Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Do I need to take a Foreign Language Placement Exam (FLPE) if I took the AP, IB, or SAT II?

  You do not need to take the FLPE if you received one of the following scores:

  • • 3 or better on the Foreign language AP exam
    • 5 or better on the  IB higher-level exam (standard level not accepted)
    • 530 or higher on a foreign language SAT II exam

  Note: Students who took NY State standardized Regents exams in 2011 or earlier with a score of 85 or higher are exempt from taking the FLPE. However, keep in mind that individual high schools' Regents exams, administered post 2011, are not equal to statewide Regents exams and therefore do not exempt students from LANG or from taking the FLPE.

• If I have college credit, documented on a college transcript, from a college-level language course that I took in high school, do I still need to take the FLPE?
  In this case, please consult with an Academic Advisor.  In general, if you have a college transcript that documents satisfactory completion of level language I & II, then you will not need to take the FLPE. 
• Where does the FLPE take place?
  FLPE exams are administered online. 
• How much does the FLPE cost?
  Effective May 2022, you will be billed $44.25 by the bursar for taking the FLPE.
• Do I need to make an appointment to take the FLPE?
  You must make an appointment to take the FLPE.  You can do so here.
• How do I prepare for the FLPE?
  Because the goal of the exam is to test your core proficiency in a foreign language, no prior formal preparation is necessary or required.
• How long is the FLPE?
  The exam takes approximately 40-60 minutes to complete the 4 sections of the exam.
• What's on the FLPE?
  The FLPE consists of four sections - reading comprehension, grammar in context, writing, and speaking. The first two sections are mulitple choice and the second two sections ask students to repond to a prompt.
• Do I need to take the FLPE in a language that I have never formally taken/studied?
  No, students should only take a placement exam in a language in which they have had formal or informal (as heritage speakers) prior exposure. 
• I took more than one language while in high school; may I take the FLPE Exam in more than one language?
  Yes, as long as your high school transcript indicates this fact, then you qualify to take more than one FLPE.
• Can I take the FLPE exam more than once?
  No, you can only take the FLPE one time per language.
• I studied a language that is not offered by the FLPE, what can I do?
  For languages not included in the FLPEs, please refer to the Challenge Exam.
• Is the FLPE the same as the Challenge Exam?
  No, the Challenge Exam is separate from the placement exam.
• How can I see the results of my FLPE?
  The results of your placement exam will appear in your SOLAR account in your Degree Progress Report within 5-7 business days from the date you took the exam. Consult the table at the end of the FLPE page on how to interpret your score.
• Who should I contact if I believe I met my LANG requirement and do not need to take an FLPE but it is not reflected on my transcript or Degreeworks?
  If you believe you have met the LANG requirement based on the an AP, IB (higher level), or SAT exam please contact the Transfer and Advising Office.