French Placement Test
Who should take the French Placement Test?
Students who want to register for the first time in a French Studies course at the University of Winnipeg. Students are only allowed to take the placement test once.
Are there any exceptions?
Yes, students with no French or very little French should NOT take the test. These students should instead contact Rachel Berg at r.berg@uwinnipeg.ca, with their student name and number, describe their previous French experience (ex. Up to what grade in Elementary, Junior High or High School did you complete French?), and indicate which course and lab section they wish to register in. Upon confirmation from the department, these students will be issued a petition to enroll in FREN-1100 without taking the placement test.
Is there a fee for the test?
No, the test is free of charge.
Why do I need a Placement Test?
The purpose of the Placement Test is to determine which first French language course is best suited to your needs. Therefore, you are expected to write the test on your own, without the help of documents or another person. It is in your best interest to do so in order to be placed in the course suitable to your level, to avoid failing a course, or to avoid taking unnecessary courses.
Your test score indicates your level of proficiency in French language skills and will give you permission to register for a specific course. You cannot pass or fail this test. Your test score and answers will be available to the department and your instructor.
When do I take the test?
After being accepted for admission to the University of Winnipeg and prior to registration.
You need acceptance status to access the test. Once accepted at the University, you will have received a letter with your UW WebAdvisor account details. This University assigned WebAdvisor username, password, and your UW Student Number are necessary to sign up for the test.
What are the dates when the test is available?
The test is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
How do I sign up for the test?
Fill out the form to sign up here:
https://uwinnipeg.ca/machform/view.php?id=70027
Once you have been added to the test site, you will receive a confirmation email within 1 working day saying that you have been enrolled in the French Placement Test site. This email will be sent to your UW webmail address. Once you have received this confirmation email, you can log on to Nexus and take the test at your convenience. If you haven't received a confirmation email within 2 working days, please log on to Nexus and check to see if the test has been added. If you still cannot see the test in your Nexus account, contact Rachel Berg at r.berg@uwinnipeg.ca for further guidance.
Where do I take the test?
The test is available online through Nexus, the University’s Learning Management system. Once you have received email notification that you have access to the test, log on to Nexus at: http://nexus.uwinnipeg.ca.
Use your UWinnipeg email address and 2MFA to log on to Nexus. Once you have logged on, you will see an image and a link to the test under “My Courses” on the left. If you do not see it, make sure to click the Course Selector and search for the course. Click on the words “FRENCH PLACEMENT TEST” or the course image to enter the test course site. Test instructions are listed there.
After you have submitted your test, log out of Nexus. At the very top right, click on your name and select “Log Out.”
I’ve never used Nexus before. I need help.
Click the Help button to view links to instructions on how to navigate in Nexus.
How long is the test?
You have 50 minutes to complete the test. The test will automatically end 50 minutes after you begin.
How often can I take the test?
You may take the test only once.
How and when do I receive the results of the test?
Your results will be sent out by email to your Nexus account (NOT your webmail, but the inbox in Nexus itself) within 24 hours of completing the test. If you have not received an answer within 48 hours, please contact Rachel Berg at r.berg@uwinnipeg.ca. A prerequisite waiver or permission will be processed within 2 working days from when you receive the email. You will receive another email once the permission has been processed, with further instructions on how to register properly.
How do I register?
The email you receive will specify which course you are allowed to register in. You will receive an additional email to your webmail address outlining the exact steps to register properly. Make sure that you register in the correct course and corresponding lab in Student Planning/WebAdvisor. If you have any questions, contact Rachel at r.berg@uwinnipeg.ca for further guidance.
Can I register for a lower level course?
No, you are only allowed to register in the course that you were placed. If you find the course too challenging once the term begins, please discuss your concerns with your instructor. They may recommend that you drop down a level at that point, but would have to give you explicit permission to do so.
What if I took the test in a previous year and want to now register for a French course?
Do not sign-up for the test a second time, since you won't be able to take it. Instead, email Rachel at r.berg@uwinnipeg.ca for assistance. She will update the permission for the current academic year, so that you will be able to register for the appropriate course.