The online world languages placement test is designed to help you determine the first course you should take, based on your ability. This multiple-choice test presents questions of different ability levels, adapting the next question's level according to your answers. The number of questions you will be required to complete depends upon your ability to use the language. The duration of the test varies, but it usually takes 15 to 20 minutes to finish.

The WebCAPE online placement test cannot be used to satisfy any world language requirement nor can any credits be awarded on the basis of the online test. It is available only for French, German and Spanish.​

Follow these easy steps to take the test:

  1. Follow this link to our Online Placement Test. You need to take this test to find out what course you should take.
  2. Follow the instructions carefully. At the end of the test, you'll get a score and a course placement. Print your score and keep a copy of it!
  3. Go to CMU Portal online and register for the course.

WHY begin at a higher level?
Take a foreign language course at the second-semester level or higher and you can receive up to 8 credits of retroactive credit, plus you will fulfill the IV-B requirement on your University Program.

WHO takes?
Students continuing the study of a world language they began in high school and who have not yet taken a college-level course need to take the placement test.

WHEN to take?
You should take the online placement test before coming to freshman orientation so that you will know the world language class in which to register.

NOW is the best time to take the online placement test and to enroll in a world language class. If you postpone your language studies, even for one semester, you may find the recommended class to be difficult. Prospective students must have a CMU global ID to log in; current CMU students may take the exam at any time.