The National Latin Exam (NLE) is a nationwide assessment sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League. It is designed to promote the study of Latin and recognize students' achievement in the language. The exam focuses on Latin grammar, vocabulary, translation, comprehension, Roman culture, mythology and classical geography. While participation is entirely optional, Students enrolled in Latin courses are encouraged to participate as an opportunity to showcase their progress and gain national recognition for their accomplishments. Seniors who take any of the advanced exams may be eligible for a scholarship through the National Latin Exam.

 

Registration

The NLE is available to any student interested in taking the test. Kolbe Academy recommends registration for students in Second Form Latin and above. Students should register for the level that corresponds to their current Latin course. Students may not register for more than one exam each year. All exams can be taken twice except for the Intro to Latin Exam, which is only eligible to be taken once. Find below the recommended test level for Kolbe Latin courses. Students enrolled in a live or asynchronous Kolbe Latin course will have a test recommendation from their teacher. 

 

• Second Form Latin - Intro to Latin Exam or Beginning Latin Exam
• Latin 1 - Beginning Latin Exam or Beginning Latin Reading Exam
• Latin 2 - Intermediate Latin Exam or Intermediate Latin Reading Exam
• Latin 3 - Intermediate Latin Reading or Advanced Latin Prose
• Latin 4 - Advanced Latin Prose, Advanced Latin Poetry or Advanced Latin Reading

 

Kolbe Academy students are able to pre-pay for registration on the NLE ipon completion of course registration or add it on at a later date. All Kolbe students registered in Second Form Latin and above will receive an email invitation to register for the test. 

 

Administration

Kolbe Academy administers the NLE online through the official NLE testing portal. Testing dates vary by year but are typically in Match of each academic year. Detailed testing instructions will be emailed to registered families prior to the exam. It is advised to check the technical requirements for the exam on the NLE website before administration.

The exam is a 45 minute multiple choice test covering grammar and syntax, vocabulary and derivatives, translation and comprehension along with Roman history, culture mythology and classical geography. The exam is offered at eight different levels corresponding to the student's current Latin level. Find above the exam equivalencies based on Kolbe Latin courses. Students enrolled in a live online or asynchronous course will receive test level recommendations from their teacher.

 

Preparation and Content

Kolbe students are generally well prepared for the exam. If your student wishes to do any extra practice, the National Latin Exam website has a practice app, as well as previous exams and keys. The exam is not meant to be overly difficult but rather to encourage continued study and enjoyment of Latin.

To learn more about the exam content, see the Latin Syllabus on the NLE website. On most exams, the first section tests a student's knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in the comprehension of Latin. The next section assesses a student's knowledge of the Roman world as outlined in the syllabus and rod roots. The questions of the final section are based on information contained in a passage in Latin. The Reading Comprehension Exams are based entirely on passages in latin. Most questions will focus on reading comprehension, although some questions will assess student's understanding of Roman culture, history and mythology. Only on the Advanced Latin Reading Comprehension Exam are student required to identify grammatical constructions.

 

Results and Awards

Scores are typically released in April of each year following the exam. Certificates and medals are given to students based on the annual national average of the exam. Awards are given to students with perfect papers along with first through fourth place winners for the year. Special Book Awards are also available for students who win multiple certificates. 

High performing students may also have their names included in Kolbe's newsletter or year-end recognitions.