How do I demonstrate existing language proficiency?
Students who already have intermediate or higher second language skills upon entry may be exempted from the requirement to take language courses. Students who wish to be exempted from taking language courses in this way must apply for an exemption to the Program Administrator, by sending an email request to bgins@carleton.ca. Each application will be treated on its merits, but the following general guidelines apply:
- Secondary school language of instruction: Students whose secondary school transcripts show that their primary language of instruction in secondary school was a language other than English may be exempted from taking language courses.
- French immersion: Students who have successfully completed Grade 12 French immersion or the equivalent at a Canadian high school may be exempted from taking language courses. Grade 12 core French is not sufficient for an exemption.
- Proficient speakers: Students who do not qualify under either of the first two categories, but who nonetheless consider themselves proficient speakers of a language other than English, may be exempted from taking language courses.
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- For languages taught at Carleton, “proficiency” means a level at least equivalent to an “intermediate level”. For languages taught at Carleton, testing will be administered by the Department of French or the School of Linguistics and Language Studies.
- For languages not taught at Carleton, “proficiency” means a level at least equivalent to two full years of university level language study. Proficiency may be demonstrated either through documentation (e.g. certification from a recognized language testing authority) or through testing. For languages not taught at Carleton, availability of a test depends upon faculty resource availability.