The language exam tests proficiency in a language other than English in which mathematics is commonly published. Proficiency here means "able to read accurately with the aid of a dictionary". The exam is held every Fall near the beginning of the semester. PhD candidates must pass the exam to graduate. The exam may be taken in French, German or Russian. The exam may be taken as many semesters as necessary to pass it. Math grads usually do not find the exam to be a difficult hurdle in the program.