College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Modern Language Center

Placement Testing Information

All students who have taken French, German or Spanish classes in high school (or have other extensive experience) must take the language placement exams for that language. If students intend to begin a new language at Butler, they will begin at the 101 level (permission number required), but are not required to take a placement test in that new language. German, French and Spanish tests are conducted online through Blackboard ("Community" tab). Students requiring access to the online placement tests should contact the Department of Modern Languages, Literatures & Cultures at (317) 940-9894.  You may also email the Modern Language Center Director, Michelle Stigter, at mstigter@butler.edu to arrange to take a placement test.

Please note that all students in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and students planning to study International Management must take a foreign language while at Butler University. Early and Middle Childhood Education majors are required to take Spanish as part of their curriculum. However, we require that students in other areas of study take the foreign language placement exams as well.

So you need a placement test in Spanish, French or German? Well, you have come to the right place! All testing is now completed online. For ongoing Butler students, access to the online tests can usually be arranged within 24 hours (this is done by manual entry, weekends may be slower than 24 hours). Once registration is completed, tests can be accessed on Blackboard under "Organizations".

Scores can be viewed once uploaded at http://my.butler.edu under Self Service > Student Center > Academics > Drop down to Test Results

Upload Schedule

  • Tests are opened at 12:30am and 12:30pm daily
  • Test scores are uploaded at 6am and 12:30pm daily
  • Students wanting to begin with Spanish, German, or French 101 must contact Kate Taube-Osborn at ktaubeos@butler.edu .

SP, GR and FR 101 are ONLY FOR BEGINNERS. If you have had Spanish, German or French in High School, you will need to take the placement test. If you have had college level Spanish, German or French you will continue on the same track here at Butler.

Steps to Taking Online Placement Tests

  1. Write an email with your Name, Butler Username, Butler ID Number and in which language you would like to test to .
  2. You will be registered by the Modern Language Center director, Michelle Stigter (mstigter@butler.edu), for the online tests in around 24 hours. Once registered, you should be able to access your tests through your Blackboard Organizations. Try it, if it does not work and it has been 24 hours (one business day!), then email mstigter@butler.edu .
  3. Your test scores will be available to your advisor on the PeopleSoft system (my.butler.edu) once the data has been updated.  Please consult your advisor for your score and course placement.

Five Reasons to do Well on Placement Tests

  1. Placing higher will ensure a shorter time to complete my requirement.
    (If you place at 203 you only have 2 semesters to complete the basic LAS requirement)
  2. You may qualify for a minor or major later down the road. Aim high!
  3. Students placing at 300-level are eligible for up to 9 Advanced Placement Credits toward a major or minor.
  4. Students who place under their true level often become bored, skip classes, do not complete assignments, and do worse than if they were challenged at their level.
  5. Finish your language studies at the highest level possible. The world is getting smaller and those language skills likely will be useful in your professional and personal life now and later on.