Language assessment for APUO and APTPUO members

If you are required to demonstrate receptive (passive) competence, you are only tested on your reading and listening comprehension. The standard for receptive competence is defined as the following:

Professors can easily understand all forms of written and oral communication. They should have sufficient comprehension skills so that they are not obliged to request that their colleagues/employees switch languages to accommodate them during spoken interaction or provide translations for written documents.

To meet this standard, a minimum score of 70% on the listening and reading comprehension tests is required.

If you are required to demonstrate productive (active) competence, in addition to taking the reading and listening comprehension tests, you are tested on written and spoken production.

Professors can produce all written and oral communications independently, including high and low stakes, internal and external (for example, articles and reports) in the target language. Professors can teach courses and supervise graduate students in the target language.

To meet this standard, a minimum score of 2 out of 4 is necessary on the written production task, and 3 out of 4 on the spoken task.

• Before requesting a test, we strongly recommend that you connect with OLBI’s Language Support Services for Professors. Here you can find information on tutoring services for test preparation, language courses, and other support. There are also many useful resources available at the Julien Couture Resource Centre.
• If you are taking Receptive Skills tests, you will first register for a Practice test to complete at home.After taking this practice test, you will receive individualised feedback on your readiness to take the official test. If you are likely to meet the standard, you can register for the official test at your convenience. If you are not likely to meet the standard yet, we will provide you with recommendations for tutoring and courses, as well other resources to support your language development.

Accessing the Testing Platform

Follow the instructions on XpressLab - Language testing portal using your employee email. Once in the testing platform, you will need to request access to the desired tests listed below:

English Tests

APUO Test practice – Reading Comprehension

APUO Test practice – Listening Comprehension

APUO Test – Reading Comprehension

APUO Test – Listening Comprehension

English Writing Test for Professors

English Speaking Test for Professors

French Tests

APUO Test pratique - Compréhension de l'écrit

APUO Test pratique - Compréhension de l'oral

APUO Test - Compréhension de l'écrit

APUO Test - Compréhension de l'oral

French Writing Test for Professors

French Speaking Test for Professors

Tests will be confirmed by email within 5 business days.

If you need help requesting the test(s) or to set up your account, please contact us at [email protected]

Seven to ten business days following the test, the results will be communicated to the professor by email.

The results for the reading and listening comprehension tests will be communicated as a separate total score for each test, as well as whether the score meets minimum requirements. The written and spoken tests are evaluated by two trained assessors who then discuss the sample and agree on a final level out of 4.

Results remain confidential between the professor and Language Testing Services. Professors who wish to have a copy of their results sent to their dean must contact [email protected]  in order to request the desired documents.

Re-test

Language Testing Services has the discretion to require 3, 6, or even 12 months between test sessions, including between the practice test and the official test. Our office has a limited number of tests and testing capacity for this purpose; we can only permit repeat test-taking if the professor is judged to have a reasonable chance at meeting the standard. 

Re-evaluation

If a professor 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, professors will not be able to view their tests.

Requests for re-evaluation should be emailed to [email protected].

LTS is committed to offering adapted versions of its tests when appropriate, such as providing extra time or printed versions of the tests. If you would be better served by an accommodated version of the test, please let us know when you request to take the test.