Language Placement Exam

Illustration of four people greeting each other with speech bubbles in different languages on a yellow background. On the left, two people stand together with speech bubbles that read “你好” and “Ciao.” On the right, two more people face each other with speech bubbles that read “Hola” and “Bonjour.”.

Find the right language course for your experience

If you have studied Chinese, French, Italian or Spanish before, you may need to take a placement exam before registering for language courses at the University at Buffalo. The exam helps determine the course level that matches your experience so you can begin learning at the right level.

Start the questionnaire

Placement exams are offered online through Avant PLACE and take about 40 minutes to complete.

Do I need the placement exam?

✅ Take the exam if you:

  • Studied Chinese, French, Italian or Spanish for more than one year.
  • Speak one of these languages at home.
  • Lived in a place where the language is spoken.

❌ Do NOT take the exam if you:

  • Are you starting a new language.
  • Have college credit for a language course from another institution (check if it transfers).
  • Received credit through AP, IB or CLEP.
Starting a new language you have never studied before?

Register for the 101 course (Chinese) or 111 course (French, Italian or Spanish).

See other languages offered in the College of Arts and Sciences

How the placement works

The placement exam is offered through Avant PLACE.

The test includes:

  • reading comprehension
  • contextualized grammar
  • writing

Questions use real-world materials such as articles, advertisements, and news. You only take the exam once per language.

How to take the exam

  1. Confirm that you need the placement exam by completing the placement questionnaire. You’ll need to sign in using your UBIT name and password.
  2. You will receive an email with login instructions.
  3. Create an AVANT account using your UB email and UB person number.
  4. Take the exam online and wait for results.

Note for Chinese exams:
Your device must allow you to type Chinese characters.

Before you begin

Prepare for the exam by reviewing these resources.

Take the practice exam
Review the AVANT Technology Guide
Test your tech

If you experience accessibility barriers while taking the exam, contact Accessibility Resources.

Getting your results

Results are uploaded to HUB Student Center and you will receive an email notification.

Results are typically available in 3–7 business days. If you do not receive results within 9 business days, contact:

Chinese

Department of Linguistics
Contact: chinese-placement@buffalo.edu

French, Italian and Spanish

Department of Romance Languages & Literatures
Contact: rll-info@buffalo.edu

Registering for your course

Your placement score determines the course level where you begin.

Chinese

1 → Contact program
2–3 → CHI 104
4 → CHI 201
5 → CHI 202
6 → Contact program

French, Italian and Spanish

1 → 111
2 → 112
3 → 201
4 → 202
5–6 → Contact advisor for placement

Placement questionnaire

Find the right course level before you register. Complete the placement questionnaire form to receive instructions for your language placement exam. You’ll need to sign in using your UBIT name and password.

Start the questionnaire