National Latin Exam

What is the National Latin Exam?

The name of the exam is a little misleading because The National Latin Exam (NLE) is offered to students of Latin all around the world, not just in the United States. It is a 45-minute timed and standardized test composed of multiple-choice questions about Latin grammar, vocabulary, translation, English derivatives, and the history, geography, mythology, and culture of the ancient world. Sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League, the NLE is offered for the following eight levels:

Introduction to Latin Exam
Beginning Latin Exam
Beginning Latin Reading Comprehension Exam*
Intermediate Latin Exam
Intermediate Latin Reading Comprehension Exam
Advanced Latin Prose Exam
Advanced Latin Poetry Exam
Advanced Latin Reading Comprehension Exam

Why should I take it?

The National Latin Exam is a prestigious exam and offers students the opportunity for meaningful recognition and the ability to gauge their understanding of Latin against students at their level of learning around the world.

In addition, the NLE confers awards based upon the annual, national average for each exam level. Cutoff levels change each year and are dependent on the scores of those taking the exam. These awards are:

• Perfect paper: a certificate printed on specially colored paper with the name of the winner
• Gold medal and a summa cum laude certificate: awarded to those who score at the highest level
• Silver medal and maxima cum laude certificate: awarded to those who score in the second level cutoff
• Magna cum laude certificate: award to those who score in the third level cutoff
• Cum laude certificate: awarded to those who score in the fourth level cutoff

In addition, those who have earned Perfect Papers and Gold Medals often have their names published in the National Junior Classical League’s magazine, Torch U.S.

Students may also be eligible for book awards and scholarships.

Which Level should I take?

Each student should discuss which level to take with his or her magistra/magister. Some general rules of thumb are:

Second Form Latin – Grades 6+ – Introduction Exam

Third Form Latin – Grades 6 – 8 – Introduction or Beginning Latin Exam

Fourth Form Latin – Grades 7+ – Beginning or Intermediate Exam

Henle Latin I – Introduction or Beginning

Lingua Latina per se Illustrata – Grades 7+ – Introduction – Advanced

How should I prepare?

Previous National Latin Exams – One of the best ways to study is by accessing the tests for your level given in previous years. The NLE has linked every test given at every level since 2012 along with their answer keys, so you can check your work.

NLE Online Practice App – This is not an app for your phone, but an online app for your computer. It generates ten questions based on the exam level you choose. Pick either a random mix of questions or further customize it to ask only questions about either Language, Latin in Use, or Culture and Civilization. Best of all, it gives immediate feedback: Optime! or Eheu! This is a quick and easy way to practice every day.

Memoria Press Guides – These guides to the National Latin Exam have four available options: Introduction, Level 1, Level II, and Intermediate Reading Comprehension. Each successive level covers the information pertinent to that exam and the information for the exam levels below it.