Graduate programs have varying language requirements which may be met through language courses, placement tests, translation tests, or proficiency assessments.
Placement Tests
Testing dates vary for individual languages. Online placement tests for many languages are offered in July, with results returned in early August. Some language departments also offer two other short placement testing periods, typically in the spring and fall. Testing results for most languages are valid for one year.
Please check the CLS placement testing main page for the latest information on testing periods.
Current placement testing period: March 30, 2026 (M) 9:00 am - April 7 (T) 1:00 pm. Results Posted: Friday, April 10, 2026 (F) by 5 pm
Next placement testing period: July 1, 2026 (M) 9:00 am - July 31, 2026 (F) 11:00 am
Translation Tests
Some graduate programs require that students demonstrate their ability to read academic or literary texts in a specific language. Five language departments offer translation tests twice a year for graduate students.
Select the links below to view department websites for more information:
French
In person. Registration required.
Next exam: Friday, April 17, 2026.
German
In person, usually the last Thursday of the fall and spring semesters respectively.
Next exam: Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 11:35-12:50 (BASSLB L73)
Italian
Online. Registration required.
Next exam: Monday, March 23, 2026 at 9:00 am through Friday, March 27, 2026 at 5:00 pm.
Spanish or Portuguese
In person. Registration required by April 16.
Next exam: Friday, April 17, 2026 at 1:30-3:30pm (HQ 227)
Reading Classes
To prepare students for French, German, Italian, and Spanish translation tests, online reading classes are offered during summer session. Select the links below to view detailed information about each course.
French
Session A, May 25 - June 26, 2026
German
Session B, June 29 - July 31, 2026
Italian
Session A, May 25 - June 26, 2026
Spanish
Session A, May 25 - June 26, 2026
Proficiency Assessments
Some language departments do not offer translation tests or placement tests. For these instances or for languages not taught at Yale, please submit a language assessment request using the Graduate Assessment Request form.
Updated April 2, 2026.