Placement Exam
Having a language placement score on record may help guide you as you design your BGSU academic journey, regardless of your major. The results will show you an appropriate level for your best chance of success. There are world language requirements that depend on your college and/or major.
In today’s multicultural society, bilingual skills are important.
Expand your World, Learn a Language!
Students majoring in programs with a world language requirement or who plan to study a world language have the option to complete the placement exam to help you decide your best starting level. The online world language placement test (Emmersion– Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian or Spanish) can be taken on any mobile device, tablet, laptop, computer, etc. The exam will only take between 5-20 minutes of your time, depending on your skill level. Placement cutoff scores are advisory, as students may consult with an academic advisor or World Languages and Cultures faculty prior to self-enrolling in their first language course at Bowling Green State University.
Once you click on a Placement Exam link below, you will be taken to the Emmersion Registration Page. You MUST use your @bgsu.edu email address and accurately enter your 10-digit BGSU ID#. All information must be completed and the "agree" checkbox marked before creating your account.
Important: Please make sure you enter your BGSU Student ID Number and your valid @bgsu.edu email address correctly! We may be unable to receive your test score if the entered information is incorrect!
Select a language button below to be taken to the Placement Exam.
Have your BGSU Student ID number and @bgsu.edu email address ready.
| Chinese | French | German | Italian | Russian | Spanish | |
| 1010 | 0-130 | 0-159 | 0-120 | 0-199 | 0-149 | 0-130 |
| 1020 | 131-190 | 160-239 | 121-200 | 200-399 | 150-220 | 131-190 |
| 2010 | 191-260 | 240-289 | 201-299 | 400-599 | 221-269 | 191-260 |
| 2020 | 261-399 | 290-399 | 300-399 | 600-800 | 270-399 | 261-399 |
| 2120 | 261-399 |
Finished your College World Language Requirements? Congratulations! You're well on your way to fluency in a world language -- a marketable skill that sets you apart in today's global economy. Consider a major, minor, certificate, study abroad, or even a double major.
Learn more about BGSU World Language Certificates for a unique microcredential on your transcript.
For students who place above the 2020 level, or have questions about a language, please contact the advisor listed below. Please note, this exam will not be used to award you credit for courses, but rather is a guiding resource to help you select the class that will best meet your linguistic proficiency needs.
- Chinese: Dr. Min Yang ymin@bgsu.edu
- French: Dr. Jennifer Wolter jwolter@bgsu.edu
- German: Dr. Kristie Foell foell@bgsu.edu
- Italian: Dr. Carlo Celli celli@bgsu.edu
- Japanese: Dr. Ryoko Okamura oryoko@bgsu.edu
- Russian: Dr. Timothy Pogacar pogocar@bgsu.edu
- Spanish: Dr. Lynn Pearson pearson@bgsu.edu
For those students wishing to enroll in a language not included in the list above, please contact the Department of World Languages and Cultures.
Completing Your College World Language Requirement
World Language requirements vary among colleges. Please contact your college advisor before enrolling in your first language course at BGSU.
On Campus: You may complete your world language requirement on campus through the traditional 1010, 1020, 2010, 2020 sequence.
Study Abroad: Intensive study abroad language immersions options are available for students studying French, German, or Spanish. Through these options you may be able to complete your requirement while living abroad. Many forms of student financial aid including university scholarships may apply.
Native or Heritage Speakers: Students with world language experience through home life or residence abroad may consult the undergraduate advisors for the language in question for appropriate course selection.
FOR MAJORS AND MINORS:
A student who is ready for 3000-level courses normally should begin with a conversation/composition course (preferably SPAN 3510 or FREN 3560, 3570, or 3580), and should consult with the appropriate advisor within the Department.
A student planning to begin any language at the 1000 level should be encouraged to do so at the earliest possible time, in order to be able to complete the major or minor sequences in four years.
Advanced Placement
The Advanced Placement Program is a service that enables qualified entering students to earn credit for college level courses taken in high school, based upon the scores achieved in high school and scored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The results must then be forwarded to BGSU for credit determination.
Depending on credit determination, students may be exempted from certain University courses. Students granted exemption may begin studying at higher levels, pursue a minor or second major or even graduate early. Students earning a total of 30 credits through Advanced Placement are automatically granted sophomore standing.
Advanced Placement in French, Latin or Spanish Language
Score of 5: Advanced Placement in French, Latin or Spanish Language
Three hours of credit for French, Latin or Spanish 2020; possible credit for French 3560, Latin or Spanish 3510 based on essay review and student conference with the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Score of 4:
Three hours of credit for French, Latin or Spanish 2020.
French and Spanish Literature Exam
Score of 5:
Three hours of credit for French or Spanish 2020; possible credit for a 3000 level literature course based on essay review and student conference with the departmental undergraduate advisor.
Updated: 03/16/2026 10:19AM