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 4 and below answer 30 questions from the core syllabus (Level 1) and may choose to answer the remaining 20 questions (Level 2). Grades 5 and above answer 30 questions from the core syllabus, 10 questions on the yearly theme, and 10 additional questions entirely in Latin (Level 3), based on an extended vocabulary list.
The 2023-2024 updated syllabus (universal, extended, and theme) is now available.
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
To order and pay for the online or print version please refer to our Exam page.
Check the FAQ page for guidelines. (link will be updated soon)
WHAT IS THE COST?
Registration and shipping fee is $20
Each test is an additional $6.50 ($5.50 for current ACL Members).
For those programs that register to take the test on paper, each registration costs $8.50 ($7.50 for current ACL Members) for each student.
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
IS THERE A SAMPLE EXAM?
Yes. This is a sample Exploratory Latin Exam
(answer key for sample exam)
WHAT ABOUT AWARDS?
All participants will receive ribbons. Qualifying high scores will earn certificates. Perfect scores will earn medallions. Please note that students who opt to take the Level 2 exam must answer all 50 questions correctly to earn a medallion.
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 February 10 (note revised date!)
Exam administration is open: January 1 - March 10 (note revised date!)
Exam results mailed - mid May
ARE THERE RESOURCES TO HELP ME PREPARE MY STUDENTS?
Click this link to access the slides and recording from our 2022-2023 Zoom session on the ELE Exam changes, tips and tricks on preparing your students.
Yes! Visit this link to order our updated study materials. [Updated materials will be forthcoming this fall.]
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS?
If you have more questions, contact the ELE Chair at elechair@etclassics.org