Proficiency Exam

Proficiency Exam

The UC Berkeley College of Letters & Science requires proficiency in a language other than English equivalent to the second-semester college level. This proficiency can be demonstrated by taking an approved course or by passing the official Proficiency Exam with a C- or better. 

To satisfy this requirement by taking a French class, see our Placement Guidelines or contact Undergraduate Advisor, Nina Rennert Cohen (frendept@berkeley.edu). 

To register for the French Proficiency Exam, or for more information, visit the Berkeley Language Center, and scroll down to "French." Any additional questions can be directed to Daniel Hoffmann in the fall semester (dhoffmann@berkeley.edu) or Vesna Rodic in the spring semester (vrodic@berkeley.edu). 

Proficiency vs. Placement

Please note that there's a distinction between proficiency and placement. The Proficiency Exam (above) will allow you to demonstrate skills in French that satisfy the L&S Language Requirement without taking a French course. It is not intended to help you determine which French course is right for you, given your level and experience.

For all questions related to placement in one of our lower- or upper-division courses, see our Placement Guidelines.