Mason Foreign Language Waiver Tests
Do you think your knowledge of a foreign language is already at an intermediate proficiency? Please take a placement test as a quick self-evaluation to see if you can test out of 202. If not, then a waiver test is not necessary. If yes, then you are ready for a waiver test.
Waiver tests are for students whose degree programs require them to demonstrate intermediate proficiency in foreign languages by taking a 12-credit course sequence or passing the waiver test. You are permitted to take each language waiver test only once. Passing the waiver test will waive your foreign language requirement but will not provide any credits.
In-person waiver tests are available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Spanish. Online waiver tests are available in Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish. For all other languages, please contact our lab at language@gmu.edu. Additionally, there are test procedures for students with knowledge of a language not taught at Mason or for American Sign Language (ASL).
Note: Students who have been granted the Foreign Language Waiver and wish to further their language study are expected to register for a 300-level language course.
In-person waiver tests are taken on the following days during the Fall 25 semester from 1PM to 4PM on following days. 8/29, 9/5, 9/12, 9/26, 10/10, 10/31, 11/7, 11/21, 12/5. Come to 5100 Horizon Hall or 5008 Horizon Hall. In-person waiver tests are available in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Latin, Russian, and Spanish.
Please bring your Mason ID and earphones. (You may request headphones in advance.)
Online waiver tests can be taken at anytime that is convenient for test takers and are available in Chinese, French, Korean, and Spanish only.
You must use the LockDown Browser to take the test. If the entire test is not recorded or you do not follow the rules of Respondus (e.g., showing a test-taking environment, staying in front of the camera until completion), you will be asked to take the test again in the lab.
Please sign up here for an online waiver test. You will be invited to take the test by email within a week after signing up. These tests can be taken at anytime that is convenient for test takers.
Students who are native speakers of a language other than English and other than the languages taught at Mason can also be tested and have their foreign language requirement waived. At least one semester or more before their graduation date, a student can be tested by an acceptable examiner in the language. Please get the examiner approved by MCL Advisor, Xi Chen, at xchen8@gmu.edu. As with all other language waivers, no credits are given. Click the button below for the detailed procedures and forms.
You can also demonstrate intermediate proficiency in American Sign Language by receiving a score of intermediate level or higher on the Sign Language Proficiency Interview: American Sign Language offered by the Division of Special Education.