Spanish for Second Language Learners

The Department of Spanish does not offer proficiency tests to "test out" of our courses. Instead, placement in our language program is based on students' knowlege and previous experience studying Spanish.

In order to learn a language, you need a moderate challenge. If the class is too challenging or not challenging at all, you won't learn and, as a consequence, your grade may be negatively affected. We've designed this page as a placement guide for Second Language Learners of Spanish (if you grew up in a Spanish-speaking home, please refer to our Spanish for Heritage Speakers page). Carefully review the information in each section below to determine which level is right for you.

  1. Review this placement chart to see in which class you are likely to be placed according to your previous experience studying Spanish.
  2. Review the course details found in the expandable sections below. If you meet the eligibility requirements and know 70% or more of the content described for one level continue to the next.
  3. Do not enroll in a class above or below your level. As stated above, this may negatively impact your grade and ability to learn the language.
  4. Contact the Director of the Spanish Language Program: Dr. Miriam Hernández-R. mhernan@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail) if:
    • You are between levels and/or have further questions.
    • It has been a year and a half or more that you have taken a Spanish class.
Spanish 1Spanish 2Spanish 3Spanish 4
Years of High School SpanishNo previous language experience or up to 2 years of high school Spanish.Up to 3 years of high school Spanish.Up to 4 years of high school Spanish.More than 4 years of K-12 Education in Spanish.
AP Spanish ScoreScore of 1Score of 2Score of 3Score of 4 (Score of 5 places students directly into Spanish 25 and/or Spanish 100
International Baccalaureate Exam ScoreScore of 1-2Score of 3-4Score of 5Score of 6 (Score of 7 will place students directly into Spanish 25 and/or Spanish 100)
Community College SpanishNone1 semester2 semesters3 semesters

Spanish 1

Spanish 2

Spanish 3

Spanish 4

FAQ