Latin exams: GCSE, National Latin Exam and AP
In short
Latin exams differ widely between countries. The GCSE is the exam at the end of compulsory schooling; the OCR specification (J282) has a language paper and literature papers. The National Latin Exam is a multiple-choice test used in the USA. AP Latin is the college-level course exam of the College Board, with a multiple-choice section and free-response questions. The German counterpart is the Abitur.
GCSE (England)
The GCSE is taken at the end of compulsory schooling in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. For Latin, the exam board (for example OCR) publishes a specification with its papers.
The OCR specification (J282) has a language paper (comprehension, grammar and passage translation) and literature papers on prose and verse. Each board sets its own papers, so check the specification of your board.
National Latin Exam (USA)
The National Latin Exam is a multiple-choice test that students take in many schools in the USA. It is sponsored by the American Classical League and the National Junior Classical League and comes in several levels, from an introductory exam to advanced exams.
The exact levels, formats and dates change from year to year; check the current list on the exam’s own website.
AP Latin (USA)
AP Latin is the course exam of the College Board, which students can take at the end of an Advanced Placement course in high school. The exam has a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice questions refer to the set reading of Vergil and Caesar; check the current syllabus.
The College Board publishes the current format and the set reading list; check them before you prepare, because they are updated.
Preparing with Disce ludens
All three exams test forms, syntax and vocabulary, and reading unseen passages. Disce ludens I and II build these foundations, from forms and sentence elements to the constructions of Caesar and Cicero; Verte ludens practices translating sentences by Caesar. Set reading, literature and the exam technique belong to the teacher and the exam itself, and the app does not replace them.
Try it
A real exercise from Disce ludens:
Verte ludens · Exercise 1 · Card 2
Cum Caesar in Galliam venisset, undique legati Gallorum ad eum convenerunt.
Which word begins the main clause?
Hint 1: Die Konjunktion cum leitet einen Nebensatz ein.
Hint 2: Jetzt gibt es keine Hilfe mehr.
Error points: 0
© Disce ludensWhat Disce ludens does – and what it doesn’t
What Disce ludens does
- Practices forms, syntax and translation with original sentences based on Caesar (Verte ludens).
- Introduces the constructions of prose and poetry reading: subjunctive, participles, gerund and gerundive (Disce ludens II).
- Gives graded hints for every translation before the solution is shown.
What it doesn’t do
- Does not contain the set reading of any country, school or board; that is set by the exam body.
- Does not replace the interpretation in class or a teacher.
- Does not translate texts for the exam.
Frequently asked questions
What do I need to know for a Latin exam?
To translate an original passage and understand it in context. You need secure forms, syntax and vocabulary; the set authors depend on the exam.
Is the GCSE the same as the National Latin Exam?
No. The GCSE is a school exam in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The National Latin Exam is a multiple-choice test in the USA.
How long is an AP Latin exam?
The exam has a multiple-choice section and a free-response section. Check the current format on the College Board website.
What is the German equivalent?
The Abitur. The page Latein-Abitur (in German) explains the German exam; the rules are set by each federal state.