STAMP Testing
Credit for Language Proficiency
- Are you learning English and your native language is Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish? Can you read and write it, too?
- Is your ESL level higher than level 3?
- Do you want to earn college credit for it?
The STAMP (Standards-based Measurement of Proficiency) test is an online assessment of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills in a variety of languages.
The test is not timed but typically takes about 2-3+ hours. Students can start the test and then stop and return later, but all testing must be completed within two weeks from the original start date.
If you are unsure about your English reading skills; take the STAMP4s Practice Test. Based on the proficiency level you demonstrate, you may be able to earn 5-10 college credits in the language that you have tested.
Highline currently offers STAMP4s tests for the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Mandarin), French, Japanese, and Spanish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many World Language students can use High School transcripts to be placed into a higher-level course. Entry Advisors will give students an entry code.
The general placement rule for placing students into language classes is one year of any given language in high school is equivalent to one quarter in college.
For example:
- A student with no previous exposure to the language should register for 121-level courses
- A student with one year of a language in high school can register for 122-level courses
- A student with two years of a language in high school can register for 123-level courses
When students cannot use their H.S. Transcripts; they generally can take the STAMP4s test to receive World Language credits and go through PLA to place the credits on their Highline transcript. There is a PLA fee of $40 per 5-credits ($80 for 10-credits). The STAMP results email will include PLA instructions.
You can receive credit for your Seal of Biliteracy that you earned in High School in English and the following languages; Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, or Spanish. Please request a copy of your STAMP test or H.S. transcript showing your earned Seal from your High School and submit your documents to testingcenter@highline.edu. You will receive a letter that will provide instructions on how to receive your credits. There is an $80 PLA fee for awarding the credits.
STAMP4S (STAndards-based Measurement of Proficiency) determines language proficiency in 4 domains (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking,) for grades 7-16. STAMP4S is web-based and computer-adaptive, with real-world questions that engage learners and help students understand their own proficiency levels. STAMP4S has been validated by field testing and expert panels and is facilitated by a proctor.
- Chinese (Traditional and Simplified)
- French
- Spanish
- Arabic
- Japanese
The STAMP language test is free to take for all Highline College students.
Awarding credits go through our Prior Learning Assessment office.
There is a fee for awarding credits of $40 for a 5-credit class and 10 credits would be $80. The cost is the same regardless of resident status.
Yes. Visit Avant Stamp 4S and click on the language of the sample test you would like to take.
STAMP4S is not timed. Students may pause and resume the test at any point within two weeks.
On average, students take around 120 minutes to complete the assessment fully.
Estimated STAMP4S completion times by domain:
- Reading: 35-40 minutes
- Writing: 20-25 minutes
- Listening: 35-40 minutes
- Speaking: 20-25 minutes
You will find a STAMP test taking guide HERE
- Reading: approximately 30 multiple choice questions
- Writing: 3 prompts
- Listening: approximately 30 multiple choice questions
- Speaking: 3 prompts
Yes, you can retake the test. We highly encourage you to prepare. You can access the STAMP Practice Test HERE.
If you are not successful the second time, students will need to meet with an advisor from the Transition Success Center to discuss the results of both tests and make recommendations on steps to take before further testing. A third test will be allowed on an individual case-by-case basis after a discussion with the TSC and the Testing Center.
You will receive a letter from Highline College with your results in approximately 2 weeks informing you of the course credits available to you and your proficiency level in each domain. The letter will also contain information about how to apply the credits that you are eligible for to your Highline transcript. If it has been over 2 weeks since you completed your exam and you have not received your letter, please email testingcenter@highline.edu.
