Proficiency Testing

Proficiency tests rely on real-world contexts and guidelines developed by ACTFL to evaluate students' speaking, writing, listening and reading skills. Several undergraduate and graduate programs at DU request that their students demonstrate proficiency in a second language by taking one of the tests offered by various providers. Students interested in applying for a Fulbright scholarship abroad should also use these tests to assess their language proficiency. Tests use a proctoring service and are administered online. Prices vary according to the type of test requested, but they range between $40 and $52 per test. 

Proficiency testing is not used for incoming undergraduate students. Undergraduate students in the International Studies program who do need to take a proficiency test should follow the instructions for IIC (International and Intercultural Communication) and Korbel students in the Graduate Proficiency Testing section below. 

campus

Testing for IIC and Korbel Students

Students in International Studies and International and Intercultural Communication programs take the STAMP4S assessment, a computer-based assessment that measures reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. The scoring system for this test is based off national standards for foreign language proficiency and is widely recognized.

  • What languages are offered?

    We currently offer Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Simplified and Mandarin Traditional, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Contact the CWLC if you are in need of taking a proficiency test in another language. 

  • How should I prepare for the test?

    Please refer to these user guides for the STAMP4S test. Review the Benchmarking and Rubric Guide to become familiar with the expectations of the test. Review the Technology Guide as well as the Technology Guide for Remote Proctoring to be sure you are aware of all the technical requirements before signing up for the test. It is also important to review the information about the proctoring process — as it provides guidelines regarding registration for the test. You will purchase your test through our DU storefront for Avant.

    Free drop-in tutoring is available for oral practice and review at the Language Center in Anderson Academic Commons. You can also use online methods available free of charge to DU students to review before your test. If you need a more tailored approach to practice before taking the test, please contact cwlc@du.edu, and we can help you design a one-on-one experience.

    It is suggested that students take a sample STAMP4S test on the Avant Assessment website to familiarize themselves with the test format.

  • What do I need to pass?

    You must score at least a 4 (Intermediate-Low) in three of the four test sections, with no lower than a 2 (Novice-Mid) in any of the sections, to fulfill the graduate language requirement.

  • When will I know my results?

    Avant Assessment scores the assessments and results are typically released 1–2 weeks after the test date. Notify the CWLC when you take your exam so we can check your score and notify you via email of the results. 

  • What alternatives are available to fulfill my language requirement?

    The CWLC director and your program director can approve external assessments, certifications, and/or courses to fulfill your requirement. Please contact the CWLC at cwlc@du.edu for more information.

  • How to register?
    1. Review all the guidelines suggested above.
    2. Access the DU Avant Store to enroll for the test of your choice and pay for the test and the proctoring service. All tests are $39.99 (except for Hebrew which costs $74.90).
    3. Upon payment, and after completing your technology check, follow the step-by-step process laid out in the email you will receive from noreply@avantassessment.com. Be sure to check the Junk or Spam folder to view this email.
    4. Schedule a test time. Proctortrak will send an email to confirm your testing time.
    5. Time for your test: log in the testing site and enter the Test code and Password on the login page. You will find the Test Code and Password in the email you received after completing the registration process.  
    6. After taking the test, send an email to cwlc@du.edu with your name, your 87#, the date you took the exam, and your program advisor so we can check your results. We will send your test results to you and your program advisor by email. 

 

Testing for All Other Graduate Programs

Students in social sciences and humanities-focused programs, art history, anthropology, religious studies, English or geography take the Reading Proficiency Test (RPT). The Reading Proficiency Test (RPT) is remotely proctored online through Language Testing International (LTI), an outside vendor. Please visit the LTI website to review the Examinee Handbook and Familiarization Manual to learn more about the test, and check LTI's Technical Requirements to be sure your computer meets the specifications required to complete the test. Explore the menu links below for instructions specific to University of Denver students. 

  • How to register?
    1. Go to the Language Testing International website. 
    2. Choose one of the languages. Please note that Reading Proficiency Tests are only available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. If you need to test in another language, please contact the CWLC to discuss your options.
    3. Under LTI's options, please choose "I’m a student and I want to take an ACTFL assessment to showcase my language proficiency for personal use." (Although you are taking the test to fulfill an academic program requirement, the University of Denver will not show up if you choose the academic program option on LTI's website.) 
    4. Select the Reading test, Reading (ACTFL Reading Test - 50 mins).
    5. Click the button on the bottom of the screen to Schedule Test and complete the Schedule form.
    6. Create an account. Note your account information to reschedule or cancel tests and to view your scores later.
    7. Check out. Your payment of $51 can be made by debit or credit card.
    8. Confirm. 
  • What languages are offered?

    Reading Proficiency Tests are only available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. If you need to test in another language, please contact cwlc@du.edu to discuss your options.

  • How should I prepare for the test?

    Free drop-in tutoring is available for many languages at the Language Center in Anderson Academic Commons. You can also use online methods available free of charge to DU students to review your language skills. If you need a more tailored approach to practice before taking the test, please contact cwlc@du.edu, and we can help you design a one-on-one experience.

    Before taking the test, you should also review the following documents on the LTI website. 

    • Technical Requirements to be sure that your computer meets the required specifications
    • Familiarization Manual to learn about the test's question types and how they are scored
    • Examinee Handbook for information about what to expect during the test
  • What do I need to pass?

    The benchmark scores for passing the Reading Proficiency requirement are set at an intermediate-high level on the ACTFL scale.

  • When will I know my results?

    Results should be available within three business days of completing the assessment. You will receive an email from LTI when your results are available. Please do not call the CWLC for exam results.

    1. Log in to your account to view your results.
    2. Download the PDF of your certificate and email it to cwlc@du.edu. Include your 87#, your graduate program, and the name of your graduate advisor.

    The CWLC will verify your score and notify your program advisor.

  • What alternatives are available to fulfill my language requirement?

    The CWLC Director and your Program Director can approve external assessments, certifications, and/or courses to fulfill your requirement. Please contact us for more information.