1. Seattle Central Home Page
  2. Enrollment & Funding
  3. Enrollment & Admissions
  4. Placement for Classes
  5. American Sign Language (ASL)

American Sign Language (ASL)

ASL Placement Testing has been suspended during remote operations for COVID-19. Please contact your program department for alternatives, or the instructor for the specific class in which you are interested:

  • Arts, Humanities, & Social Sciences (World Languages: 206.934.4164 or AHSS.Central@seattlecolleges.edu / Katie.Roberts@seattlecolleges.edu.

 

This test is designed for those who have previously learned some American Sign Language (ASL), and would like to enroll in courses above the ASL 101 level. 

The test is designed by faculty, specifically for Seattle Central students. Results usually do not transfer to other campuses or colleges. Please check carefully if you are attending elsewhere.

ASL faculty will use this tool to advise you about your readiness for ASL courses. If you do not agree with the assessment and prefer to enroll in a higher-level course, you may do so with instructor permission.

Questions? Contact the Humanities Department at 206.934.4164

Do you need this test?

You may not need this test if:

  • You have completed a five–credit ASL course at any Washington State Community of Technical College with a 2.0 grade or better, OR
  • You have received ASL college credit via the Tech–Prep program at your high school

If you meet either of these conditions, bring your class transcripts to registration. You probably do not need this test.

However, if you have learned ASL from any other classes or contact with deaf people, this test is recommended so that we can advise you on the best class to take.

Where and when can I take the test?

The test is given:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (closed on Fridays during summer quarter)
  • From 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Seattle Central Testing Office, Room BE1106

Appointments are not required. The test will take about one hour. All tests must be finished by 4:30 p.m. each day.

What do I need to bring to the test?

You will need to bring:

  • Photo ID
  • $15 (cash, card or check made out to Seattle Central College)

The Testing Office will provide everything else.

What is the test like?

You will be asked to create a 10–minute digital video of yourself signing. You will be given the questions at the time of the test. You may not see them ahead of time or take them home.

You will be assessed on:

  • The clarity of your signs, numbers, fingerspelling and classifiers
  • The use of facial expression, prosodic features and body movement
  • The grammatical structure of your sentences
  • The use of classifiers and space

What happens after the test?

The Testing Office will send your recording to an ASL instructor for grading. Grading usually takes a week or less (but may take longer during the summer quarter or between quarters).

The Humanities Department will contact you by email or phone to discuss your placement.