Advising Information for World Languages
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Information to undergraduate advisors about language programs
Should a student take a foreign language course in their first semester?
Yes! Registering in a foreign language course during your first semester is the best way to for our students to start their language journey at UT Austin! This will allow them to delve deep into their language/culture studies after completing their college language requirement. It will also allow our students to plan for study abroad or develop a high level of language proficiency.
Proficiency in a language not taught at UT-Austin
The Texas Language Center tests for languages not taught at UT-Austin. For all other placement or credit-by-exam tests, students need to contact the appropriate language department. (Departments, Programs, Flagships, and Centers | Texas Language Center | Liberal Arts | UT - Austin)
Will I get course credit if my test results are high enough?
No, the TLC does not award course credit. The TLC proctors tests for languages not offered at UT-Austin. Since there are no associated course numbers for such classes, there is no way to award credit. If you score well enough on the exam (that is, your proficiency level meets or exceeds that required by your college or school), the TLC will request a waiver of your foreign language requirement from your college or school.
What score do I need to get a language requirement waiver?
If your degree program requires two semesters of a language, your proficiency level needs to be at or above the ACTFL Novice High level. For four semesters, your proficiency must be at or above the ACTFL Intermediate Mid level. The TLC considers a passing score on both levels in the BYU test as at or above ACTFL Intermediate Mid level or the four semester level at UT-Austin. See the current ACTFL proficiency guidelines.
Which languages do you test?
The TLC proctors tests only for languages not offered at UT-Austin where there is a test available from our test vendors. If the language is taught at UT-Austin, please contact the corresponding language department regarding testing.
Are practice questions/exams available anywhere?
The TLC does not have practice exams or test preparation materials. The best way to prepare is to practice your reading, listening, and speaking of the language.
Where and when will I take the exam?
You will take your exam at the TLC offices, which is located in BUR 230 in the west wing of the second floor of Burdine Hall. We will work with you to arrange a day and time during our office hours for you to take the exam.
How long do I get to complete the exam?
The time depends on the type of test available for your language. Most proficiency exams take 2-2 ½ hours to complete. LTI oral proficiency interviews are 30 minutes.
How long does it take to get results?
The entire process can take four to eight weeks. If you need to fulfill a foreign language requirement for graduation, sign up for your test as early as possible; do not wait till the last minute as there are no options to “rush” this process.
What score does the student need to get a language requirement waiver?
If the degree program requires two semesters of a language, the proficiency level needs to be at or above the ACTFL Novice High level. For four semesters, the proficiency must be at or above the ACTFL Intermediate Mid level. ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024. The TLC considers a passing score on both levels in the BYU test as at or above ACTFL Intermediate Mid level or the four semester level at UT-Austin.
If I don't score high enough on the test, can I take it again?
You can retake a language proficiency exam after six months.
I have more questions. Who do I contact?
If you have read the Language Requirement page and reviewed these FAQs, but you still have questions, please feel free to contact us at tlc@austin.utexas.edu or by phone at (512) 471-6574.
Proficiency in a language that is taught at UT-Austin
Please have the student contact the corresponding language department (Departments, Programs, Flagships, and Centers | Texas Language Center | Liberal Arts | UT - Austin) regarding testing for credit or placement.
Interest in studying a language taught at UT-Austin
There are various language tracks options—traditional, accelerated, intensive—and what they mean for meeting degree language requirements or the students’ goals.
