Modern Language Studies (MLS)

MLS Placement Exam

The purpose of the Modern Language Studies (MLS) Placement exam is to move from a lower level language course, into a higher-level language course for French, German and Spanish. The exam is open to all students who need to meet a language requirement for their major and is offered online through WebCape with a $10 exam fee. If you are interested in taking this exam, please email testingservices@csusm.edu. 

MLS Proficiency Exam

The purpose of the Modern Language Studies (MLS) Proficiency exam in language is to test out the language requirement. The MLS Written Proficiency Test (WPT) offers 20 languages through Language Testing International. The exam fee is $108 and an additional $10 for the certificate. If for some reason a language is not offered, there will be an option for an oral proficiency exam. For more information, please email testingservices@csusm.edu.

Special Accommodations 

If you have a disability and will require special testing accommodations to take the Modern Language Studies Exam (MLS), please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) at 760-750-4905 or by email at dss@csusm.edu. When sending an email, please be sure and specify in the subject line: Modern Language Studies Exam (MLS) Testing Accommodations.

Test takers needing special testing accommodations need to contact DSS and provide any required disability documentation in a timely manner. Every effort will be made to provide authorized special testing accommodations but DSS will need to have the necessary paperwork in their possession two weeks prior to each exam for scheduling purposes

MLS FAQ's

• Who is eligible for the MLS Exam?
  All students who fall under the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences. The following majors will not need the MLS: Economics, Music, and Spanish.
• What score do I need to pass the MLS Proficiency Exam?
  You must pass with an intermediate mid or above. 
• I am fluent in a language other than English. What Exam should I take?
  If you are fluent in German, Spanish, or French, you should take the MLS Placement as it serves the same purpose as the MLS Proficiency exam. If the language you are fluent in is not Geman, Spanish, or French, you should take the Proficiency Exam through Language Testing International. When you take the Proficiency exam and pass, you will not need to take a language at CSUSM. You will however need to take another class in lieu of a language to complete your C3 requirement.
• I took language courses in High School, will that count as fulfilling my language requirement?
  Unfortunately, High School language courses will not count as taking a language in college. If you took an AP exam in a language and passed, that will count as fulfilling your language.
• I took the Proficiency Exam and passed, who do I send my PDF certificate to?
  Congratulations on passing the MLS Proficiency Exam! Please submit the PDF version of your certificate to testingservices@csusm.edu.
• I took language in High School, but I am not fluent in another language. What exam should I take?
  You should take the MLS Placement Exam through Webcape. You may be eligible to take a higher level language course or pass out of taking a language instead of starting from the bottom.