IMPORTANT: You are responsible for all the information and instructions on this page. Deadlines for these steps will be announced by your instructor. Please note: if you have an accommodations letter you are responsible to notify the Department before you take the Challenge Exam.
The Challenge Exam allows BYU students who served a French-speaking mission, who learned French at home, or who had a significant immersion experience for which they did not receive academic credit, to demonstrate their proficiency and to receive graded credit.
Prerequisites:
- The exam must be taken during your first language-focused class at BYU or first language-focused class after your mission.
- Language-focused classes are FREN 201, 202, or 321.
- Native speakers cannot take the exam for credit.
Instructions:
Step 1 - Take the LASER
What is the LASER?
The Language Self-Evaluation Resource is a self-assessment diagnostic tool designed to help students evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.How long will the LASER take?
Completion of all components of the LASER takes about an hour.You need to complete the LASER before the add/drop deadline. If you do not take the LASER by the add/drop deadline, please contact the French & Italian department. Click here to access the LASER.
Step 2 - Register by Add/Drop Deadline
If you are eligible, please click here to register for the French Challenge Exam. There is a $20 non-refundable fee to take the Challenge Exam. Please note:
- If you do not complete the LASER, OPIc and/or WPT by the deadlines, your $20 will not be refunded.
- If you do not finish the French class you are currently in, you will not be able to receive credit for the Challenge Exam.
- For eligibility requirements and other FAQ, click here.
Step 3 - Take the OPIc
What is the OPIc?
The Oral Proficiency Interview computer is an online exam that determines your proficiency in spoken French based on functions defined by the ACTFL proficiency scale.Take the OPIc before September 30th.
You need to schedule a time to take the OPIc in Humanities Testing Lab found in JFSB B153. Click here to sign up for a time.
Step 4 - Take the WPT
What is the WPT?
The Writing Proficiency Test is an internet-delivered test that determines your proficiency in written French according to the standards set by ACTFL.Take the WPT before September 30th.
You need to schedule a time to take the WPT in Humanities Testing Lab found in JFSB B153. Click here to sign up for a time.
Step 5 - Accept your Challenge Exam Grades
Grades from the Challenge Exam will be available for you to either accept or decline during finals week. You will receive a message through YMessage inviting you to accept your grades online. Please note:
- You have one year to accept your grades.
- You decide which scores you want to appear on your transcript.
- The scores you choose will affect your overall GPA and your total credit hours but will not affect credit caps for scholarships, applying to programs, etc.
If you have more questions please contact the French and Italian Department at (801) 422-2209 or french_italian@byu.edu.
