CAMPUS-BASED LANGUAGE TEST
NEXT UC MERCED PROCTORED EXAM WILL BE OFFERED:
Fall Semester 2024
Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM
Must be registered for exam by Friday, September 20th (location will be emailed to you upon registration).
The Campus-Based Language Test is offered once in the Fall & Spring semesters, 4-6 weeks into the semester.
If you have not already fulfilled the General Education language requirement through high school course work, AP or IB exams, or UC Merced coursework, you have the option to take the following exam in one of the following languages listed here.
The cost for the exam is $50 if you would like to take the UC Merced proctored exam, which is currently offered once a semester on campus, or $70 if you take the BYU exam with the Proctor360 option (see below for more information).
Passing the Campus-Based Language Test results in waiver of the GE language requirement; however course credit is not awarded.
Language Test Information
Do you speak a language other than English proficiently?
Based upon your proficiency in another language, would you like to test out of the UC Merced General Education language requirement? UC Merced is offering Language Proficiency Testing of select languages that are not offered on this campus (through coursework) as an option to fulfill the language requirement for graduation. The online test, taken at home or at UC Merced, was created by Brigham Young University and is used by universities across the United States as a convenient option for students who wish to bypass the language requirement.
Who can take the test?
If you are a UC Merced undergraduate currently enrolled who has not already fulfilled the General Education language requirement through high school course work, AP or IB exams, or UC Merced coursework, you have the option to take the exam in one of the following languages listed here. If you plan to take the test instead of classes, we encourage you to do so before your junior year so if you do not pass you still have time to complete college coursework, as needed. However, you can take this test anytime.
What language can I take the test in?
Tests are offered in the languages found here.
When and where can I take the test?
There are two testing options. Option 1 is online at your convenience, proctored by staff at Proctor360. Option 2 is in person at UC Merced, offered once per semester, approximately 4-6 weeks into each semester. The Fall 2024 in-person language proficiency exam will be offered on Wednesday, September 25th, 3:30 PM. The location of the testing room on campus will be provided upon registration. Students must register at a minimum of 3 days in advance to take this test. Limited seating is available.
How long does it take?
Students have up to 2.5 hours to take the test. Most finish the exam in under two hours. Once you begin the test, you may not leave, nor refer to any devices or support materials. Computers will be provided to students to use for the UC Merced proctored exam.
What is the test like?
The language test consists of 3 sections: listening, reading, and grammar. The test is all multiple choice, so all the answers are on the test; you don’t have to come up with anything. You will not have to speak or write an essay. To prepare, you can study a beginning and intermediate college textbook. You can also go to YouTube to practice listening to your language. The recording on the test goes quickly, and you are not allowed to stop or rewind; therefore, be well-rested, and listen carefully when you are doing the listening section at the beginning.
Is it free?
No, the test is not free. Option 1, taking the test at your convenience with an online proctor, costs $70. Option 2, taking the test in person at UC Merced with a UCM proctor, costs $50. Both are significantly less than the cost of one year of a foreign language. The campus test administration is offered once per semester.
HOW DO I SIGN UP AND PAY FOR THE ONLINE (OFF-CAMPUS) OPTION?
- Go to https://info.flats.byu.edu/register-for-a-test/. Read about the information you will need to have handy and then click the link “Proceed to our registration system” at the bottom of the page.
- Enter information about the language you wish to test, this school, your student ID number, and your personal information (name, address, etc.).
- For section 4, “Choose a Proctor,” click on “Select Proctor360.com.”
- For section 5, “Where Should We Send Your Test Results,” have the scores sent to UC Merced by selecting “Yes, let me tell you where,” and then confirm the choice of Jeannie Lee, General Education by clicking on it.
5. When you get to the payment page, the cost will be $50. After receiving your payment receipt, wait at least 48 hours before going to Step 6 below.
6. 48 hours after registration, please go to proctor360.com/flats to sign up for a time for the exam. (Below the email and password fields, click on “Don’t have an account?” to set up your Proctor360 account.) You will need to schedule your exam time at least 48 hours in advance. When you register for a time slot, it will charge you an additional $20 at that time. Please note that if you need to reschedule or cancel your appointment, you will need to do that at least 24 hours beforehand or you will forfeit your $20 proctoring fee with Proctor360. Be aware that canceling with Proctor360 is not the same as cancelling with FLATS, so please reach out to both parties if you no longer wish to take the exam.
7. After you sign up for an exam with Proctor360, you will receive an email with directions and links for preparing your testing area and setting up your equipment before the test. You must have a webcam and mic to use the online testing option, and you will have to clear the test area of all papers and books. Read the Proctor360 Rules & Regulations carefully. Follow the email for pre-test set up instructions. Login at your exact start time. Plan on about 10 minutes of additional set up time before taking the exam.
HOW DO I SIGN UP AND PAY FOR THE ON-CAMPUS OPTION?
- Go to https://info.flats.byu.edu/register-for-a-test/. Read about the information you will need to have handy and then click the link “Proceed to our registration system” at the bottom of the page.
- Enter information about the language you wish to test, this school, your student ID number, and your personal information (name, address, etc.).
- For section 4, “Choose a Proctor,” click on “Select an In-Person Proctor” and then select “Belinda Braunstein – University of California, Merced.” The list is in alphabetical order by proctor’s first name:
4. Scroll down to confirm. It will look like this:
5. For section 5, “Where Should We Send Your Test Results,” have the scores sent to UC Merced by selecting “Yes, let me tell you where,” and then confirm the choice of Jeannie Lee, General Education by clicking on it.
6. Pay for the test. In a few days, you should receive a test registration confirmation by email from UCM test proctor Belinda Braunstein.
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Who may I contact if I have questions that are not answered on the BYU website?
For additional questions and answers start here.
If you don’t find your answer there, please email ge@ucmerced.edu.
