Proficiency Testing
All students enrolled in 102-level world language courses take a language proficiency test, the STAMP4s, to assess the language skills achieved after two semesters of study. The results of this test will both provide you with a valuable assessment of your individual language skills, as well as help the World Languages department evaluate the strengths of Pacific students’ language skills after two semesters of instruction. The results will be available to you as well as your instructor.
The STAMP4s test is also used for students graduating with a world language major and for those seeking to demonstrate equivalent proficiency for the world language core requirement. Students seeking to fulfill the core language requirement by demonstrating existing proficiency should start by speaking with the Academic and Career Advising center and completing the Language Proficiency and Waiver Petition (fillable PDF).
What is STAMP4s?
The STAMP4s test is a web-based test that assesses language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking and listening. It is a proctored exam that takes between one and two hours, although there is no time limit, and you may work as long as you need. Most students take about 90-120 minutes to finish.
Prepare for the Test
- Recommended: Read the STAMP4s Test Taker Guide (pdf).
- Important!: Take the STAMP4s practice test. It takes about 15 minutes
- Optional: Read the STAMP4s Benchmarks and Rubrics Guide (pdf) if you want information about the skills you need to demonstrate to achieve a certain test level. We expect students to achieve level 4, intermediate-low, by the end of 102 for European languages and level 3, novice-high, for Asian languages.
Rules
- The test must be taken under supervision of a proctor.
- No paper, pens, pencils, phones, dictionaries, textbooks, etc. are allowed in the testing area.
- You may not write notes to prepare your spoken recording.
- No additional computer applications or browser windows may be open during testing.