Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) & Language Testing Program
FAQs:
- What is the LPE?
- Which test do I need, the EPT or LPE?
- How many times can I take the LPE?
- Why do I need to take the LPE?
- Is there an LPE for Portuguese?
- Where is the Language Testing Program?
- What are the prerequisites for taking advanted (3XXX) language courses?
- What results do I need to enroll in 3XXX-level classes?
- How does the LPE satisfy the CLA second language requirement?
- What are the LPE Test dates?
WHY DO I NEED TO TAKE THE LPE? The Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) is a proficiency test which evaluates the student's ability to read and listen at the intermediate-high level and to write and speak at the intermediate-mid level.
The LPE is used to determine readiness for the 3XXX level classes if you have had the equivalent of 2 years or more college level Spanish. The LPE has four parts: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. It takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete the exam. Students take the LPE after two years of college-level language study.
IS THERE AN LPE FOR PORTUGUESE? Students taking any of the Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs), which are all except German, French, and Spanish, will take the LPE exclusively during the fourth semester.
Students enrolled in the third semester of LCTLs who are in extraordinary situations with regard to their language education or the completion of their language requirement should contact the CLA Language Testing Program to discuss their options.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES FOR TAKING ADVANCED (3XXX-LEVEL) COURSES? Students who wish to take an advanced language class (3XXX level) and have either completed two years (with a total of 20 credits) of college-level language courses or its equivalent are required to take the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) in order to advance. You MUST take the LPE in order to remain in 3015 and continue on to any upper level courses in the Spanish & Portuguese Department.
WHAT RESULTS DO I NEED TO ENROLL IN 3XXX-LEVEL CLASSES? If you are a student with language skills equivalent to two years of college-level instruction, you may try to test out of your language requirement by attempting the LPE prior to taking your first language course at U of M. (If you have had less than 2 years college level Spanish, please see EPT Placement & Prerequisites for Language Classes section). If you pass the LPE, you fulfill your language requirement and may be able to register for third-year language courses.
If you do not wish to take 3XXX level Spanish classes, your language requirement is satisfied by earning a C- or better, or an S, in Spanish 1004 or its equivalent.
The LPE is required for all students who wish to continue in the 3XXX level classes within our Department. As part of Spanish 1004 and its equivalents, you will complete the reading, writing and listening portions of the LPE as part of your final for the class. It is then up to you to schedule and complete the speaking portion outside of class before the first day of class during the semester you are enrolled in Spanish 3015.
Recommended minimal scores on the LPE for 3XXX level are:
- Reading : 30/35
- Listening: 31/40
- Writing: HIGH PASS
- Speaking: HIGH PASS
If you do not receive scores similar to these, you may need to invest more time on homework in 3015. The Department also has several resources available to you such as a tutor/translator list, a tutor lab and a writing center in the Resources section.
To find more information about the LPE please see the Testing Program or call their office directly at 612-624-0862.