University of Texas Spanish Exam with Writing Exercise

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

In addition to the University of Texas Spanish 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 Spanish. The student will be expected to write in Spanish 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 Spanish examination in order to receive the credit specified.

Where and When to Take the Test

The University of Texas Spanish Exam with writing exercise must be taken on the UT Austin campus. It is offered monthly during the regular academic year, during Summer Orientation Sessions, and other orientation sessions during the year. 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 UT Spanish courses, students who have prior knowledge of Spanish and who do not have college credit in Spanish MUST take the UT Austin Spanish test w/ Writing Exercise before they can enroll in their first UT Austin Spanish course.  Students who take the IB HL Exam in Spanish Language, or the AP Exam in Spanish Language or Spanish Literature, are exempt from taking the University of Texas Spanish Exam with Writing Exercise for placement in the appropriate level course.

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

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

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: 

Test Results and Retakes: 

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

You may take the University of Texas Spanish Exam with Writing Exercise only once.