The French Language examination is designed to measure knowledge and ability equivalent to that of students who have completed two to four semesters of college French language study. It focuses on skills typically acquired from the end of the first year through the second year of college study; material taught during both years is incorporated into a single exam.
The examination contains approximately 121 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. There are three separately timed sections. The three sections are weighted so that each question contributes equally to the total score. Any time candidates spend on tutorials or providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
Most colleges that award credit for the French Language examination award either two or four semesters of credit, depending on the candidate's score on the exam.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to understand spoken and written French. The CLEP French Language examination tests their listening and reading skills through the various types of questions listed below. The percentages indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions devoted to each type of question.
15%
Section I:
Listening: Rejoinders
Listening comprehension: choosing the best responses to short spoken prompts
25%
Section II:
Listening: Dialogues and Narratives
Listening comprehension: choosing the answers to questions based on longer spoken selections
60%
Section III:
Reading
10% Part A. Discrete sentences (vocabulary and structure)
20% Part B. Short cloze passages (vocabulary and structure)
30% Part C. Reading passages and authentic stimulus materials (reading comprehension)
The examination contains approximately 121 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. There are three separately timed sections. The three sections are weighted so that each question contributes equally to the total score. Any time candidates spend on tutorials or providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
Most colleges that award credit for the French Language examination award either two or four semesters of credit, depending on the candidate's score on the exam.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Candidates must demonstrate their ability to understand spoken and written French. The CLEP French Language examination tests their listening and reading skills through the various types of questions listed below. The percentages indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions devoted to each type of question.
15%
Section I:
Listening: Rejoinders
Listening comprehension: choosing the best responses to short spoken prompts
25%
Section II:
Listening: Dialogues and Narratives
Listening comprehension: choosing the answers to questions based on longer spoken selections
60%
Section III:
Reading
10% Part A. Discrete sentences (vocabulary and structure)
20% Part B. Short cloze passages (vocabulary and structure)
30% Part C. Reading passages and authentic stimulus materials (reading comprehension)