Placement Exams

Event Description

Many departments offer exams during New Student Orientation that allow students to place into appropriate course levels or, in some cases, earn course credit. 

The particulars vary from subject to subject. Please see below for information about each exam: the subject, a link to information and policies shared by the relevant academic department, a link to register (required), and the scheduled time and location.

Please note:

1. Students should carefully review Credit and Advanced Course Standing policies for Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) tests. You may not be required to take placement or credit exams if you scored high enough on those exams. Contact your advisor or the department directly if you have questions.
2. In addition to these exams, there are online diagnostic tests in math and chemistry that you are strongly encouraged to take in advance over the summer if you plan to enroll in those classes. 
3. Exam results:
   1. Placement Exams – Students can view exam results in “View my Student Profile” on PATH@Penn under the “Tests” tab on the left-hand menu. For languages refer to the test score rubric for each language available on the department website via the information below. Questions should be directed to the department.
   1. Credit by exams – The department will contact students directly with exam results. 
4. Students with approved academic accommodations should contact the Weingarten Center for Accommodated Testing, phone: 215.746.8769, for exam location. Exam times are as published here but will be adjusted based on need*. Please plan accordingly.

* Students with approved academic accommodations: All MATH exams and the CHEM-1022 exam will begin an hour earlier (4:00 pm). Contact the Weingarten Center for Accommodated Testing, phone: 215.746.8769, for details and locations.

Secondary and/or make-up placement and departmental exam(s) options

• LANGUAGE PLACEMENT EXAMS
  • Chinese (CHIN, Oral Exam)
    • Time: 8am-10am
    • Location: Williams Hall, Rooms 23
    • Registration is required.
  • French (FREN, Make-up Exam)
    • Time: 8am-10am
    • Location: Meyerson Hall, Room B1
    • Registration is required.
  • Italian (ITAL, Make-up Exam)
    • Time: 8am-10am
    • Location: Meyerson Hall, Room B1
    • Registration is required.
  • Japanese (JAPN)
    • Time: 8am-10am
    • Location: Online
    • Registration is required.
  • Spanish (SPAN, Make-up Exam)
    • Time:8am-10am
    • Location: Meyerson Hall, Room B1
    • Registration is required.