University of Texas Portuguese Exam with Writing Exercise

Note for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024: The UT Portuguese Exam will not be administered as part of the regular testing schedule. Students who wish to take an exam for Portuguese should instead contact Student Testing Services directly for more information at studenttesting@austin.utexas.edu.


Results of this exam are used to place students in UT Austin Portuguese courses appropriate for their particular levels of proficiency. Test results also serve as a basis for awarding credit in Portuguese courses POR 601D, 610D, and 311C.

In addition to the University of Texas Portuguese examination, which includes multiple choice test items in Listening, Grammar and Reading, there will be a UT Austin writing exercise comprised of a short essay, approximately 200 words long, that tests the student’s ability to communicate ideas clearly in Portuguese. The student will be expected to write in Portuguese using a wide range of vocabulary and grammar, textual organization, flow and use of connectors, and punctuation and spelling. Students must meet minimum standard for the writing exercise AND the University of Texas Portuguese examination in order to receive the credit specified.

Where and When to Take the Test

The University of Texas Portuguese Exam with writing exercise must be taken on the UT Austin campus. It is offered at the beginning of each semester as well as mid-semester. Visit the Test Registration System to view and register for upcoming test dates.

Students for Whom the Test is Recommended or Appropriate

For placement in the University of Texas Portuguese Examination with writing exercise, students who have prior knowledge of Portuguese and who do not have college credit in Portuguese should take the UT Austin test for credit in Portuguese before they can enroll in their first UT Austin Portuguese course.

Transfer students may also use the placement test to earn additional credit in Portuguese or to earn credit for lower-division courses from which they were exempted without credit at another institution.

Portuguese credit already earned is not affected by the results of the placement test. Students who do not intend to enroll in a Portuguese course but who wish to attempt to earn credit by examination may take the placement test.

Students who take the IB HL Exam in Portuguese Language A1, A2, or B are exempt from taking the University of Texas Portuguese exam with writing exercise

Registration Fee: 

The total of the fees for the test is $90. When you register for a test, you will immediately be billed for the non-refundable test registration fee of $25. After you take the test, you will be billed for the test fee of $65 . Payments are due within 14 days of the billing date. All fees are subject to change.

Course Description: 

 

Level 1: POR 601D - First-Year Portuguese I

 

NOTE: Only one of the following may be counted: POR 601D, 604, or 506. Prerequisite: An appropriate score on a departmentally approved Portuguese placement examination.

Level 2: POR 610D - First-Year Portuguese II

 

NOTE: Only one of the following may be counted: POR 610D, 612 or 312K. Prerequisite: POR 601D, 604, 507, or 508K with a grade of at least C.

Level 3: POR 311C – Portuguese Conversation and Culture

 

NOTE: Only one of the following may be counted: POR 611D, 612, 312L. Prerequisite: POR 610D or 312K with a grade of at least C.

 

Test Results and Retakes: 

Results are available within a few days after the test date.

You may take the University of Texas Portuguese exam with writing exercise only once.

UT Austin Courses Score Range Notes
POR 601D, 610D, 311C * Note for Fall 2023 and Spring 2024: The UT Portuguese Exam will not be administered as part of the regular testing schedule. Students who wish to take an exam for Portuguese should instead contact Student Testing Services directly for more information at studenttesting@austin.utexas.edu.