This page provides instructions and information for students who wish to take the WebCAPE online Spanish placement test, which is designed to help you determine the best course for you based on your background.
WebCAPE Test Description
The test is multiple-choice and covers grammar, reading, and vocabulary. It is an adaptive test, which means that the question difficulty will vary depending on how you respond. Do not get discouraged if you are unfamiliar with some of the material. Make your best guess and go on to the next question.
The test costs $10, payable upon registration.
Test Guidelines
You should only take the test once and do your best. You should NOT use books, notes or any other materials or resources. The test will take 20 – 25 minutes.
Remember, these are placement tests. You should do the best you can following the test guidelines. If you get help or use restricted materials, or purposely answer incorrectly, you will place yourself in a course that is unsuitable for you.
At the end of your test session, you will see your score. Be sure you save a copy of the score page to a file or to print it, since you will need the screenshot in class and when discussing your placement. If you do not see a score, go back and sign into WebCAPE again and click on “Resume” to complete your test.
For questions about the WebCAPE, placement, or enrollment, please contact Dr. John Flanagan, the Administrative Coordinator for Lower Division Spanish.
Notes: Webcape is only a placement exam. Scores on Webcape are used to place students in correct courses but not to satisfy language proficiency requirements.
| If your score is … | you should enroll in … |
|---|---|
| Below 270 | SPN 1130 |
| 270 – 345 | SPN 1131 |
| 346 – 427 | SPN 2200 |
| 428 – | SPN 2201 or SPN 2240 Please contact Dr. John Flanagan |
WebCAPE is only a placement exam. Students wishing to satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement must do so by:
(a) Successfully completing a terminal course in a Beginning Spanish sequence or a higher level, or
(b) Obtaining the appropriate score on the SAT II Spanish, AICE, AP, IB, or CLEP exam.
More information can be found here: Spanish Placement and Equivalency Charts
The scores used for cutoffs are recommendations based on ample research among similar student populations and are the scores most predictive of success. If, for whatever reason, a student thinks that the score they obtained does not represent their actual ability, they should contact the faculty member listed above.
Taking the WebCAPE test
- Click this link to begin your test.
- From there, you will be directed to create an account (or log in if you already have an account). Follow the directions on the screen to register and pay for your test.
- You will see one practice item. The real test begins immediately after you submit your response to the practice item. Do NOT use the “BACK” button on your browser to navigate through the test. If you use your browser’s BACK button, your test will terminate without being scored and you will have to start over.
- At the end of the test, you will see a page showing your name, email address, start and end times, a score, and placement recommendation. Save the score page as a file and print a copy.
- Click on “Finish” to exit the program or simply close your browser.
- To see specific placement information and course descriptions, refer back to this page or these charts.
- If your test is interrupted, you can continue where you left off by accessing the login page the same way you did to begin your test session. Repeat steps 1 – 5 above and enter your name and ID number exactly as you did when you started the test. Click on “Resume” and your test should continue from where you experienced the interruption.