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. The student’s home department will be notified of the outcome soon after the test is administered.

Fall 2021 exams will be administered online by Columbia Zoom on the following dates:

  • Friday, October 1:  10 am to 12 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)
  • Friday, November 5:  10 am to 12 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

For the October 1st exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, September 29th.

For the November 5th exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, November 3rd.

Please register for Fall 2021 exams by completing this registration form.

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Spring 2022 exams will be administered online by Columbia Zoom on the following dates:

  • Friday, February 4:  10 am to 12 pm (Eastern Time)
  • Friday, March 25:  10 am to 12 pm (Eastern Daylight Time)

For the February 4th exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, February 2nd.

For the March 25th exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, March 23rd.

Please register for Spring 2022 exams by completing this registration form.

SIPA graduate students must take the SIPA proficiency exam, not our departmental exam, and should consult their home department for more information.

Rapid Reading and Translation (SPAN UN1113):  This course is usually offered in the spring semester. 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.