General Information
All students planning to study a language at Rice must take the Language Placement Test (LPT), with the following exceptions:
You do NOT need to take the LPT if:
- You have no prior experience with the language: you can enroll directly in the first-semester course, typically SPAN, PORT, FREN or ITAL 141. We also offer accelerated beginning courses in some languages like Portuguese and Italian (106), for students who also know another Romance Language.
- You scored 5 on the Advanced Placement test (AP) for that language: you can enroll in 300 level classes. Search the Course Catalog for information about classes offered.
Testing Information: The LPT is available online for all Rice language programs during specific testing periods (see dates below).
Next testing periods:
-
October 27, 2025 - January 15, 2026
Accessing the Language Placement Test(s):
Step 1: Take the Survey Visit the link below to complete a brief survey about your language knowledge. You can indicate experience with any or all languages offered.
Step 2: Access Your Test After completing the survey, check your Rice email for Canvas links to placement tests for each language you indicated having prior knowledge.
Step 3: Complete the Test
- Duration: approximately 30-40 minutes
- Important: Do not start unless you can finish in one session
- Placement results remain valid for 4 years
Step 4. Results
- Each test is graded individually by our Language Faculty, and the result is a combination of your performance and the specific content of each class we offer.
- You will receive a Canvas Message with your placement. Expect it to take up to three days to receive your result, and two to three business days before you can enroll online.
Processing Times
- Standard: Up to 3 days for grading, then 2-3 business days before enrollment access
- Peak periods (winter break, summer): May take longer
- Summer tests (June-July): Graded by August 11 or earlier
- Winter break tests: May not be graded until January
Take tests early in the testing period to ensure results before registration closes.
Questions? Contact LPTplacement@rice.edu for:
- Special Registration Forms
- Course selection guidance
- General placement questions
Feel free also to browse our Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who should take the Language Placement Test?
Students who want to take a language course at Rice in one of the languages we offer must take the LPT. Students who have earned a 5 on the Advanced Placement Test do not need to take the LPT and may enroll in 300-level or higher courses. Students with prior knowledge of French or German who are ready for upper-level courses may take courses at the 300 level or above, or for Spanish courses numbered 330 or higher, without taking a placement test. Visit cultures.rice.edu for more information about upper-level French, German, or Spanish courses.
2. Who should not take the LPT?
Students with native fluency in a language should not take the placement test for that language. Students who will take 300-level or above courses in French or German and students who will take 330 or above Spanish courses. Students who have earned a 5 on the Advanced Placement Test do not need to take the LPT for that language. Students who are continuing to study the same language may register for the next course in the sequence without re-taking the placement test.
3. What is the format of LPT (Language Placement Test)?
The LPT has two main parts, one in Qualtrics and one in Canvas. The first section is a brief survey about your experience with each of the languages we teach. Depending on your responses to the survey, you may be directed to take the other sections in Canvas, covering listening, speaking, reading, and writing. It takes about 30-45 minutes to complete the Canvas test.
4. For how long are the results of the LPT valid?
The results of the LPT are valid for 4 years.
5. Can I take the placement test again if I fail it?
You cannot fail the placement test since the score you get is used for placement purposes only. The test allows us to determine the most suitable language course for you.
6. Can I take more than one placement test?
If you intend to study more than one language at Rice, you may take the LPTs in all the languages you plan to study.
7. Can I receive credit for language courses I have taken before coming to Rice?
“Rice University awards transfer credit for certain college preparatory exams. Students are required to submit official score reports for any exams for which they wish to receive credit. The score reports will remain with the Office of the Registrar and become a part of the student's file at Rice University.” (Registrar’s website). The exams most likely to be used for language credit, and officially recognized by Rice, are the AP and the IB exams. Please visit the Registrar’s website for more information.
8. I received Rice Equivalency Credit for Spanish 142 based on coursework taken at another university. Do I still need to take the Language Placement Test?
No, you have satisfied the prerequisite and can enroll in the next course in the sequence, which in this case would be Spanish 263. As it may take some time for the Registrar’s Office to process the transfer credit information, please email clic@rice.edu if you are having trouble enrolling.
9. How many credit hours can I receive for my AP/IB exam?
You can receive up to three course credit hours (but not distribution credit) if you earned a score of 4 or 5 on the AP exam or 5-7 on the IB exam. The credit is given through course number 222 in the following languages: Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish. Please go to the Registrar’s website for more information.
10. Do I need to take the Rice Placement Test if I already have AP/IB credit?
If you have taken the Advanced Placement test and scored 5, you do not need to take the LPT for that language. Students with prior knowledge of French or German may take courses at the 300 level or above without taking a placement test. Visit cultures.rice.edu for more information about upper-level French, German, and Spanish courses.
11. I took SPAN 263 in the Spring and then participated in the Loewenstern Fellowship this summer, spending 9 weeks working in Salta, Argentina. Although I did not earn academic credit for this experience, my knowledge of Spanish improved considerably. May I take the Language Placement Test to see where I should be placed for this fall?
Yes. The Language Placement Test will be the most efficient way to determine the most suitable language course for you.