Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the placement test?
A tool that evaluates a student's ASL communication skills and knowledge of ASL linguistics. The placement test is only necessary if you have ASL experience that has not earned you credit on your transcript and you wish to have your skills evaluated for appropriate placement into our course series.
Who should take the placement test?
Students who have taken two or more years of American Sign Language in high school and did not earn college credit, within the last five (5) years
*If you have received transfer credit (including CCP credit) for ASL from another higher education institution, you do not need to take the placement test. Please check the transfer credit tab for more information.
-or-
Students who have ASL experience not identified on their transcript for ASL credit and who feel their skills may be appropriate for ASL 1102 or higher, have been admitted to the university unconditionally, and hope to begin the series higher than level 1101.
Note: No EM placement is awarded to native signers
When must the placement test be taken?
If you meet the criteria above, then you must take the placement test prior to enrolling in the ASL course series. Your test scores determine the most appropriate level of placement for you to start within the series.
Note: If you have no experience with ASL and want to enroll in our course series, you do not need to take the placement test. You are eligible to enroll in ASL 1101.
What is the format of the placement test?
The test evaluates the student's expressive and receptive signing skills -- receptive (watching) and expressive (signing) - with vocabulary and grammar in context. Students will receive access to an ASL Placement Test Carmen page. On the Carmen page, there are 9 recorded questions (each it's own video) and students will record themselves responding to the questions. The students responses will be a recording for each question.
How long will the placement test take to complete?
Students have 60 minutes to complete the test. At the end of 60 minutes the test will test will stop and only what has been recorded and uploaded will be evaluated.
Can I take the placement test if I have taken SPH&HRNG 5714?
Yes, this is an option if you feel your skills may be appropriate for ASL 1102 or higher. However, SPH&HRNG 5714 is not a GE language course and is not designed as an equivalent to ASL 1101. Taking the placement exam does not guarantee that you will earn a placement.
Who do I contact to schedule?
Please contact the Center for Languages, Literatures and Cultures for access to the test: cllc@osu.edu
Is there a cost for the placement test?
No.
When will I get my results?
The test is not a computer graded test, your results will be emailed to you within 5 business days. If you have not received your results within 5 business days, please contact Tia Jones at jones.2246@osu.edu.
If I receive a placement, how long will it be until my results are posted on my transcript?
Up to two (2) weeks. Once the results are posted on your transcript, you may register for the ASL course for which you are eligible. It is important to plan your schedule accordingly.
Can I register for the following semester as soon as I receive my results?
It may take up to two (2) weeks for your results to be processed and posted to your transcript. You can register for class only after your results appear on your transcript.
What should I do after I get my results?
- If you do not test into level 1102 or higher and still wish to take ASL, you must register for 1101.
- Students who test into level 1102 or higher will be able to enroll in that level as soon as the placement is posted to their account.
- If you feel it would be in your best interest to take a class lower than the level you were placed, contact the test coordinator.
Can I re-take the test if I don't like my results?
No. In accordance with University policy, no Credit by Examination test can be taken more than once.
What if I need test accommodations?
In the case of students who may have a learning disability, need special arrangements and/or petitions, contact the Student Life Disability Services office (https://slds.osu.edu/). We will provide accommodations to the best of our ability for students who are registered with ODS.
Some links on this page are to .pdf files. PDF files require the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader software to open them. If you do not have Reader, you may use the following link to Adobe to download it for free at: Adobe Acrobat Reader