The Language Placement Test (LPT) for European and international mobility

The LANGUAGE PLACEMENT TEST (LPT) is a test used to assess language proficiency in relation to study abroad programs. It was introduced by the University to allow its students to participate in European and international mobility programs, both within the framework of the ERASMUS+ Community Program (KA131 SMS, KA131 SMP, KA171, etc.) and within the framework of University opportunities (OVERWORLD Program, Double Degree Programs, etc.).

Taking the Language Placement Test is mandatory, except for candidates who belong to one of the exemption categories for the required foreign language(s), in order to participate in the selection procedures for international mobility calls.

Subsequently, during the application phase to the assigned foreign University, the Internationalization Unit can issue, upon request by the winners, a statement of the level achieved in the Language Placement Test to be presented if such certification is necessary and sufficient for the destination institution.

Skills testing is scheduled for the following languages: ENGLISH, FRENCH, PORTUGUESE, SPANISH, GERMAN.

The levels provided are as follows:

• English B1, B2, C1
• FRENCH A2, B1, B2
• SPANISH A2, B1, B2
• GERMAN A2, B1, B2
• PORTUGUESE A1, A2, B1

To reach the language proficiency level required by the host universities, it is recommended to attend the free extracurricular language courses, available in various languages and levels, organized by the University Language Center (see also point 2 of the exemption categories). It is advisable to plan your language training well in advance, as it takes time to learn a language or to progress from one level to another.

The tests are organized by the University Language Center, which is responsible for administering the tests. For other information related to specific European and international mobility calls that require the Language Placement Test, please refer to the U.O. Internationalization.

The next scheduled date for the Language Placement Test is as follows:

September 10, 2024, with mandatory reservation from August 26 to September 5. Depending on the number of reservations, the tests may also extend to the following days, September 11 and 12.

Reservations and instructions for taking the test are available on the CLA Elly portal on the page LANGUAGE PLACEMENT TEST SEPTEMBER 2024.
 

The September 2024 session of the Language Placement Test is valid for:

• Supplementary Call for European and International Mobility for Study Purposes 2024-2025
• Single Call for European and International Mobility for Internship Purposes 2024-2025.

**IMPORTANT NOTE:**

Taking the Language Placement Test is strongly recommended for anyone intending to apply for one of the university's calls for European and international mobility.

If you intend to be exempt from taking the test, depending on the qualification or certification you possess, it is recommended to carefully consider the language requirements of the institutions for which you intend to express a preference. This is to ensure that you have the necessary documentation later on, during the application phase at the assigned foreign university. For this purpose, please note that the Internationalization Office can issue a statement of the level obtained in the LPT to the successful candidates upon request, if such certification is necessary and sufficient for the destination institution.

Students who meet one or more of the requirements listed below may therefore be exempt from taking the test. Please remember that it is necessary to attach the documentation proving eligibility for the exemption category to the application for the chosen mobility call.

- Students in possession of curricular language proficiency as indicated in their study plan, certified by the Self-Certification of Enrollment with Exams Passed. If the Self-Certification does not clearly state the CEFR level of proficiency, the relevant certification must be requested from the Student Services Office. It is noted that proficiency issued at the bachelor's level corresponds to CEFR level B1, while proficiency acquired at the master's level corresponds to CEFR level B2.

- Students who have obtained the language level certificate from one of the extracurricular language courses (not aimed at proficiency) offered by the University Language Center of the University of Parma, provided that the possibility of using it for exemption from the LPT is provided for and indicated in the course information on the Elly CLA portal. The certificate can be downloaded independently from the Elly page of the attended course and is valid for these purposes within two years from the date of passing the final test, limited to the language and level of the course;

- Students who have passed the "BUSINESS ENGLISH B1" exam. The "BUSINESS ENGLISH B1" course is recognized as equivalent to "English language B1";

- Students who have passed the "BUSINESS ENGLISH B2" exam. The "BUSINESS ENGLISH B2" course is recognized as equivalent to "English language B2";

- Students who have passed the "ENGLISH FOR ENGINEERING" exam. The "ENGLISH FOR ENGINEERING" course at the bachelor's level is recognized as "English language level B1". The "ENGLISH FOR ENGINEERING" course at the master's level is recognized as "English language level B2";

- Students enrolled in one of the degree programs at the University of Parma entirely taught in English, provided they apply for institutions where English is used (either as a native or vehicular language) and the required level is equal to or lower than the level actually achieved. In this case, the student does not need to present any certification, as the competence has already been verified by the degree program;

- Students enrolled in the Modern Foreign Languages and Civilizations degree program, according to the table provided by the DUSIC Department available here;

1. Students who have obtained an official language certification that meets the requirements indicated here. The certificates are considered valid if acquired within a period of 5 years from the date of use;
2. Students whose native language is the same as the language used at the chosen destination (in this case, the student must attach a copy of their passport to the application for the mobility call they are participating in);
3. Students enrolled in the bachelor's program in "Communication and Contemporary Media for Creative Industries" who have passed the "English Language and Translation (1005558)" exam. This course is recognized as competence in "English language B1".
4. The certification proving the exemption from the LPT must be attached to the mobility application in esse3 in PDF format (legible copies, screenshots, and scans are accepted), and the original document may be requested for verification.