Chinese Language Placement

Guidelines for Chinese Language Placement

To better utilize the available resources and streamline the waiver process, the Chinese program is providing the following guidelines regarding Chinese language placement and language requirement waivers. 

• Placement Test for Enrollment: Students may complete the online Chinese Placement Test to determine the appropriate level of class to take. 
• If students' placement test results indicate that they may qualify for a waiver, or they have extensive experience with Chinese and wanted to waive their language requirements, they must complete the AVANT STAMP Waiver Exam, administered by the department once per semester. The Chinese faculty will review their scores and make a recommendation. in some cases, an in-person proficiency interview will be required before a final decision is made. Students can also 
• International students whose first language (L1) Is Mandarin Chinese (for example, those from Mainland China, Taiwan, or the Mandarin-speaking regions) may submit a waiver request directly to the department. The Chinese faculty will review the request and make a recommendation. 
• Students whose first language is not Mandarin Chinese, but who speak a Chinese dialect at home, should following the process most relevant to their plan:
  • If they wish to take a Chinese language class, take the online placement test.
  • If they wish to seek a waiver, contact the department for information about the AVANT STAMP Waiver Exam. 

For additional information, please contact the department at llc@usfca.edu.