This position paper on the articulation of foreign language programs considers many of the problems caused by the transfer of students from junior and community colleges to four-year institutions. The establishment of uniform assessment procedures of foreign language levels, procedures for placement of college freshmen, and the development of standardized testing practices are viewed as goals of an articulated state-wide language program. Discussion of the Modern language Association and the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages testing programs stresses the ability to communicate in the target language. Specific criteria for testing programs focus on the establishment of levels; proposed areas of competence to be measured, definition of norms, and the application of these results to articulation measures are examined. Recommendations to language teachers in the State of Iowa are included. (RL)