To maximize success in language courses, all students must take a language placement assessment. This is not a graded or a pass/fail exam. The placement assessment’s purpose is to match students’ skills and language knowledge with Syracuse University’s language course levels so that students feel comfortable and will succeed in their language course.

Step 1: Do I already have an exam score?

1. Go to My Slice
2. Go to Student Home, Choose the Advising tile
3. Then select Placement exam scores
4. If you do not have a placement score for the language you wish to take, please proceed to Step 2.
5. If you have a placement exam score for the desired language, you are approved to register for a class at that level. No further action is needed.

Step 2: Getting access to the Placement Assessments?

1. You must request access to the placement assessments. (For planning purposes, access to the assessments can take up to 24 hours)
2. Current Undergraduate and Graduate students: Email peaccess@syr.edu from your Syracuse University email account to request access. You must include your full name, SUID number and the name of the language for which you wish to take an assessment.
3. ESF students: Email peaccess@syr.edu to request access. Once the exam has been completed, please contact peaccess@syr.edu again to request and be given the registration access needed to register for the appropriate language course. Please include that you are an ESF student and submit your name and student ID number.
4. New Incoming Students: No need to request access. You will have automatic access and can take the placement assessments after accepting the admission offer and becoming term activated (in May for Fall admits, on a rolling basis beginning in December for Spring admits).
5. Study Abroad Students: No need to request access. SU Abroad students will be given automatic access by the Study Abroad department, if access has not been previously granted. Follow the directions below to take the assessment.

Step 3: Taking the Placement Assessments

1. From the Blackboard Institution page, Select Course
   2. Set selections for Select Terms: Current Courses and Filters: Open Courses
   3. Select Placement Exams (1261 for Fall 2025 and Spring 2026, once available 1271 for Fall 2026 and Spring 2027)
   4. Choose the desired language.

Step 4: Navigating the Placement Assessments?
1. The assessment begins with a survey.
2. After finishing the survey, return to the specific language folder for the next step. You will either receive your placement or there will be a link to open the assessment.
3. After finishing the placement assessment, return to the specific language folder again for your language placement results. Please allow time for the placement exam score to populate in MySlice. Registration periods are exceptionally busy and will take longer to transfer.

Should you have any technical issue while taking the survey or assessment, please email help@syr.edu for assistance.

If you have any questions relating to a language offered here at SU, pleaseemail lll@syr.edu or visit our website at Department of Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics

ASL Placement

ASL is through the School of Education. They do not have a placement test but if you are looking to register for a higher-level class, you should call 315.443.9319 for assistance.

ESOL Placement

(English to Speakers of Other Languages)

To register for the ESOL placement exam, please visit the ESOL - College of Arts & Sciences at Syracuse University webpage.

Please contact Joseph Denn atjwdenn@syr.edu with further questions.