Do you wonder what level language course you should be taking? Check out our guide below to help save time and money by not repeating prior learning and to continue to develop knowledge and skills from prior learning.
The 101 classes are for students with no previous study of the language - the true beginners.
Minnesota State Board Policy allows students option to validate previous learning via Credit-by-Exam. Interested students enrolling above 101 may complete the Credi-by-Exam form and pay for the desired credits (at a reduced rate) prior to the 10th day of the semester. This option applies only at the time of the initial entry into the department and only for those with no prior college-level study of language. The higher the initial enrollment, the greater number of credits students may purchase. Students earn those credits by earning a course grade of B- or higher in that initial course completed. Students may find the Placement exam a good indicator of initial placement.
Students may also take the CLEP test for credits based upon previous experience. The test is administered in the Welcome Center Testing Center, a few blocks from St. Cloud State’s main campus. The fee for the exam is $80, plus a $30 non-refundable test administration free. You can find more detailed information about testing and test location at our Testing Center website.
Students entering the Languages and Cultures program and who have earned a score of 3, 4 or 5 on the Advanced Placement exam will automatically earn credits for their previous experience.
Native speakers (those who lived and studied in the country where the language is spoken) are strongly encouraged to enroll in 301 or to take the Placement Exam. Heritage speakers (those who spoke the language at home but did not study it formally) are encouraged to take the Placement Exam.