Latin Tournament
The Classical Association of Virginia is proud to present its
Ninety-Fifth Annual Latin Tournament
March 2026 (exact dates to be announced)
These challenging examinations are designed to test the student’s understanding and mastery of the Latin language and, in the case of the upper level exams, the ability to read and interpret authentic Latin literature at their particularly level of study. The exams include two sections: a set of multiple-choice questions on vocabulary, forms, syntax, and (where appropriate) rhetorical and poetic devices, and reading passages for students to provide a written translation in order to show comprehension. The exams are administered on bubble-sheets filled in by #2 pencils with separate blank sheets for the written translations. N.B. The written translation section is optional and should be completed by those students looking for a challenger and interested in earning first, second, or third places, or honorable mention on the exams.
Levels of Exams
- Introduction to Latin
- Beginning Latin
- Intermediate Latin
- Advanced Latin
- Latin Literature: Prose
- Latin Literature: Poetry
Please see descriptions of exams in the syllabi below.
Divisions of Competition
- Alpha: public schools
- Beta: independent and private schools
- Gamma: charter, magnet, and governor’s schools
Administration of Exams
- Exams will be given at the school of the participants.
- Exams may be administered by the Latin teacher during the specified testing window.
- Students will have 60 minutes to complete their exams.
- All students on a given level must take the exam at the same time.
Please see specific instructions for administration of exams below.
Tests & Syllabi
Introduction to Latin
This exam, recently added to our list, consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and a written sight translation. Questions cover vocabulary, grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, and translation.
Beginning Latin
This exam, formerly called “Latin One,” consists of 40 multiple-choice questions and a written sight translation. Questions cover vocabulary, grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, and translation.
Intermediate Latin
This exam, formerly called “Latin Two,” consists of 40 multiple-choice questions on vocabulary, derivatives, grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, and translation.
Advanced Latin
This exam, formerly called “Advanced Latin Prose,” is intended for students in their third or fourth year of Latin in a course not primarily focused on reading and translating authentic Latin literature. This exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and a written sight translation. Questions cover vocabulary, derivatives, grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, and translation.
Latin Literature: Prose
This exam is designed for students reading authentic Latin prose and contains passages from Caesar, Cicero, and authors of similar difficulty. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and a written sight translation. Questions cover grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, translation, and literary devices.
Latin Literature: Poetry
This exam is designed for students reading authentic Latin poetry and contains passages from Vergil, Ovid, and other authors of similar difficulty. The exam consists of 30 multiple-choice questions and a written sight translation. Questions cover grammar, syntax, reading comprehension, translation, and literary devices.
Awards
The awards on the CAV Latin Tournament are designed to recognize students’ efforts to learn and hone their skills in Latin at their level, as well as to identify and recognize outstanding Latin students in the state of Virginia.
- Placements will be awarded to the three students with the highest scores in each division for each exam (combined score of multiple-choice and translation sections). First place winners will receive an engraved Jefferson Cup and
paper certificate; second and third place winners will receive medals and certificates. The CAV will publish the names of each student who places in its newsletter*.
- Certificates of Honorable Mention will be awarded to those students who score within the top 20% of students from their division on their exam (combined score of multiple-choice and translation sections). The CAV will publish the names of each student who receives honorable mention in its newsletter*.
- The written translation section is optional and should be completed by those students who are interested in earning first, second, or third places, or honorable mention on the exams.
- Cum Laude Certificates will be awarded to any student who scores 30/40 on the Introduction to Latin, Beginning Latin, and Intermediate Latin exams, or a 20/30 on the Advanced Latin, Latin Literature: Prose, and Latin Literature:
Poetry exams. The CAV will publish in its newsletter the names of schools who have students receiving Cum Laude Certificates*.
- A plaque will be awarded to the top school in each division (Alpha, Beta, and Gamma) with the highest number of students who place on all the exams.
- Awards will be announced and distributed at the Spring Meeting of the CAV, so participating teachers should plan to attend to receive their awards!
N.B. The CAV will not publish in its newsletter or on its website the names of students who receive recognition if they or their families do not wish to make that information public. It is the responsibility of the individual Latin teacher to inform the Tournament Director if any student opts out of having their name listed among the winners in the newsletter.
Cost & Registration
- Cost:
- $3.00 per exam
- Teachers giving the exam for the first time (or the first time in five years) can offer the exams FOR FREE!
- All fees are non-refundable.
- Registration:
- Teachers must complete the registration form and submit a check or money order by the deadline.
- All registrations are due to the Latin Tournament Registrar by February 14.
CAV Latin Tournament Director & Registrar:
Lexi Harrell
