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Proficiency Exams

These tests are administered once every semester. There are no make-up tests given.

This IS NOT a placement test. These tests are for those who are seeking to have their foreign language requirement waived. 

You MUST be ON time. Remember to bring/show your student ID.

Please note: Our proficiency tests are for admitted UCB students only. We do not offer proficiency tests for UCB applicants or non-UCB students.

Spring 2025

Korean — *Pre-registration required.
To register for the exam, please fill out this form.
Date: tbd
Time: 
Location: 

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Kijoo Ko (kijooko@berkeley.edu).

Chinese — *Pre-registration required.
Date: Friday, January 17, 2025
Time: 2-4pm
Location: Online via Zoom
Please complete this Registration Form

If you have any questions, please email Dr. Lihua Zhang (zhanglihua@berkeley.edu).

Japanese — *Pre-registration required. 

For information about the Japanese exam, please visit: https://japanese.berkeley.edu/

Additional Information 

  • The Proficiency Exam is scheduled twice a year. Please verify the schedule before you come. 
  • This IS NOT a placement test. These tests are for those who are seeking to have their foreign language requirement waived. 
  • It is a written test, with no oral or aural component.
  • You can take the Proficiency Exam only once.

Sample Tests: 

  • There are no sample tests for Korean or Chinese. 
  • A sample test for Japanese can be found at: http://japanese.berkeley.edu/ by clicking “Placement Guidelines” under “Courses” 

Chinese Test Information:

  • The test has two different forms.  One form uses traditional characters and the other form uses simplified characters. Select the one you wish to use when you begin the test.
  • The test consists of four different language sections: vocabulary, grammar, reading, and writing.
  • There are multiple-choice questions in the first three sections. For the writing section, you can type in the characters in a simplified or traditional form.
  • There is no comparison between this test and any other Chinese tests, such as the AP, the HSK, or the IB.
  • You can take the test only once. If your test result does not meet the prescribed foreign language requirement of your college major, and if you have had no formal education in a Chinese-speaking country up to the sixth grade, you can take an appropriate Chinese language course to fulfill your language requirements of your college major.

Evaluation and Grade: 

The test is evaluated in terms of the number of semesters of university-level study. The range is from zero semesters to more than ten. 

Test Results: 

The test results reported to your college major shows the number of semesters equivalent to one in the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language programs of the EALC Department. Your college major determines whether you meet the foreign language requirement. Test results will be available approximately one month after the exam date and will be sent to your college/major advisor. Please contact your college/major advisor for the results.