SIPA provides “proficiency” examinations for certain subject areas (not including Economics), which enable students to waive out of certain courses if students pass the exam.
For Economics, SIPA offers a “placement” examination, which enables students to “place into” higher-level Economics coursework, as described more fully below.
Passing a proficiency or placement exam does not grant students any credit toward their degree. Proficiency and placement exams are generally offered at the beginning of each term. A student may only take a proficiency exam once (this includes when a student begins a proficiency exam but does not finish the exam). While students are strongly encouraged to take proficiency exams at the beginning of their first semester, the economics placement exam can only be taken at the beginning of the Fall or Spring semester of a student’s first year.
After completing these exams, students will receive a notification indicating “pass” or “fail.” The pass/fail designation is given upon careful review by the instructor marking the exam. That decision is final and not subject to appeal (because these exams are administered as a courtesy for proficiency/placement purposes only, students do not receive access to their completed exams).
For the Spring 2023 Semester the exams will be held virtually on January 5th and 6th.
Registration for this round of exams will begin on December 5, 2022 and close on December 22, 2022. More information and registration for the exams can be found on the Proficiency and Placement Exam Registration Form.
Each semester, exams are offered for the following subjects and languages:
Beginning Spring 2022, SIPA will no longer offer Language Proficiency Exams. Students wishing to waive language requirements must take proficiency exams through the appropriate language department. Please contact the respective language departments for exam dates and more information.
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