The Japanese placement test is required if you have any prior knowledge of Japanese and wish to take Japanese classes at Carolina. If you do not intend to take Japanese classes, but just wish to satisfy the Global Language requirement, please refer to the Language Placement website to review the possible options for meeting the requirement.
The Japanese placement test is given at the following times of year:
At the start of fall semester. Sometimes there are also remote test sessions offered during the summer for fall.
At the start of spring semester.
If Japanese classes are being offered in summer, placement testing will be arranged as needed for students seeking to take those summer classes.
Submit this webform to sign up for an upcoming placement test session. The autoreply you receive will contain information on when the test will be.
Self-assessment guide for Japanese. This is not a substitute for taking the placement test, but is intended to help you estimate your level. If you can’t take the placement test before registration, we encourage you to enroll for whatever level you think you’ll place into. This will allow most students to go ahead and get a seat in the class they need. If your estimate turns out to be wrong, you’ll need to drop that class, but we’ll try to help you get into the correct level.
Japanese placement FAQ
Test scores are accepted for credit, but not for placement. If you have a sufficiently high score on the AP, SAT Subject Test, or IB test in Japanese, you will receive BE (“by exam”) credit for JAPN 203, which will give you 4 hours toward graduation, and will satisfy the Global Language requirement. To see the required minimum scores, please refer to the Admissions website.
However, that does not mean your placement is JAPN 204. If you wish to continue studying Japanese, you will need to take the departmental placement test to determine which level to begin with.
All you need is something to write with.
You’ll need a computer, camera, and microphone, and also paper and pen/pencil. You’ll handwrite the written section of the test and submit a photo of it.
You will be notified by email within a few days. If classes are in session, we’ll be doing our best to get results out as soon as possible. If it seems like you should’ve gotten your result but you haven’t, check the confirmation email from your original placement signup to make sure you didn’t make a mistake in your email address, and also check that your UNC email is set up and working.
The placement test in Japanese typically consists of the following parts:
Vocabulary (hiragana, katakana, and kanji)
Grammar
Reading & writing (by hand, not typing)
Oral interview to test speaking and understanding
You will be notified by email within a few days. If classes are in session, we’ll be doing our best to get results out as soon as possible. If it seems like you should’ve gotten your result but you haven’t, check the confirmation email from your original placement signup to make sure you didn’t make a mistake in your email address, and also check that your UNC email is set up and working.
Your first step should be to discuss it either with your teacher (if you’re attending the class you were placed into) or with the Japanese placement coordinator, Mr. Katsu Sawamura.
Placement is not a perfect science by any means, and every year we do usually make a few adjustments. If you don’t think the class you were placed in is the best level for you, we are always happy to discuss it and re-evaluate. Ultimately, however, the department’s decision will be final.
Did you review the general placement FAQ? Many questions are answered there. If you still don’t find the answer, or otherwise need help with a placement issue, please contact Lori Harris.
