language@usc administers competency exams for many languages not commonly taught at USC. Competency exams can be used to fulfill the three-semester foreign language requirement. Exams cannot fulfill the fourth semester requirement. Languages taught at USC are not eligible for this method of testing.

Competency exams test for advanced language skills and must be administered at USC subject to the availability of suitable academic examiners; competency exams test proficiency in speaking, reading and writing skills.

FLATS exams are administered on the Friday of Week 10 of classes during the Fall and Spring semesters. You must register for the Fall exam by October 1 and by March 1 for the Spring exam. Click “Test Dates” on the navigation bar above for exam dates.  UPenn exams are administered ad hoc; students who have successfully registered for UPenn exams will be contacted to set up test times.

Option 1: Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) Exams

Check here first!

If you deviate in any way from the instructions linked below, results of your exam will be delayed. Exams must be proctored in person on the USC campus. Proctor name: NICOLE BENEVENTO (not Dan Bayer). You must use your USC email address to register for a test at USC.

To register, strictly adhere to THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

The Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS) offers exams in around forty languages. If you followed the instructions, you will receive an email confirmation from us a few days after the registration deadline. FLATS exams are administered on Fridays of Week 10 of classes each semester.

If a test in your language is not offered by FLATS, check the Penn Language Center (PLC) below, Option 2.

Option 2: Penn Language Center (UPenn) Exams

PLC exams consist of two parts – a written exam that you will take on campus at USC’s Center for Testing & Assessment and an oral proficiency interview which will happen after you complete the written exam. Click here to link to PLC.

(To register: Scroll down to Non-Penn students and complete the form. Where it asks for proctor name, please use “USC”, language at usc dot edu for the email.  Results should be sent to same.) UPenn exams are administered individually; students will be contacted to schedule a test time.

Please note that American Sign Language (ASL) is not eligible for fulfillment of USC’s foreign language requirement.

Fees

Fees associated with testing in languages not offered at USC are the responsibility of the student. USC does not provide funding for these exams.

I Cannot Find My Language Anywhere

USC policy states that foreign language competency exams are contingent upon the availability and willingness of suitable academic examiners.

USC does not guarantee that a language can be tested to fulfill the foreign language requirement.

If there is no competency test available through FLATS or the PLC, you need to use another language to fulfill the foreign language requirement. Please consult your academic advisor.

Note About NYU Exams

USC no longer accepts NYU exams for fulfillment of the USC foreign language requirement  (January 2023).