FAQ’s

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. It will be your responsibility to reach out to your proctor with the instructions provided and schedule 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. For a more detailed look at the test format, click here.

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, so it is good to be prepared for that.   
• Be familiar with the grammar and conversation that could be found in 101, 102, and 201 level college courses. 

The test is structured to not have the prompt written down, you will listen to the question and answer the options below. 

It is also helpful to know that 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.

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

Please feel free to read through the proctor page we have on our site found here.

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’ BYU 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 that six months has passed, you will have to register and pay again.

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

That depends entirely on which university/institution you are attending. You are able to take the test as a returned missionary, UNLESS you are attending or planning to attend BYU’s Provo campus. BYU Provo students are NOT allowed to take the FLATS Exam.

If you are a current missionary, please note that you must wait until you are home from your mission until you can take the test. As of 2024, the FLATS Test is not available for current/active missionaries.

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 time period. You must maintain a 6 month period in between registrations of the same test.
You CAN register for two different languages within a 6 month time period.

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. Here are the few exceptions…

• University of Louisville no longer accepts FLATS credits
• BYU Provo does not accept FLATS credits (unless you are given express permission from your department).The Idaho and Hawaii campuses DO accept FLATS credits. Provo students, however, must take the corresponding class + 16 credit challenge exam.
• Texas A&M will only accept FLATS credits if the test is taken with their in-person, on campus proctor.

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.