Frequently Asked Questions

Most students will need to take one of the World Language Placement Exams. To find out exactly how your situation applies, please see the World Languages Placement Exams page

The exam is available online for incoming students (first year and transfers) from June 10th until August 25th, 2024.

You need to create your LC email account at Account Management.

There will be a mix of multiple choice, fill in the blank, sentence scrambles, translations and writing sections. You will have 100 minutes to take the exam.

Yes. It is highly recommended to take the exam as early as possible. Knowing your current level will help you plan your registrations. Your placement will expire after one year unless you place out of the foreign language requirement. However, if you take the exam during the summer or NSO, your placement will still be valid this spring when registering for a fall Japanese course.

No. Due to the insecure nature of the exam, all students who place into 202 or higher are required to confirm their placement by speaking with a Japanese professor or taking a proctored exam on campus. Once you have confirmed your placement, you may register for an upper level course. Rest assured that there will be enough space in the upper level courses, as all incoming students will have to wait until NSO to register for these courses too.

No. The exam can only be taken once per academic year. Instead, contact Satomi Newson at: satomih@lclark.edu to schedule an oral interview. This will more accurately determine your appropriate level.

No. The Japanese Placement Exam is not intended to be a challenge test. You may not take the exam if you are enrolled in or have already taken a Japanese course at Lewis & Clark College. If you are in a course and feel that it is not the appropriate level for you, discuss this with Japanese Section Head, Satomi Newsom (satomih@lclark.edu) .

Maybe. Meet with Japanese Section Head, Satomi Newsom (satomih@lclark.edu) to determine how much experience you have gained and whether your current proficiency puts you at another level. You may be asked to retake the placement exam.