The Placement Test allows first-year students and students who have never taken a course in our department to find the course that best matches their level of French. Even if your level of French has already been evaluated by other institutions (AP, IB, DELF, etc.), a score on our placement test is required to remain in our first-year courses.
If you have not already done so, please take the time to read our Getting Started page to learn more about the courses that first-year students typically test into: FREN 118 or FREN 150.
Q: Should I take the Placement Test?
A: Before proceeding, please click on the statement that best applies to you.
Unfortunately, the Department of French Studies does not currently offer courses at the A1 (True Beginner) level. You may be able to complete online coursework at another university at the A1 level and then take courses at the A2 (Advanced Beginner/Low Intermediate) level or higher with us.
If you have taken French in the past, even if you think it’s not very strong, you may consider taking the Placement Test to see if you are at the Advanced Beginner/Low Intermediate level and can take a course in the Department of French Studies.
If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the statements below, you can proceed directly to the Placement Test.
- I completed Grade 10 Core French or above and have a strong capability in French.
- I completed International Baccalaureate French Level A or B.
- I have a background in Extended French or French Immersion.
- I completed the AP French Language and Culture course.
- I have completed French as a Foreign Language at the secondary level.
- I attended a French-language school.
- I have lived in a French-speaking environment.
- I am proficient in French and am planning to pursue a degree plan in French (i.e. will enrol in FREN 150.*)
Note:
- FREN 118 cannot be used for credit towards any degree plan in French.
- FREN 150 is the prerequisite gateway course for all FREN degree plans.
- Les étudiant.es francophones ne doivent pas faire le test.
Les étudiant.es francophones ne doivent pas faire le test.
Il n’est pas permis aux étudiants francophones de suivre les cours de niveau 100, ainsi que le FREN 219 et le FREN 320.
Veuillez contacter francais@queensu.ca pour que nous puissions vous conseiller adéquatement.
The Test
This test has 4 sections: Grammar, Vocabulary, Oral Comprehension and Written Comprehension
The fourth section, Oral Comprehension, has an audio component. Please ensure that your computer volume is not muted. We recommend using earphones (as opposed to your computer speakers). If you are having issues with hearing the audio files, try switching browsers; and if problems persist, contact ITS 613-533-6666.
There are 29 slides and 80 questions that will be marked.
You have 1 hour and 1 attempt to complete the assessment. Once your hour is up, there will be no opportunity to revise or redo a question. Be sure to SAVE your answers as you go.
The test can be done any time at your convenience.
What to Do When Finished
When you've completed the test, be sure to "Save All Responses", then click on "Go To Submit Quiz" where you will have the opportunity to review (time permitting); then, when satisfied, scroll to the bottom and "Submit Quiz".
This will take you to your results page where you will receive your overall score and your overall feedback. There are 4 possibilities for feedback:
- Other options: Your results indicate that you are at a True Beginner level (A1). Unfortunately, French Studies does not currently offer courses for this level. You may be able to complete online coursework at the A1 level at another university and then take courses at the A2 (Advanced Beginner / Low Intermediate) level or higher with us.
- Recommended course: FREN 118
- Recommended course: FREN 150
- See Advisor - contact francais@queensu.ca
Please retain your results as you may be required to produce them on the first day of class.
Start the Test
To take the French Placement Test, click on the button below which will redirect you to OnQ - Self Registering Course Offerings.
Once you are on that page, select "French Placement Test FW2024/25."
- This will enrol you into the "course," and you will then be able to access the course via onQ and start the test.
- When prompted, login using your Queen's NetID (first part of your Queen's e-mail address) and password.
- Remember: You have 1 hour and 1 attempt to complete the test.