Welcome to the University of Iowa World Language Placement test in Chinese. The UI offers WebCAPE tests that were developed by the Humanities Research Center at Brigham Young University. These tests are designed to help you decide in which course to continue your language study.

Who should take a World Languages Placement Test (WLPT)?

  • If you completed four years of the same world language in high school, you do not need to take the WLPT unless you plan to continue studying the same language at The University of Iowa.
  • If you completed fewer than four years of the same world language in high school, discuss what you need to take with your advisor. If your major is in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, you can refer to the General Education Program requirements for your major. You will need to take the WLPT if your high school course work does not satisfy the General Education Program World Language requirement for your major.
  • If you are an open major and completed fewer than four years of the same world language in high school, you should take the WLPT.

The test results will help you and your advisor determine the best level for your first enrollment in a language course.

Placement factors considered (in addition to your WLPT score) include how long you have studied the language; strength of instruction; grades earned; experience abroad or with native speakers; and length of time since the language was studied.

Test Description and Guidelines

  • The tests are multiple-choice and cover grammar, reading, and vocabulary. The tests are adaptive, meaning the question difficulty will vary depending on how you respond. You will not be able to review an item once you have submitted your answer.
  • Complete the test in one sitting. There is no time limit but you should set aside a minimum of one hour.
  • You may not use books, notes or any other resource materials.

After taking the online test, please call 319-335-2923 to connect with Huiqiang Zheng  to take the oral test portion of placement. If you have questions or concerns, contact the Division of World Languages, Literatures and Cultures Office at dwllc-clcl@uiowa.edu.

Chinese Test

If you have technical difficulties, contact the ITS Help Desk at 319-384-4357 or Help Desk Online Chat

Scoring and Placement

Your score will appear at the end of your test. Save the score page to a file to print a copy. If you do not see a score, login again and click on resume to complete your test.

300 and below - First-year Chinese (CHIN 1111)
301-450 - Second-year Chinese (2101)
451-600 - Third-Year Chinese (CHIN 3101)
601 and up - Fourth-Year (CHIN 4103)

Please discuss placement test scores with your academic advisor. If you have questions related to course placement, contact the Academic Advising Center at: advising@uiowa.edu.

Begin the Test