Where to Begin in Latin at NCC?

Where you begin in our Latin program can depend upon . . .

  • your score on the North Central College Latin Placement exam, or
  • your Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores, or
  • your College Level Examination Program (CLEP) results.

Do you need a placement exam? Here is the Department's policy:

  • All students with 3 or more years of study of Latin in high school who wish to continue studying Latin must take the placement exam prior to enrolling in a Latin course.
  • Students with fewer than 3 years of Latin in high school may enroll in Latin 101.
  • Students with fewer than 3 years of Latin in high school who wish to begin at a level above 101, may take the placement exam to help determine an appropriate beginning point of study.

    If you have questions about your specific situation, please contact Dr. Michael de Brauw, Assistant Professor of Classics.

When and where can you take the Latin placement exam?

  • New NCC students are expected to take the placement exam during the summer orientation and advising sessions. Arrangements should be made via the orientation program or the Advising Center for these exams. Summer exams are administered in one of the computer labs on campus.
  • Students already in attendance at NCC may take a placement exam by scheduling a time with the Dr. Norval Bard, Director of the Language Resource Center. These exams are usually conducted in the Language Resource Center.

What is the exam like? The North Central College Latin placement exam is a computerized exam that tests grammar, vocabulary and aural comprehension. It takes about 20 minutes or less to complete.

What if I would like to take a placement exam in more than one language? Great! We offer placement exams in French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Chinese and Latin. Please contact the Director of the Language Resource Center, Dr. Norval Bard, to schedule any of these exams.

What is the Latin Placement Exam like?

Other Questions about the process or specific circumstances? Please contact the Director of the Language Resource Center, Dr. Norval Bard.