Observed creep curvature rates are compared to theoretical rates for both an alumina ceramic at 1000°C and a silicon nitride ceramic at 1200°C in four‐point flexure. The observed rates have been calculated from published rise‐displacement rates, and the theoretical rates have been calculated from published power‐law parameters for compressive and tensile creep, which differ appreciably for these ceramics. Although both compressive and tensile creep measurements are easier to analyze than flexural creep measurements, the latter are usually less expensive and easier to conduct. The present work shows the usefulness of flexural creep tests to verify the accuracy of compressive and tensile cree