Reading Proficiency Examination For Graduate Students

Reading proficiency examinations in Spanish, Portuguese, and Catalan are offered twice every fall and spring semester to graduate students from and outside the department (see SIPA exception below) who need to show reading and research proficiency in a language as part of their program requirements.

The two-hour exam is based on the translation into English of a scholarly text approximately two pages in length. Please bring your own paper copy of a dictionary, which you can use throughout the exam. Electronic devices (smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc.) cannot be used during the exam. You and your home department will be notified of the outcome in approximately two to three weeks after the exam has been completed.

FALL 2023 EXAMS

Fall 2023 in-person exams (in-person only) will be administered on the following dates:

Friday, September 29th:   10 am to 12 pm

  • Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 27th

Friday, November 10th:    10 am to 12 pm

  • Registration deadline: Wednesday, November 8th

Please register for Fall 2023 exams by completing this registration form.

SPRING 2024 EXAMS

Spring 2024 exams (in-person only) will be administered on the following dates:

Friday, February 2nd: 10 am to 12 pm

  • Registration deadline: Wednesday, January 31st

Friday, March 22nd:   10 am to 12 pm

  • Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 20th

Please register for spring 2024 exams by completing this registration form.

School of International and Public Affairs' (SIPA) students cannot enroll in Spanish UN 1113 Rapid Reading and Translation. SIPA students must take the online departmental placement exam. Instructions for and information about taking the online departmental placement exam are available here.

Rapid Reading and Translation (SPAN UN1113):  This course is offered once every three semesters. The course will be offered in the fall semester of 2023 on Tuesdays from 4:10 to 6 p.m. (link to Vergil). Students who complete the class with an A or A- will be exempted from the reading proficiency exam. The student’s home department will be notified of the outcome at the end of the semester.