Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Is the Challenge Exam the same as the Placement Exam (FLPE)?

  No, the FLPE is a different exam.

• Why would I take a Challenge Exam?

  You would take a Challenge Exam for any of three reasons:

  • • You want to meet the LANG requirement in a language in which a Foreign Language Placement Exam (FLPE) exam is NOT offered.
    • You want to be placed into the appropriate level of a class for a language in which a Foreign Language Placement Exam (FLPE) exam is NOT offered (e.g. KOR, RUS, SLN, etc.)
    • You believe you have the level to meet the requirements of a foreign language course and want to earn transcript credits and meet SBCs without taking the course itself.
• Am I eligible to take a Challenge Exam?

  To determine eligibility, you must carefully review the guidelines in the undergraduate bulletin.

• What is on a Challenge Exam?

  Challenge Exams vary by language. 

  Korean and Chinese Challenge Exams are remote-proctored, online exams that include Reading, Writing, Listening, and Speaking sections.  You can see a STAMP 4S practice exam here.

  All other Challenge Exams are administered by individual proctors and the exam content is determined at the department level. Select Languages to learn more about the exam in the language you are interested in.

• How much does a Challenge Exam cost?

  A proficiency only exam, one that allows a student to simply meet SBC: LANG costs $50.  A Challenge Exam for transcript credits costs $77 per credit.  E.g. SPN 112 (4 credits – LANG) would cost $308, CHI 311 (3 credits – HFA+, LANG) would cost $231.

   

• How do I register?

  You should visit the web page for the language you are interested in to read the registration instructions, which vary by language.

• Can I only pay for the number of credits that I need?

  No, you must pay for the number of credit hours that are assigned to the course you are seeking credit for. 

• What happens if I do not pass the Challenge Exam?

  If you do not pass a Challenge Exam, nothing is reported to the registrar and therefore there will be no official indication on your transcript that you failed the exam.

• Do I get a grade for the Challenge Exam?

  The grading option for the Challenge Exam is Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory (S/U). S grades appear on your transcript. U grades do not appear on your transcript. 

• Does the Challenge Exam impact my GPA?

  No, Challenge Exams do not impact GPA.

• Do Challenge Exam credits count toward full time status?

  No, Challenge Exam credit does not count toward full-time status or academic standing.

• Do Challenge Exams fulfill upper division requirements?

  Challenge Exam credit may be used to fulfill upper division credit for foreign language courses at the 300-level and higher.

• Can I retake a Challenge Exam if I do not pass it the first time?

  No, Challenge Exams cannot be taken more than once for the same course.

• I took a foreign language Regents exam. Does that meet LANG?

  If you took a Regents exam before Fall 2011, a score of 85 or higher meets LANG.  If you took a Regents exam during or after Fall 2011, it is not equal to statewide Regents exams and therefore does not exempt students from meeting LANG. This is because NY State eliminated statewide foreign language exams in 2011 and the foreign language exams that are still offered are locally developed by districts/schools.

• Does the Seal of Biliteracy meet LANG?

  No, Stony Brook does not recognize The Seal of Biliteracy.

• I am proficient in a language in which the SBU does not offer a challenge exam. What can I do?

  The University does not guarantee proctors, and therefore Challenge Exams, for every language.

  Before coming to Stony Brook, students may demonstrate proficiency in any of the following ways:

  • A third-year high school Regents examination score of 85 or higher prior to Fall 2011;
  • A score of 530 or higher on the SAT II in a foreign language; 
  • A score of 3 or higher on a foreign language or literature AP exam;
  • If students have at least two years of formal language study at a secondary school or university where the primary language of instruction is other than English, then transcripts from the institution may be submitted to demonstrate foreign language proficiency.

  If you have not met proficiency in any of the above ways, or via an FLPE, you can meet LANG through language courses. 

• How can I see the results of my Challenge Exam?

  You will receive an email informing you of the result.