What if I don't pass the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE)?

To fulfill the second language graduation requirement for the BA, BFA, and BIS degree programs in the College of Liberal Arts, you must either (1) earn a C- or better in a fourth-semester language course or (2) pass the Language Proficiency Exam (LPE). If you pass the LPE, you will earn a text line on your transcript endorsing your language proficiency and will demonstrate proficiency necessary for continuing in third-year courses.

All students enrolled in 1004 will have the opportunity to take the LPE at the end of 1004. If you don't pass the LPE during your fourth-semester course, your language requirement is still to earn a C- or better in the course. If you earn a C- or better in your fourth-semester language course, you may take the LPE at a later date or retake any portions of the LPE you failed. You can register for the next LPE through this website. Check LPE Test Dates for future test dates and registration periods.

If you are an in-coming freshman or transfer student with language skills equivalent to two years of college-level instruction, you may try to test out of your language requirement by attempting the LPE prior to taking your first language course at U of M. If you pass the LPE, you fulfill your language requirement and may register for third-year language courses. If you don't pass the LPE, your language requirement is to earn a C- or better in a fourth semester course. For students taking French, German, or Spanish: if you have not taken a language course at U of M, you need to take the Entrance Proficiency Test (EPT) in order to place into the correct language course. The EPT is the prerequisite for taking second-year language courses in French, German, and Spanish and will place you into the correct course. You will take the EPT on-line through this website.