three years of foreign language in high school
will not receive credit for the first semester college course unless at least five
years separate the last high school course and the first college course.
- Four years of high school level language count as the equivalent of three college
semesters or five college quarters, thus fulfilling the language requirement.
Heritage Speakers
Students who speak Russian at home but cannot read or write in Russian are not native speakers: they can take Russian 100A/Russian 100B.
Since Russian 100A/100B /200A/200B are not specifically designed for heritage speakers, the program for such students will be organized around students’ individual needs and abilities. This program will be intended to address the specific needs of students who speak Russian at home and who did not receive a native Russian’s full educational and cultural background. The individualized program will aim at building a sophisticated vocabulary, developing advanced reading ability and writing competency. Students should be aware of the specific requirements and grading policy that differ from the general requirements for Russian 100A/200A. Quizzes and examinations for heritage speakers will be prepared individually. Each student’s commitment and progress level in the class will determine her grade, not the level of previous knowledge in Russian.
Please see the instructor during special office hours ASAP to define your individual
proficiency and choose a suitable program. For more information contact the Russian
program director.