Language Qualifying Exams

Language qualifying exams in Arabic, Biblical Hebrew, New Testament Greek, Christian Latin, Pali, German, French, and Spanish are given twice a year, in August/September and April/May. In addition, French, Spanish, and German exams are given a third time in January/February. These tests certify reading competency at an intermediate level in a language of theological or religious studies scholarship for the purpose of meeting the HDS language requirement for the MTS, MDiv, ThM, or PhD degree. These exams are not placement tests. All iterations of the Language Qualifying Exams are to be held in person.

Students can take up to two exams during the same examination period. The first exam is held from 12pm to 1pm, and the second exam is held from 1:30pm to 2:30pm (all in person).

If you have approved accommodations, please connect with the Registrar’s Office well in advance of the exams. 

Academic Year 2026-2027 Schedule

Qualifying language exams will be held in person only on the following dates:

  1. Monday, August 31, 2026, at12 pm, in the James Room (start of the fall semester)  
  2. Friday, January 22, 2027, at 12 pm, in the James Room (start of the spring semester) 
  3. Friday, April 30, 2027, at 12 pm, in the James Room (end of the spring semester) 

Please note the following important additional information for the various exam dates: 

Monday, August 31, 2026, at 12 pm, in the James Room (in person) 

Classical Arabic, New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, and Pali, as well as French, German, and Spanish, will be offered.

The registration deadline for the exam is Friday, August 21, 2026.

Friday, January 22, 2027, at 12 pm, in the James Room (in person) 

Modern languages only: Exams will be in French, German, and Spanish. 

The registration deadline for the exam is Friday, January 15, 2027.

Friday, April 30, 2027, at 12 pm, in the James Room (in person) 

Classical Arabic, New Testament Greek, Biblical Hebrew, Christian Latin, and Pali, as well as French, German, and Spanish, will be offered.

The registration deadline for the exam is Friday, April 23, 2027.

We trust that the honor principle is respected by all students, as it is respected by the instructors and administrators of this language qualifying exam.

Length of exam

Students have one hour and 10 minutes (70 minutes total) for each exam.

Use of dictionary

You may use one print dictionary. You are not permitted to use any translation software, outside help, textbooks, and/or similar aids to assist you in your translation of this exam text.

Additional examination information

Classical Arabic

The Arabic exam is available in classical Arabic. The text is approximately 20-25 lines long. Offered in September and April. Sample Arabic exams (PDF)

French

The French exam, approximately 350-375 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample French exams (PDF)

Greek

The exam is based on a passage, approximately 10-12 lines in length, of a Greek prose writer of the Roman imperial period. An accurate translation of the text is required. Offered in September and April. Sample Greek exams (PDF)

German

The German exam, approximately 250 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample German exams (PDF)

Hebrew

The exam is based on a passage of Biblical Hebrew prose, approximately 10 verses in length. Accurate translation and parsing of select forms within the passage are required. Further commentary on the text of any critical apparatus is not expected. Offered in September and April. Sample Hebrew exams (PDF)

Latin

The Latin exam is based on a passage of Christian Latin prose, approximately 150 words in length, depending on the degree of difficulty. Offered in September and April. Sample Latin exams (PDF)

Pali

The Pali qualifying exam consists of a passage of classical Pali, approximately 250 words in length. You will be asked to translate the passage, and to parse a small number of the verbal forms found in the passage. Offered in the summer at the start of the fall semester (August/September) and at the end of the spring semester (April/May). Sample Pali exams (Microsoft Word)

Spanish

The Spanish exam, approximately 350-370 words in length, is based on a text in religious or theological studies, or from a work in theology. The level of difficulty corresponds to intermediate competency in academic translation. Offered in September, January, and April. Sample Spanish exams (PDF)