Language Exams | Language & International Studies | BYU-Idaho

# Language Exams

## Language Tests

BYU Flats Test

The exams for all languages are taken online through the BYU FLATS test. They can be taken in our Testing Center or at one of the proctor locations listed on the website. BYU-Idaho proctor information can be found on the Contact Us Page. Students will be notified of their results and will receive up to 12 hours of Pass credit on their transcripts for the tests they pass. Find information regarding the FLATS test and/or to register. Native speakers are not eligible for test credit.

Vertical Credit

Students who begin their language study at a higher level and receive a C grade or better may petition up to 12 hours of vertical credit for the courses they skip (eligible language courses are limited to 101, 102, and/or 201). For help with this option, please contact clladvising@byui.edu. Native speakers are not eligible for vertical credit.

Placement Information

Placement in foreign language classes is solely dependent on your personal proficiency level. However, there are some general guidelines that can help you get into the right class. If the class has a prerequisite, contact the course instructor directly for authorization to register for the class.

## Language Specific Details

- Chinese
- French
- Russian
- German
- Spanish

## Chinese

- Most elders and sisters returning from a Chinese-speaking mission should enroll in CHIN 202. They should have at least a decent command of characters (reading and writing).
- For elder and sister missionaries who don't have a good understanding of characters, CHIN 201 is normally a better fit.
- For students who took Chinese in high school or at another university, or for Cantonese-speaking returned missionaries, please contact Dr. McKay (mckaytr@byui.edu) to have a 2-3 minute assessment for proper placement.

## French

- Students with 2 years or less of high school French should generally take French 101.
- Students with 3 years or more of high school French should generally take French 102.
- Students with 4 years or more of high school French (or former French-speaking missionaries who would like to review grammar and vocabulary) should generally take French 201.
- Former French-speaking missionaries who already write well and speak well should take French 202 or French 321.

*These are the general guidelines for placement into French classes at BYU-Idaho. They may vary according to grades received in the high school classes and according to general competence in the language. For example, if a student took 4 years of high school French, but they were difficult for the student and the grade received was lower than an A, then the years in school may not apply and a beginning class should be taken.

## Russian

- Students who served Russian-speaking missions should normally sign up for RUSS 202. Contact the instructor for authorization to register for the course. RUSS 202 is the prerequisite for the 3rd-year language courses (RUSS 301 & RUSS 302).
- Students who served Russian-speaking missions and who felt that they struggled with the language may choose to sign up for RUSS 201. Contact the instructor for a brief consultation and authorization to register for the course. RUSS 101 and 102 are not for anyone who served a Russian-speaking mission.
- Students who have had other experiences with Russian should contact Brother Brian Felt (feltb@byui.edu) to determine the best Russian course for them.

## German

Beginning level students should take GER 101 (online course only).

*We do not offer German for RMs or other intermediate/advanced-level speakers.

## Spanish

- Less than 2 years high school - take SPAN 101
- 2 to 3 years high school - take SPAN 102
- 4 to 5 years high school - take SPAN 201
- Spanish-speaking RM - take SPAN 302
- Heritage speaker - take SPAN 302 (learned some Spanish growing up speaking with family members)
- Native speaker - take SPAN 302