PLACE FAQs

The Avant PLACE language test is an initial measurement of real-world language ability in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Contextualized Grammar.

The test is used to inform appropriate placement of middle school, high school and college students into the right language courses. The Avant PLACE language test is online, does not need to be proctored, and can be taken by students prior to arriving at the place of instruction.

Educators who need to quickly, easily and accurately place students into the right language courses use the Avant PLACE Test. Also, educators who need to have access to students’ rated Writing and Speaking responses prefer to use Avant PLACE.

Avant PLACE is designed for learners in grade 6 through University.

The Avant PLACE language test is available in three different formats depending on language skills on which you would like to focus.

For those looking for a complete assessment of all skills, Option A tests Reading, Contextualized Grammar, Writing, and Speaking, all scored by Avant.

For those looking for a quicker and more affordable assessment we offer Option B & C. Option B includes Reading, Contextualized Grammar and Writing scored by Avant and no Speaking section eliminating the need for headset and recording technology.

For those who need immediate results, Option C includes Reading and Contextualized Grammar scored by Avant and an un-scored Writing section that can be referenced in difficult placement decisions.

  • Option A tests Reading, Contextualized Grammar, Writing, and Speaking, all scored by Avant.
  • Option B tests Reading, Contextualized Grammar and Writing, scored by Avant.
  • Option C tests Reading and Contextualized Grammar, scored by Avant and an un-scored Writing section.

Learn more about PLACE Test Options »

Avant PLACE is not a timed test.  On average, it takes about 40 minutes to complete Option A, which includes all skills.

In this case, the test taker will receive Novice level questions and prompts within the assessment.

The Avant PLACE language test is online, does not need to be proctored, and can be taken by students prior to arriving at the place of instruction.

If desired, Avant PLACE can be administered in a proctored environment at the school language lab or classroom.

  • Avant PLACE assesses Reading, Writing and Speaking in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin (Simplified & Traditional), and Spanish.
  • Avant PLACE assesses Writing and Speaking in Arabic.
  • Avant PLACE assesses Contextualized Grammar in French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish.

The Avant PLACE language test provides access to test takers’ rated Writing and Speaking responses. This provides educators the ability to use the results to better inform the placement decisions.

For the Avant PLACE language tests that include a writing section (Arabic, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin, and Spanish), learners will need to provide typed writing samples. The method for entering writing responses for languages with accents and special characters may differ depending on the target language of the test.

Please see our Writing Input Guide for language-specific directions.

Your response for a Writing section prompt can be up to 2500 characters long (400-600 words).

Your response for a Speaking section prompt can be up to three (3) minutes long.

For each Speaking section prompt, you have ONLY ONE chance to re-record your response, if needed. You also can add to your response ONLY ONE time, if needed.

The Avant PLACE suggested placement levels for Option A & B are available within 3-5 business days after the completion of the Avant PLACE test.

The Avant PLACE suggested placement level for Option C are available immediately upon completion of the test. Suggested placement levels are provided to administrators through online Results Viewing Accounts. Writing and Speaking responses can be viewed to further inform your placement decisions.

Please see PLACE Reporting Guide for a complete description and examples of the available reports. Results are provided in the form of suggested course placement levels and detailed individual demographic information.

Avant has several resources that were designed to help prepare teachers, test administrators, and test takers for the testing experience that can be found in our User Guides.

Avant provides a general guide that outlines suggested course levels for students based upon their overall scores from the Avant PLACE language test.

Avant realizes that each language program functions differently, and that the needs of each institution may require a more in-depth data analysis. Consulting is available to help you establish custom placement guidelines specific to your program.

Contact Avant Assessment to set up your custom placement guidelines.

Please see our Assessment Technology Guide for overall system requirements and browser capabilities.

For pricing information or to make a purchase, please call our Account Management team at (888) 731-7887 within the United States, or +1 (541) 338-9090 from outside the United States, or email sales@avantassessment.com.

Contact your Account Manager or our team at: (888) 731-7887 within the United States, or +1 (541) 338-9090 from outside the United States, or submit a Contact Request Form, or email sales@avantassessment.com.

Yes! Avant’s support specialists are available for immediate testing support for testing coordinators and administrators and can be reached via email or phone. Students who seek help should contact their institution.

Email support@avantassessment.com

Support Hours:
Mon-Fri 5:00am – 4:00pm
Pacific Time (UTC/GMT -8)

Support Phone:
Toll Free (US): (888) 713-7887
International: (541) 607-4401

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