MELC offers instruction in a range of ancient and modern Middle Eastern languages. The information below explains how to complete a proficiency or placement exam to determine your appropriate level of study.
Letters & Sciences (L&S) Language Requirement
(For students entering Fall 2026 or after)
Please note that the previous metric—three years of high school study—no longer fulfills the L&S Language Requirement.
You can satisfy the L&S language requirement in one of three ways:
- Secondary school instruction. You can satisfy the L&S language requirement by completing at least three years of secondary school in which the primary language of instruction was a language other than English, starting from grade 6 or above, as verified by transcripts.
- Proficiency exam. You can also fulfill the language requirement by taking a proficiency exam and passing at the level of the second semester of college-level language study. This includes AP, IB, and A-level exams, as well as exams administered by UC Berkeley faculty or a certified outside instructor.
- College-level coursework. You can also fulfill the language requirement by completing the second semester of a language at UC Berkeley, or an equivalent course at another institution, with a grade of C- or better.
Arabic, Modern Greek, and Modern Hebrew Proficiency Exams
Students seeking to satisfy the L&S Language Requirement in Arabic, Hebrew, or Modern Greek may do so by completing a proficiency exam administered by the Berkeley Language Center. Students will be tested to determine whether they can demonstrate proficiency at the 1B level (e.g., Arabic 1B, Hebrew 1B, or Modern Greek 100B) to meet the requirement. Exams are prepared by MELC faculty and assess reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills consistent with course-based instruction.
The proficiency exam format includes two parts. Part 1 is an autograded exam you take on bCourses. If you pass Part 1, you will be invited to take Part II, an instructor-graded, proctored exam.
Please review the examination instructions carefully and select the appropriate language to begin the exam.
Arabic Placement Exam
UC Berkeley students who need to take a placement exam to determine the appropriate Arabic course for registration in Arabic 1B, 20A, 20B, 100A, 100B or higher-level courses should complete the form below.
Persian and Turkish Proficiency & Placement Exams
Persian and Turkish language proficiency and placement exams are administered by MELC Department instructors to registered UC Berkeley students at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
- Fill out this form to schedule a Persian proficiency/placement exam.
- Fill out this form to schedule a Turkish proficiency exam.
Ancient Middle Eastern Languages
Students who wish to study an ancient Middle Eastern language such as Akkadian Cuneiform, Biblical Hebrew, Egyptian Hieroglyphs, Ethiopic, and Ancient Iranian languages are assessed by the instructor during the first week of classes. Contact the course instructor with questions.
Proficiency Exams for External Fellowships & Programs
The MELC Department administers individual foreign language proficiency exams for both undergraduate and graduate students who need to demonstrate language proficiency for external fellowships or programs.
Who can take these exams:
- Berkeley students who want to demonstrate proficiency beyond the L&S Language Requirement—for example, at a level higher than two semesters of a language.
- Students from other UC or non-UC campuses. Note: Students who are not enrolled at UC Berkeley will be charged an administrative fee.
Select the language you need below, then fill out the request form to begin the process.