Teachers administering the one-hour exam must be individual members of CAMWS, or their schools must be institutional members of CAMWS, or their school libraries must subscribe to the Classical Journal. This examination is administered during the last two weeks of November or the first week of December (but please check Important Upcoming CAMWS Dates and Deadlines for specific dates for this year). The Latin teacher (or a substitute) may administer the exam during regular class time, but the teacher or proctor may NOT answer any questions or provide any other sort of assistance.
Students should translate as literally as possible without violating English idiom. They are responsible for the vocabulary on the Dickinson College Core Latin Vocabulary list. Any words not appearing on this list will be glossed.
The Intermediate High School Exam is open to students in Latin Three or Latin Two. It is designed for students who have been introduced to most grammatical concepts (e.g., subjunctive uses and indirect statement) but whose translation experience has primarily involved adapted prose passages.
The top 10 students in the Intermediate High School Exam will each receive a $50 cash prize. An additional 10 outstanding contestants will receive a book prize relevant to classical antiquity. Additional writers of meritorious examinations will receive certificates of commendation.
The Advanced High School Exam is open to students in Latin Four and beyond. It is designed for students who have not only learned most basic Latin grammar but who have also had considerable experience translating authentic passages.
The advanced translation exam alternates annually between poetry and prose. The 2022-2023 exam will feature a prose passage.
The top 10 students in the Advanced High School Exam will each receive a $250 cash prize. An additional 20 outstanding contestants will receive a book prize relevant to classical antiquity. Additional writers of meritorious examinations will receive certificates of commendation.
Winners will be announced just before or at the annual CAMWS meeting.
Contest History
Previous Translation Exams
Promotional Flyer
All questions about the high school exams should be directed to the chair of the CAMWS International Latin Translation Exam Committee at camwstranslation@camws.org.
Registration for this exam is due by October 31. To register for the contest, complete this Exam Registration Form.