American Sign Language Proficiency Exam

The American Sign Language (ASL) Proficiency Exam allows test takers to fulfill the UCF foreign language proficiency requirement by passing a foreign language exam.

Note: This exam is only administered to students who are enrolled, have been admitted, or are applying to the University of Central Florida (UCF).

 

Test Format

  • During the assessment, you will be evaluated on your receptive skills (your ability to understand ASL), and your expressive skills (your ability to produce ASL accurately).
    • The expressive portion of your assessment will be recorded.
  • Test takers are allowed a total of 1 hour to complete both the receptive and expressive test sections.
  • Plan to dress signer-appropriate on test day:
    • Your shirt provides a contrast to your hands allowing your 3D signs to be more clearly seen in a 2D format.
    • Your clothing should contrast your skin tone, be solid, and be modest with sleeves that are short or longer.
    • Shirt should not be sleeveless, tank, or spaghetti strapped.
    • Shirt should not be low cut or cropped.
    • Your shirt should be free of patterns, pictures, and words.
    • Do not tuck your shirt into your pants.
    • Keep hair away from your face.
    • No hats, headphones, sunglasses, or other non-religious headwear is permitted.
    • Layered clothing is not permitted- do not wear a sweater, cardigan or hoodie. Long sleeve or 3/4 shirts are recommended.

 

Preparation

There are no test preparation materials available. The most successful way to prepare for any given language test is to use the language. It is also helpful if you have a friend to practice both viewing and signing.
 

Testing Accommodations

The office of Student Accessibility Services (SAS) works in collaboration with the University Testing Center (UTC) to ensure that reasonable accommodations are made for test takers with documented disabilities. Test takers with disabilities seeking alternative testing arrangements (e.g. extended time, etc.) must request approval from SAS (407-823-2371 or sas@ucf.edu). Note: test takers should allow at least two (2) weeks for SAS and UTC to process the accommodation requests once the formal request has been submitted to SAS.

You can find more details and the request form at: https://sas.sdes.ucf.edu/students/ucf-placement-tests-and-university-testing-center-accommodations/

Once UTC receives notification from the SAS office of a test-taker’s testing accommodations, a UTC staff member will create a registration account for the student and email them instructions to register. Test takers should NOT REGISTER for a testing appointment until they receive these instructions from UTC.

 

Test Cost

The American Sign Language (ASL) Proficiency Exam cost is $115.00 paid to the University Testing Center. All payments made to the University Testing Center are non-refundable.
 

Test Date Scheduling

The American Sign Language (ASL) Proficiency Exam is scheduled by request. To request a test date, first Contact the UCF School of Communication Sciences and Disorders ASL Instructors (Shawn Olmstead and/or Ashley Mackay) and your Academic Success Coach to inform them of your interest in meeting the foreign language requirement via examination in ASL. Once you are ready to schedule a test, please email utc@ucf.edu. Individual test dates are scheduled as space allows, and usually require at least one to two week’s notice.

*Please note: There is a minimum 90-day waiting period before re-testing.
 

Registration Procedures

Step 1

Review Policies

Review all  University Testing Center policies.

Step 2

If needed- Request Accommodations

To make accommodated testing arrangements, test-takers must submit written documentation from Student Accessibility Services (SAS) at least two weeks prior to their scheduled test date. More information is available on the SAS website.

Step 3

Register and Pay

Once your test date has been approved, UTC staff will send an email indicating that you that you are able to register and pay for your test. Complete registration and submit payment online.

You must provide a UCF ID number to have your scores updated to your UCF records.

After completing the registration process, the test registration confirmation will be emailed to you.
 

Test Day

  • Report Location: Report to the UCF/University Testing Center at 4297 Andromeda Loop N., Orlando, FL 32816. The UTC office is located on the first floor (take the stairs or elevator down) in Howard Phillips Hall, room 106. This building is located next to the Library and the Reflecting Pond. Howard Phillips Hall is building #14 on the campus map. If you get lost finding our building, please call our front desk at 407-823-5109.
  • Arrival Time: Test takers are asked to arrive at least 15-minutes (we strongly recommend 30-minutes) prior to their scheduled appointment time. Test takers arriving more than 15-minutes late may not be admitted and will forfeit any costs paid.
  • Identification Policy: Test takers are required to present one (1) primary form of government-issued identification that includes their photograph and signature. For additional details on our acceptable ID policy, please navigate to the Acceptable IDs page.
  • Lockers and Storage: Test-takers will have access to small lockers free of charge. Do not bring large bags or backpacks.

 

Results

ASL Proficiency Exam results will be available approximately 30 days after completing the exam.

There are no credit hours awarded for this exam; Test takers can earn up to 2 semesters equivalency at a college level. UCF Students passing the ASL Proficiency Exam satisfy the Foreign Language Requirement and/or the UCF Admissions requirement. Please allow 1-2 weeks after scores are reported before the myKnight Audit (degree audit) is updated.
 

Re-Test Policy

Test takers may retake this exam after no less than 90 days. Violation of the retest policy will result in exam scores being invalidated, test scores will be canceled, and any test costs will be forfeited.