Placement

General Information

Russian Language Placement Test is offered every semester to students who already speak the language. The exam determines their language proficiency level (Elementary, Intermediate, or Advanced) and places them in the course that best matches their needs.

Students who need a reading proficiency exam, or who have particular questions about placing into/out of Russian language courses including heritage courses, should contact Marina Tsylina at [email protected], Subject line: Placement Test.

Russian Proficiency Exam is designed for graduate students who are required to demonstrate reading proficiency in Russian for academic purposes. The exam consists of a two-hour translation task in which students are asked to translate a Russian-language text related to their field of study or professional interests into coherent English. Students are permitted to use paper or electronic dictionaries during the exam. However, the use of online translation tools or machine translation services, such as Google Translate, is strictly prohibited.


Summer/Winter Placement Tests 

The department offers the Russian placement test twice a year: in August and in late November. The placement test consists of two parts: 1) a written section—grammar and an essay (approximately two hours); and 2) an oral section—a 30-minute individual interview.

The written part of the Russian Placement Test must be completed between August 14th and August 20th or between November 20th and November 25th. The test is administered online and is accessible starting from August 14th and November 20th. 


How to take the Russian Placement Test 
 

Step 1: Sign Up for Canvas

  • You must be added to the Canvas course for the Placement Test.
  • Complete the short background survey here (CU UNI required) before August 12 (for summer) or November 18 (for winter) to be added to the Canvas course

Step 2: Take the Grammar Test

  • Any time between the dates:
    • Summer: Aug 14–20
    • Winter: Nov 20–25
  • Format: Online (1.5-hour test: grammar)
  • Click here for Instructions & test structure, including the writing component
  • Make sure to finish the grammar test before your oral interview

Step 3: Sign Up for Oral Interview

  • Dates:
    • Summer: Aug 27–28
    • Winter: Dec 2–3
  • Format: In person at Hamilton Hall, Room 701, or via Zoom
  • Sign up here (CU UNI required)

Step 4: Attend Your Oral Interview + Writing component

  • Be ready for a 30-minute one-on-one interview + writing sample.