Placement Exams

The Center for Testing and Assessment offers placement exams in most foreign languages, chemistry, and mathematics. Placement exams are offered on selected dates and are not on demand. Foreign language placement exams are in-person, on-campus. Chemistry and mathematics placement exams are online and require registration in advance.

  • NEXT EXAM: Wed Mar 12 at 12:00PM

    Exams are offered on selected dates during the academic year and summer sessions and are not on demand.

    • Exams registration links are accessible only to currently registered, matriculated students.
    • Registration is for the next scheduled exam; registration for future exams is not available.
    • There is no confirmation upon successful registration.
    • Instructions for taking the exam will be emailed just prior to the start of the exam. Exams are unlocked for 24 hours from the start time

    Registration at least two business days in advance of the test start time is required.  Click on the link(s) below to register (“request permission”). There is no fee for taking a placement exam.

    Exam Results

    • The results of your placement exam will be uploaded to your student record  the next day by 3:00PM
    • You must wait six months before retaking a placement exam.
    • Exams are subject to cancellation or logistical changes at any time.

    If the date of this exam is less than six months since your last attempt, your reservation will be deleted without notice.

    CLICK HERE FOR MATH PLACEMENT EXAM (Register to Test/Request Permission)

    CLICK HERE FOR CHEM PLACEMENT EXAM (Register to Test/Request Permission)

     

    Students with Disabilities

    Students with documented learning disabilities or physical impairments requiring accommodation must contact the USC Office of Accessibility Services at least two weeks prior to the testing date.

  • language@usc offers placement exams for the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek (Classical), Italian, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Persian, and Spanish.

     

    SPRING 2025 EXAMS:

    You must register at least 24 hours in advance. Click on the exam date to register.

    Fri    Feb 21     2:00PM
    Fri    Mar 14    2:00PM
    Fri    Apr 4     10:00AM
    Fri    Apr 18     2:00PM
    Tue   May 6    12:00PM

    Please note:

    • Exam administration begins at the scheduled time. No late entry. No exceptions.
    • Arrive 10 minutes before exam starts.
    • USC ID is required.
    • Exam administration can take up to 2 hours, so plan accordingly.
    • There is no registration fee.
    • If you need testing accommodations, please contact the USC Office of Student Accessibility Services at least two weeks before the test date.

     

    For placement exams in Hebrew, contact Jewish Studies.

    For Portuguese, contact the Department of Latin American and Iberian Cultures.

    For Russian, contact the Department of Slavic Languages & Literatures.

     

    Exam Results

    • The results of your placement exam will be uploaded to your student record  the next day by 3:00PM
    • You must wait six months before retaking a placement exam.
    • Exams are subject to cancellation or logistical changes at any time.

     

    Check the language@usc website for all the details.