Foreign Language Placement and Proficiency Assessments:

Take WebCAPE

The WebCAPE (Computer Adaptive Placement Exam) is designed for any student with prior foreign language experience who needs guidance in foreign language course placement decisions. Taking this exam will allow for more accurate course placement based on your current ability and could allow you to skip introductory foreign language classes in order to enroll in more advanced language courses.

The WebCAPE placement assessment is available in Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. It is offered online and may be taken at any computer with an internet connection, including your home computer. It is an adaptive test, meaning the questions are staged to get progressively more difficult as you demonstrate various skills. The average time to complete the assessment is 20-30 minutes.

Step 1: Determine whether you should use WebCAPE

Many students will begin with using WebCAPE to determine their foreign language course placement. Whether you enter APU as a freshman or as a transfer student, you must use the WebCAPE placement assessment or take a foreign language proficiency assessment (CLEP, FLATS, or OPIc) prior to enrolling in your first foreign language class, unless you have already satisfied your GE Foreign Language requirement by meeting one of the following criteria:

Learn more about the modern language offerings at APU.

Step 2: Take WebCAPE

If you need to take the WebCAPE assessment, we encourage you to read about the WebCAPE process and to consult the Foreign Language Placement Assessment FAQs before taking the placement assessment. Make sure the computer you are using reflects the system recommendations and meets the web browser requirements. After reviewing APU’s Academic Integrity policy, you may take the WebCAPE assessment by following the instructions below.

  • Follow the link to the appropriate language exam: Spanish, French, German, Chinese
  • Enter your information to register and select “Create Account.”
  • Once the account has been created, select “Sign In” to proceed.
  • Sign in using the email address and password you just used to create your account. Be sure to save this login information in the event you need to access your account again. You can log back in any time at webcape.truenorthtest.com.
  • After signing in, you will be brought to your Dashboard. From here, select “Take Test” and proceed through the exam.
  • Take the exam without any outside help (see APU’s Academic Integrity policy). If your computer freezes when you are taking the test, go back to the test site and enter the password. Enter your personal data exactly as you did before, and you should be able to resume your test.
  • If you have any trouble while taking WebCAPE, consult possible troubleshooting solutions.
  • When finished, wait until you see a score on your Dashboard under “previous tests.” Click “See Report” and print this screen for your records.

Step 3: View and understand your WebCAPE results

After you complete your WebCAPE assessment, you will receive a score and course placement recommendation, which will be used to determine enrollment in your first APU language course. However, if you place into LANG 102 or higher (for example, SPAN 102, CHIN 102, etc.), we encourage you to consider learning more about OPIc, CLEP, and FLATS, foreign language proficiency exams that serve as an alternative pathway to coursework to help you fulfill your GE foreign language proficiency requirement.

System Recommendations for Online Assessment

Operating Systems/RAM

  • Win 7 or higher
  • Mac OS X 10.7 or higher

Browsers

  • Windows: Internet Explorer 8 or higher, Google Chrome Version 32, or Firefox Version 26
  • Mac: Safari, Google Chrome Version 32, or Firefox Version 26

Internet Connection

  • High-speed internet connection strongly recommended (DSL, cable modem)

Web Browser Requirements for Online Assessment

Make sure your unit meets the minimum requirements and your operating system is up to date, as well as your browser. This will ensure that your unit will not have any problems connecting and completing the exam. If your system or browser is out of date, you will experience delays and connection and compatibility issues. If you experience difficulties, be sure the following browser conditions exist:

  • Do not block pop-up windows
  • Frames-capable browser
  • Forms-capable browser
  • JavaScript enabled
  • Cookies enabled
  • Do not use proxy servers

Troubleshooting

  • Do not click off the exam once you begin.
  • If “Post Results” appears and clicking does not work, press and hold the CTRL key when clicking on “Post Results.”
  • Wait for the small pop-up window “Posting exam results” to finish; the window will close automatically. Do not close the small pop-up window manually.
  • If you have any technical problems, contact WebCAPE for assistance.
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