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Language Placement Exams

All incoming students who have studied a Middle Eastern language at an institution other than UT or have some knowledge of the language, however little and however gained, must take a placement exam before registering for a language class.

A placement exam determines which course in the language sequence is appropriate for a student, based on their current proficiency level. 

Format

  • Exercises in reading and writing.

  • Oral interviews may be administered with the test proctor to ascertain listening/speaking proficiency. These decisions will be made on an individual basis at the conclusion of each written exam.

  • All language exams are scheduled for 3 hours.

  • Participants with more advanced proficiency may finish in less time.

  • Study guides are not provided for the test (with the exception of Hebrew).

Schedule & Sign Up

Language placement tests are offered twice a year in August and January. More information, including details about the exams themselves and the contact information for the Language Coordinators, can be found on the Placement | CBE page.

Fall 2026

  • Arabic: The exam will be offered online June 8 and there will be a second exam date in August (date TBD). Register here and you will be contacted prior to your preferred exam date.

  • Hebrew: If you are planning to take a Hebrew course in Fall of 2026 (HEB 601C or HEB 346) and have some background in Hebrew, please contact Dr Blitz prior to the beginning of the semester to set up an appointment in which we will determine the best placement for you. Students who successfully completed HEB 601C or HEB 611C at UT and are interested in HEB 611C or HEB 346, respectively, may enroll directly with no appointment needed. 

  • Persian: The Persian language program holds placement exams on a rolling basis. Students wishing to sit this exam must contact Dr. Tabarraee directly to get notified about the exam location and content, and the exact timeslot for their oral interview.

  • Turkish: The exam will be offered online in August, date TBD. Register here and you will be contacted with instructions prior to the exam.