FAQ

After you register and pay for the exam, our office will process your registration and send you an instruction email. That instruction email will include the contact information for your proctor. You will be responsible for reaching out to your proctor with the instructions provided and scheduling your test with them.

Please note that while our office is happy to help you get in contact with your proctor, we do not handle the direct scheduling of the test. That is between you and your proctor.

The FLATS Test contains what would be covered in the first three semesters of college-level instruction in the language, and tests you on listening, reading, and grammar. There is no writing or speaking. The test is 150 questions long and is taken on the computer.

We do not offer practice material specific to the FLATS Exam, but here are ways for you to feel more confident when taking the test:

• Watch or listen to news reports, podcasts, or YouTube videos from the country/language you will be tested on. The listening portions are vital parts of the exam, and the listening segments tend to be quick
• Be familiar with the grammar and conversation in 101, 102, and 201 level college courses.

The test is composed of only multiple-choice questions and listening prompts; you will not be required to write anything.

Please note that you will not be told your score as soon as you hit submit on your test; it is not an automated process. Our office staff will process your results as soon as they are able to do so.

When your results are processed, you will receive both an emailed copy and a physically mailed copy. Once you receive the email with your test results, that indicates that your results have been processed fully. Unless you have chosen to have your results held, that also indicates that your results have been sent to your institution.

Our office can take anywhere from 1-3 business days to process your results. During the busier parts of the semester, it may take longer to process things, so we appreciate your patience.

Please read through the proctor page

If you have questions or concerns that are not addressed on that page, feel free to contact your university or reach out to us directly at flats-sec@byu.edu.

No, you will receive a score report, not a transcript. Your score report recommends the credits that should be added to your current school transcript.

If your school will only accept an 'official' Transcript, contact us, and we will reach out to your school directly.

Your registration is valid for six months. Once you register, you have a 6-month window to schedule and take your test. Once those six months have passed, you must register and pay again.

Yes you can, but you must wait six months in between each attempt.

No. In order to maintain test security, the FLATS Test can only be taken within the United States of America.

You CANNOT register for the same language within a 6-month period. If you want to register for a test of the same language, you must wait 6 months after you take it the first time.

You CAN register for two different languages at the same time.

Example: You cannot register for two Russian FLATS Tests within 6 months of each other. You can register for a Russian Test and a Serbian Test at the same time/within 6 months of each other.

Most places will give you no issues when it comes to transferring FLATS credits to your transcript. There are some exceptions, however, so we recommend that you contact your institution to confirm if they accept the test. See if your institution has previously accepted FLATS credits.

As of 2024, the FLATS Office follows the lead of your school/university. If you have pre-approved accommodations or an individualized education plan, those can apply to your FLATS test-taking process. Please be sure to inform your proctor of any accommodations you might have so that they may best oblige you.