The DPES is designed to help students identify the formal register of Spanish through a systematic presentation of salient and varied grammatical points. The items are presented in a progressive fashion: orthography and accentuation, verb conjugations, verb tenses, simple sentences and complex sentences. The knowledge tested on this exam is acquired through both informal and formal experiences. The test consists of 95 objective questions. It has a 50 minute time limit. Scores on the DPES will place you in the following courses:
Spanish 281 (01-49 points) Level I
Spanish 282 (50-69 points) Level II
Spanish 381 (70-95 points) Level III
For Study: The study guide, Espanol Para Todos, by Margarita Hidalgo, is available in the SDSU Aztec Shops Bookstore.
Who Needs to Take the DPES?
Students of a Spanish speaking background seeking placement in Spanish 281, Spanish 282 or Spanish 381. No academic credit is awarded.
DPES Test Date and Registration Information
| Test Date |
Online/In-Person Reg Deadline |
Mail-In Registration |
Scores Released |
June 21, 2008 |
June 6, 2008 |
June 4, 2008 |
July 1, 2008 |
July 12, 2008 |
June 27, 2008 |
June 25, 2008 |
July 22, 2008 |
August 2, 2008 |
July 18, 2008 |
July 16, 2008 |
August 12, 2008 |
August 23, 2008 |
August 8, 2008 |
August 6, 2008 |
September 2, 2008 |
October 4, 2008 |
September 19, 2008 |
September 17, 2008 |
October 14, 2008 |
November 1, 2008 |
October 17, 2008 |
October 15, 2008 |
November 12, 2008 |
December 6, 2008 |
November 21, 2008 |
November 19, 2008 |
December 16, 2008 |
Registration Procedures
***Students Requiring Disability Accommodations please read!
DPES online registration (credit card or check)
Online Registration hours of availability: 6:30 a.m. - midnight (PST)
OR
Fill out the DPES mail-in registration form
OR
Come to the SDSU Student Testing, Assessment & Research Office, (SSW-2549), during business hours (Monday - Friday 8 am - 4:30 pm) and purchase a ticket of admission. The fee for the DPES is $25.00. Tickets purchased August 20, 2007 or later are non-refundable.
Directions and Parking Instructions