overview
The French language test is designed to measure knowledge and skills equivalent to students who have completed two to three semesters of college French language study. The material taught in both years is covered in a single exam covering both Level 1 and Level 2 content. Colleges may award varying amounts of credit depending on a candidate’s test scores.
The exam has around 121 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. There are three separately timed sections. The three sections are weighted so that each question contributes equally to the total score.
Knowledge and skills are required
Candidates must demonstrate an ability to understand spoken and written French. The test tests their listening and reading skills through a variety of questions listed below. The percentages indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions devoted to each type of question.
Division I (15%)
Hearing: Rejoinders
Listening Comprehension: Choosing the Best Responses to Brief Spoken Prompts
Division II (25%)
Listening: Dialogue and Narrative
Listening Comprehension: Selecting answers to questions based on long spoken selections
Division III (60%)
to read
- 10% Part A. Isolated Sentences (Vocabulary and Structure)
- 20% Part B. Short Closed Passages (Vocabulary and Structure)
- 30% Part C. Reading Passages and Authentic Stimulus Materials (Reading Comprehension)
Score information
ACE Recommendations for French
| Level 1 | |
|---|---|
| Credit-granting score | 50 |
| semester hours | 6 |
| Level 2 | |
| Credit-granting score | 59 |
| semester hours | 9 |
Note: Each institution reserves the right to set its own credit-granting policies, which may differ from those of the American Council on Education (ACE). Contact your college to find out the score required for credit and the number of credit hours awarded.
