WebCAPE Exam
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What is the WebCAPE Exam?
The WebCAPE is a computer-adaptive placement test that determines the right starting level for your language courses. The test covers grammar, vocabulary and reading skills, and adjusts to your ability level as you progress.
Scores take 7-10 business days to post to your student account. Don't wait until registration to take the exam.
Who Should Take This Exam
Required for:
- Students with high school study in French or Spanish
Optional for:
- Students with previous study of German
If you learned Spanish at home or lived in a Spanish-speaking country for 2+ years, contact Samia Mathew , Director of the Heritage Language Program instead of taking this exam. You may qualify for the Heritage Language Program.
How to Take the Exam
1
Go to the WebCAPE registration portal
WebCAPE Registration Portal about2
Create an account using your UofL email and student ID
Critical: Use your correct UofL student ID number. Your score cannot be processed without it.
3
Select University of Louisville and choose your language (French, German or Spanish)
4
Complete payment and contact information
5
Take the Exam
- You don't need to be enrolled to take the test
- The test includes both familiar and unfamiliar material — this is normal
- Make your best guess if you're unsure and move on
- Your score appears immediately after completion
6
Review Your Results
Your score determines which course you'll start in. Check the tables below to find your placement.
Placement Scores by Language
| Score | Course to take |
|---|---|
| Below 250 | SPAN 121 or SPAN 141 |
| 250 - 369 | SPAN 123 |
| 370 - 439 | SPAN 201 |
| 440 - 650 | SPAN 305 |
| Above 650 | Contact Greg Hutcheson, Associate Professor of Spanish |
Note: You cannot place into SPAN 122, 142, 310, or 321
| Score | Course to take |
|---|---|
| Below 250 | FREN 121 |
| 250 - 399 | FREN 201 |
| 400 - 500 | FREN 321 or FREN 322 |
| Above 500 | Contact Matthieu Dalle, Director of Undergraduate Studies in French |
Note: You cannot place into FREN 122 or 202
| Score | Course to take |
|---|---|
| Below 201 | GER 121 |
| 201 - 400 | GER 221 |
| 401 - 550 | GER 222 |
| 551 - 650 | GER 321 |
| Above 650 | Contact Jordan Gabbard, Senior Instructor of German |
Need to Take a Different Language?
To take the WebCAPE in a second language, email language@louisville.edu for permission first.
Questions about your score?
The placement cutoffs are research-based recommendations designed to predict your success. If you believe your score doesn't reflect your actual ability, contact the director of instruction for your language:
| Language | Director of Instruction |
|---|---|
| French | Matthieu Dalle |
| German | Jordan Gabbard |
| Spanish (placement into SPAN 121, 122 or 123) | Samia Mathew |
| Spanish (placement into SPAN 201 or higher) | Greg Hutcheson |
Payment or Technical Issues?
For problems with payment or accessing the exam, contact Emmersion Support.
What Happens Next?
Once your score posts to PeopleSoft (7-10 business days), register for the course that matches your placement level. The higher your score, the fewer language courses you'll need to complete your requirement.