Language assessment for administrative staff

Test fees will be invoiced to the candidate’s supervisor. Candidates must receive approval from their supervisor prior to registering for the test.
 

• Listening Comprehension: $52.50
• Reading Comprehension: $52.50
• Writing: $65.00
• Speaking: $100.00

The test is scheduled on an individual basis with each employee. The tests are scheduled during regular office hours. If desired, the test may be completed over the course of two or more days.

To request a test, employees may complete the request form (PDF, 183 KB) and return it to [email protected].

Tests will be confirmed by email within three to five business days.

Five to ten business days following the test, the results will be communicated to the employee by email. At the same time a letter will be sent to their supervisor outlining the test completed and the results obtained.

Abbreviated Level Descriptions

Listening Comprehension (L) and Reading Comprehension (R) Skill Levels:

• L1, R1: Incomplete global comprehension.
• L2, R2: Almost complete global comprehension; Comprehends many explicit details.
• L3, R3: Complete global comprehension; Comprehends almost all explicit details.
• L4, R4: Complete global comprehension; Comprehends all explicit and implicit details.

Speaking (S) and Writing (W) Skill Levels:

• S1, W1: Communicates with difficulty.
• S2, W2: Communicates somewhat effectively, with some imprecision.
• S3, W3: Communicates effectively, with ease and minor imprecision.
• S4, W4: Communicates very effectively, with ease and precision.

Evaluation Process

The levels for the listening and reading tests are determined based on the percentage of questions answered correctly. Depending on the test version, the minimum score for a L2, R2 is between 53 and 57 percent and the minimum score for a L3, R3 is between 74 and 78 percent.

The written and spoken tests are evaluated by two trained assessors who then discuss the sample and agree on a final level.

Re-test

It is strongly recommended that employees who do not meet the language requirements in one or more area explore further language training options. Three months following the original test date, employees may request another test.

Re-evaluation

If an employee is convinced that their level is stronger than the result reported, they may request a re-evaluation of their writing or speaking test. In the event of a re-evaluation, the sample would be sent to two different assessors who would discuss the sample and agree on a final level. Due to test security concerns, employees will not be able to view their tests. Requests for re-evaluation should be emailed to [email protected].