Foreign Language Proficiency Assessment

The next FLPA in German will take place on April 7, 2025 from 12:00-3:00 p.m.

The next FLPA in French and Italian will take place on April 10, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

The next FLPA in Spanish will take place on April 10, 2025 from 2:00-5:00 p.m.

The next FLPA in Latin will take place on April 11, 2025 from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

• Please note: You will still need to register and pay the $35 fee by the posted deadline by credit card only. You must register and pay by the posted deadline, April 3, 2025, at 5:00 p.m.

Registration is now closed

The Graduate School administers Foreign Language Proficiency Assessments for enrolled, degree seeking graduate students who have a foreign language proficiency requirement as part of their degree program. The assessments are offered as an alternative to coursework (601/602 language courses) for those students who have proficiency in a language but may not have a documented means of showing it.

The assessments are reading proficiency exams equivalent to a final exam in a 602 course. Principally, the exams include the translation of a prescribed general interest text and a section focused on reading comprehension skills. The Latin exam is entirely translation of passages from major classical literary texts.

Assessments are automatically offered in French, German, Italian, Latin, and Spanish. The Graduate School will work to make accommodations for other foreign languages upon request but cannot guarantee availability.

Assessment Schedule

The Foreign Language Proficiency Assessments are offered once a semester, typically in November and April. The upcoming FLPA Exam schedule is as follows:

Registration

Registration is now closed

Registrater for Foreign Language Proficiency Assessments using the above link. Once you register, you will receive an email confirmation of your registration. No cash will be accepted as payment for this fee.

General Guidelines for the FLPA

All students must present a valid photo ID (UNC One Card or Driver's License) to take the assessment. Students without a valid ID will not be allowed to sit for the assessment.

The maximum time allowed for completion of the assessment is three hours. Students who show up late may take the assessment, but will not be allowed any extra time. Students who finish early may leave upon completion of the exam.

Students are expected to sign (on their assessment) that they are aware that the UNC Honor Code applies to this exam.

Students are allowed to use a foreign language dictionary during the exam. Please consult with the proctor about using other translation tools, including online resources. Samples of previous examinations are generally not circulated.

Grades

Grades are reported as Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory and will generally be reported within two weeks of the assessment date. Satisfactory proficiency is at a skill level equivalent to a 70 percent comprehension or competence of a final exam in a 602 course. Results of Satisfactory are reported by The Graduate School to the student and student's home program. Unsatisfactory results are reported only to the student. A student may take the assessments as often as they wish, subject to the fee for each seating.

If you have questions, please contact Lou Anne Phelps at laphelps@email.unc.edu.