Avant Assessment

Avant Assessment

Avant STAMP (STAndards-Based Measurement of Proficiency) is an online, computer-adaptive test that measures language proficiency in Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking.

Avant STAMP for ASL is a first-of-its-kind American Sign Language test. ASL learners will be evaluated first on the Receptive skill (comprehension of signed ASL videos) and after that on the Expressive skill (production of signed ASL).

Sam Houston State University has a policy of accepting up to a maximum of thirty (30) hours of credit through a combination of national standardized examinations and/or locally designed and administered departmental tests. More than thirty (30) hours of credit by examination will be considered on an individual appeal basis. Policies are subject to change at any time. Please check this webpage for the most current policy.

  • Exams Accepted/Credit Awarded

    Subject exam titles and corresponding SHSU course numbers are listed below. Credit hours awarded will be between 4 - 14. 

    • American Sign Language (ASL) | ASL 1411, 1412, 2311, and 2312
    • Arabic/Middle Eastern Studies | ARAB 1411, 1412, 2311, and 2312
    • French Language | FREN 1411, 1412, 2311, and 2312
    • German Language | GER 1411, 1412, 2311, and 2312
    • Spanish Language | SPAN 1411, 1412, 2311, and 2312
  • Test Days and Times/Registration Instructions
    • The Testing Center collaborates directly with World Languages and Cultures (WOLC) to establish a test date for all Avant exams.
      • Please consult with your instructor or contact WOLC to initiate the process.
      • Once approved by WOLC to take the exam, you must pay the Avant test fee before scheduling an appointment with the Testing Center. Please pay the required test fee here and save your confirmation receipt.
      • After you have paid the Avant test fee, contact the Testing Center at test.ctr@shsu.edu or 936-294-1025 to pay the administration/registration fee for your appointment. 
    • Students need to report to the testing site at least 15 – 30 minutes before their scheduled testing time.
    • Dates and/or times are subject to change.

    ATTENTION: TEST RESULTS

    Reading and Listening scores are available immediately. 

    Writing and Speaking scores are typically available from 7 to 10 business days after test completion. During busy testing times (March-June), scoring may take longer. Please plan accordingly.

  • General Information
    • Letter grades A and B take precedence over credit-by-exam.
    • Credit-by-exam will automatically replace letter grades D and F. If a better letter grade of C is listed on the transcript for a course in which credit-by-exam is also applicable, the C will take precedence over the credit-by-exam. Students will have the option to request credit (via credit-by-exam) in lieu of letter grade C. The student will have to initiate the change and work with the respective department and Admissions to finalize the change.
    • Although credit-by-exam replaces letter grades C, D, and F, it does not remove the letter grade from the transcript.
    • Specific course prefixes, numbers, and credit hours will be awarded for acceptable scores but no grades will be awarded.
    • Students planning to graduate should take the Avant Assessment at least two weeks before graduation.
  • Registration/Administration Fee
    • $53.50 (non-transferable, non-refundable)
    • Rescheduling will incur another registration/administration/test fee payment.
  • Testing Fee
    • Avant exam fees vary between $39.90-$49.90
    • Avant exams can be purchased here 
  • Items Needed
    • Current/unexpired government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, military ID, national ID, or tribal ID)
    • Secondary ID – SHSU Bearkat OneCard
  • Acceptable Scores and Credits

    The Department of World Languages and Cultures has mandated the following specifications for credit on foreign language Avant STAMP assessments.

    Avant Scores.png

  • Additional Score Reports

    To request additional score reports, please contact the Testing Center.

    • Call: 936-294-1025
    • Email: test.ctr@shsu.edu
    • Location: 1921 Avenue J, Academic Building IV, Room 102, Huntsville, Texas 77340
  • Avant Retake Policy

    Avant Assessment follows best practices in high-stakes testing (Seal of Biliteracy, credit by exam, etc.) to protect the validity of our assessments and the meaning of the results. The following policy describes the criteria and procedures for requesting any Avant STAMP test reset or section retake. Avant’s approval shall be required on all requests for resets and retakes.

    • Test takers must wait 90 days to retest.
  • Additional Information
    • Visit our website at shsu.edu/testing
    • Email test.ctr@shsu.edu
    • Visit the office located in Academic Building IV, Room 102
    • Call (936) 294-1025
    • Write to the Testing Center, Box 2240 SHSU, Huntsville, Texas 77341-2240
  • Avant Assessment Website

    https://www.avantassessment.com/