Placement Test

Students with no previous background in the language should start their studies with SPAN 1021.03 and SPAN 1022.03. 

Students at this level are normally still considered beginners and should start their university language experience with SPAN 1021.03 and SPAN 1022.03 or, if they feel confident about their language skills and are highly motivated, they could register for SPAN 1035.06.

Students who have completed any of these courses or programmes within the last year are probably ready to progress to an Intermediate level but they should register for the Spanish Placement Test. If more than two years have passed since completion and feel they need basic revision, they could register directly for SPAN 1035.06. Please be aware that we do not award transfer credits for high school courses, IB and AP programmes.

An untutored or limited exposure to the language is considered a good start but not sufficient academic preparation for an intermediate level. They should register in SPAN 1021.03 and SPAN 1022.03 to solidify all basic concepts and create a good foundation for further studies.

Students who have been born or lived in Canada most of their life and have been exposed to Spanish in an informal context but have no formal education in Spanish should meet with the Spanish Academic Advisor to determine the appropriate study plan to follow.

Native or bi-lingual speakers who have completed a high school or a higher education degree in Spanish do not need any further language instruction and instead will proceed to take courses in literature, culture or other Hispanic topics.

Students who have already taken Spanish language courses at the university level should wait until their transcripts are assessed before deciding what course to register for. Please contact the Spanish Academic Advisor if you need any further assistance.

Six credits in any of our language Beginner and Intermediate courses (SPAN 1021.03, SPAN 1022.03, SPAN 1035.06, SPAN 2021.03, SPAN 2022.03 and SPAN 2035.06) fulfill the Faculty's language requirement.

“No student shall knowingly furnish false information to any person or office acting on behalf of the University”.

“Dalhousie University strives to provide equal opportunities for learners to demonstrate and to be recognized for their abilities. Any behavior intended to gain unearned advantage over another person violates this principle. A member of the University who attempts, or who assists any other person in an attempt, to fulfill, by irregular procedures, any requirements for a course, commits an academic offence and is subject to a penalty”.

In special circumstances where there is reason to question or discuss the results of the departmental placement test, or this policy, the Academic Advisor and Chair will consult and reach a decision. When relevant, they will consult with the Instructor involved in the matter. In some cases it may be necessary to meet with the student in question.

Any person who might be considered a native speaker - meaning that they have spoken the language since childhood and has had extensive formal instruction in Spanish - will only be eligible to register in literature and culture courses, and in rare cases, the most advanced level language class, with the instructor's permission.