Validation for World Language

Speakers of languages other than English may be able to fulfill the world language requirement through language validation, though they will not receive course credit when they do so. Students can validate proficiency in a second language in one of the following ways:

  • Show your academic advisor your TOEFL or other ESL testing score document, or otherwise ensure these results are part of your student record. Your advisor can then submit the language validation form for you based on these records.
  • Take an OSU placement test for a non-English language that OSU offers and test out of 1103 for that language. For more information, please visit our page on Placement Testing.
  • If OSU does not offer your language, take an ACTFL OPI (Oral Proficiency Interview) test in the non-English language and achieve a score of advanced low (70) or higher. Or, take both the ACTFL OPI and the ACTFL WPT (Writing Proficiency Test) and achieve at least intermediate mid (50) or higher on each test. There is a fee involved for this option. See below for directions on ACTFL testing validation.

 

If none of these options are available to you, please contact the CLLC at cllc@osu.edu. We cannot guarantee validation.

 

ACTFL Testing Validation 

To validate through ACTFL testing, you will need to both purchase an ACTFL test and sign up for a proctoring session through OSU. 

To purchase the ACTFL test:

  1. Visit https://www.languagetesting.com/
  2. Select the language you would like to test for.
  3. Select the Student Test option that is titled "Programs with ACTFL Requirements.”
  4. Choose "The Ohio State University" as the institution. You must start with “The” for it to appear as an option.
  5. Choose preferred test times that are in line with our Testing Center's availability. The Testing Center is open Monday-Thursday 9am to 4pm, and Friday 11:00am to 3:00pm.

 

To sign up for an OSU proctored session:

  1. Visit https://www2.registerblast.com/theosu/Exam/List
  2. Select "ACTFL - Language Testing" for your Group.
  3. Select the correct option for your Exam.
  4. Select the Date for your ACTFL exam (We manually adjust the time, so pick whichever Time option).
  5. Follow remaining prompts.

 

For your exam to count towards validation, you must take it in the Testing Center at The Ohio State University.  If this exam is proctored by someone other than the Testing Center, it will not count for validation.  

You may apply for reimbursement through our ACTFL LTI Exam Scholarship. Scholarship funds are limited; applying for reimbursement does not guarantee reimbursement. The scholarship will be distributed at the end of each semester during which it is rewarded (i.e., you may test in the summer but receive funds in the fall).

 

Save screenshots or PDFs of the following items to include with the scholarship form:

  • Payment confirmation (including the cost of the test)
  • Appointment with the OSU Testing Center (with date and time)
  • After test completion, your score.

 

The following factors will be considered in awarding ACTFL Exam Scholarships:

  • Confirmation from testing center of attendance at the proctored session.
  • Eligibility for Student Financial Aid.
  • Availability of funds.

 

You will be notified if you are a recipient via email to your OSU email at the end of the semester. If you need financial help immediately to cover the cost of the test, please contact cllc@osu.edu, and we will try to make accommodations. Otherwise, please expect a delay in reimbursement.