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.
Spring 2021 exams will be administered online by Columbia Zoom on the following dates:
1. Friday, February 5, 2021: 1 to 3 pm Eastern Standard Time
- For the February 5th exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, February 3rd.
2. Friday, March 26, 2021: 1 to 3 pm Eastern Daylight Time
- For the March 26th exam, the deadline to register is Wednesday, March 24th.
Please register for either exam 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.