WHAT IS THE EXPLORATORY LATIN EXAM?
The Exploratory Latin Exam is a contest aimed at students of Latin in grades 3 through 6 who are beginning their Latin learning and not yet taking the National Latin Exam.
WHAT IS THE SYLLABUS?
The ELE looks slightly different for students in different grades: Grades 3-4 answer 30 questions from the core syllabus and may choose to answer the remaining 20 questions. Grades 5 and above answer 30 questions from the core syllabus, 10 questions on the yearly theme, and 10 additional questions entirely in Latin, based on an extended vocabulary list.
The 2021-2022 updated syllabus (thematic, universal, and extended) is available here.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To order the PRINT version of the exam, log in to your account or create one. Order information is on your Profile page.
To order and pay for the online version, follow this order link. Please note the Leveling below:
There are different iterations of the Exploratory Latin Exam, based on grade level. Teachers will select the sections for students as listed below.
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Level 1 (for grades 4 and under only): basic 30 questions (core)
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Level 2 (for grades 4 and under only): basic 30 questions (core) + questions 31-40 (tantum Latine)
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Level 3 (for grades 4 and under only): basic 30 questions (core) + questions 41-50 (theme)
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Level 4 (for grades 4 and under only): basic 30 questions (core) + questions 31-40 (tantum Latine) + questions 41-50 (theme)
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(Level 5 is no longer available.)
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Level 6 (for grades 5 and over): basic 30 questions (core) + questions 31-40 (tantum Latine) + questions 41-50 (theme)
Check the FAQ page for guidelines.
What is the cost?
Registration and shipping fee is $15 - Each test is an additional $5 ($4.00 for current ACL Members).
WHAT CONTENT IS ON THE EXAM?
The sets of Latin vocabulary are organized into two groups:
Universal Sets of Latin Vocabulary: Animals, Body Parts, Cardinal Numerals, Colors, Commands, Family, Oral Latin Essentials, Mottoes and Expressions, Roman Numerals (fluency with numerals I-X), School, Derivatives
Extended Sets of Latin Vocabulary: Art and Architecture, History and Geography, Mythology (Roman names only), Nature, Ordinal Numerals, Roman Life (clothing, housing, meals), Roman Numerals (fluency with numerals I-C is expected), Time, Roman Entertainment
HOW IS THE EXAM STRUCTURED?
The ELE looks slightly different for students in different grades:
- Grades 3-4 answer 30 questions from the core syllabus of universal sets of Latin vocabulary and may choose to answer the remaining 20 questions
- Grades 5 and above answer 30 questions from the core syllabus of universal sets of Latin vocabulary, 10 questions entirely in Latin from the extended sets of Latin vocabulary, and 10 questions on the yearly theme.
IS THERE A SAMPLE EXAM?
Yes. This is a sample Exploratory Latin Exam.
WHAT ABOUT AWARDS?
All participants will receive ribbons. Qualifying high scores will earn certificates. Perfect scores will earn medallions.
*For a perfect score medallion, students in grades 5 and above must correctly answer all 50 questions.
Print your own Certificates of Participation in COLOR for all of your students. Show your students that you appreciate the hard work they put in when preparing for the test.
WHAT DATES SHOULD I KNOW?
- Registration: September 1 through March 2
- Exam administration is open: January 1 - April 1
- Exam results mailed - mid to late May
ARE THERE RESOURCES TO HELP ME PREPARE MY STUDENTS?
Yes! Visit this link to order our updated study materials.
Click this link to access the slides from our Zoom session on the ELE Exam changes, tips and tricks on preparing your students.
2021-2022 Exploratory Latin Exam cut off scores are now available.
Downloadable Exploratory Latin certificates: COLOR CERTIFICATES