Spanish Language Proficiency Test

• LISTENING: candidates will listen to two audio clips and answer multiple choice questions to demonstrate comprehension
• READING: candidates will read short passages and answer multiple choice questions
• WRITING: candidates will write text based on one or more themes provided
• SPEAKING: upon completion of the first three sections of the online test, candidates click to the test's final section where they will see three topics; candidates will choose one topic and will have a maximum of 15 minutes to prepare a 4-5 minute oral presentation which speaks to the chosen theme, ensuring that only limited notes and no scripts are used. The test facilitator will then telephone the candidate, listen to the presentation, and will follow up with related questions in order to engage in a spontaneous interaction. 

The passing mark is 70% on all components. Each year, test dates will be published indicating the dates and times of the test. Candidates who fail the test are allowed to take a retest once in a calendar year. If candidates pass the test but do not enroll in courses immediately, their test results will be valid for one calendar year.

The test can be taken on a Mac or Windows computer system that has speakers. Headphones may also be used. You will also need telephone access for one portion of the test.

Candidates must know how to create accented characters. It is strongly recommended that candidates test this ahead of time using the same system you will be using for the on-line test. If using a standard desktop system, then the .pdf files posted below can be helpful.

Spanish Accents Mac OSX

Spanish Accents Windows

Please make sure that you have the current version of Adobe Reader installed.

Using Laptops

If the computer is a laptop, it is essential that you know how to activate the laptop’s special characters feature. How this works varies depending on the make and model of the laptop. If you do not know how to do this with the laptop you plan to use, an on-line search should call up this information. Once you have found it, TEST the system’s method of generating the characters. You do not want to discover that the instructions do not produce the desired results after you have started your test.

NOTE: The ONLY resource that candidates may use during the test is a list of keyboard codes that create accents. You may download and print out the list from the links above.

Once you have paid for your test, you will receive an e-mail message that provides direction on how to log in and when the test will become available. It is strongly recommended that you test the log in credentials as soon as possible, using the system you plan to use for the test.

As well, all candidates for the on-line test are enrolled in a Demo. This is actually a course set up in Blackboard which allows you to determine if the system you plan to use can interact successfully with the various portions of the on-line proficiency test. Please explore this demo to ensure that you can hear the audio, interact with a quiz and insert special characters. You may test any portion of the demo as many times as you wish.

For assistance with technical issues, please email techsrv@nipissingu.ca or call UTS at 705-474-3450 ext. 4342.

A non-refundable fee of $80 will be charged for both the initial test and the retest. This fee must be paid prior to the test.

Test registration and payment must be finalized one week prior to the test date chosen.