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Language Proficiency Test & Assessment
Colorado Language Connection offers Language Proficiency Assessments for employment, interpreter training, and other professional purposes. Our language proficiency tests help organizations assess and certify the language skills of bilingual interpreters, employees, and/or candidates, from a bilingual test for employment to a language proficiency test for interpreters. These assessments ensure individuals have the knowledge and capability to perform professional communication in the tested language.
Types of Language Proficiency Assessments
Colorado Language Connection offers language proficiency tests to assess the language skills of individuals including listening, speaking, writing, and translation. We utilize in-house and third-party testing to meet the needs of many different job types across a variety of industries. Whether you need a Spanish proficiency test for employment or testing in one of more than 85 languages, we can help.
Colorado Language Proficiency Assessment Types Include:
Oral Language Proficiency Assessment
Also known as an oral proficiency test, this assessment measures a candidate's listening and speaking skills. Oral Language Proficiency Assessments are primarily administered through Colorado Language Connection's in-house assessments. For languages not currently offered in-house, assessments are administered through our third-party partner, ALTA Language Services.
The assessment evaluates candidate’s ability to:
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Understand spoken language (listening)
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Communicate effectively in the target language (speaking)
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Demonstrate appropriate grammar and vocabulary
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Speak clearly and naturally in a variety of everyday and professional situations
Results are typically available within 2-4 business days after the assessment is completed.
Fees for Oral Language Proficiency Assessment
In-House Oral Language Proficiency Assessment
Our in-house Oral Language Proficiency Assessments are conducted live by professional language evaluators using a video conferencing platform. We use a five-level proficiency scale ranging from L1 (Novice) to L5 (Native-Level Full Proficiency).
Level 3 - High Intermediate (L3) represents the minimum level of proficiency required to demonstrate effective communication in routine workplace settings. Candidates at this level can communicate effectively, although occasional grammatical errors, misunderstandings, or additional clarification may occur during more complex discussions.
ALTA Oral Language Proficiency Assessment
If an in-house assessment is not available for the candidate's language, Colorado Language Connection will administer the Oral Language Proficiency Assessment through ALTA Language Services. Assessments administered through ALTA Language Services use ALTA's proprietary 12-level proficiency scale. To be considered proficient, candidates must achieve a minimum score of Level 9 out of 12.
While the assessment is conducted over the telephone, candidates must first join a Microsoft Teams meeting with a Colorado Language Connection proctor. During the meeting, the proctor will verify the candidate's identity by reviewing a valid government-issued photo ID and confirming that the candidate taking the assessment matches the identification provided. Once the identity verification is complete, the proctor will provide instructions for accessing the telephone assessment.
Languages Available for Oral Language Proficiency Assessment
Writing Assessment
Fee for Writing Assessment: $175
Writing Assessments are administered exclusively through ALTA Language Services. Language availability and writing proficiency scoring are determined by ALTA Language Services. Please contact Colorado Language Connection to confirm language availability before scheduling a Writing Assessment.
Translation Assessment
Fee for Translation Assessment: $175
Translation Assessments are administered exclusively through ALTA Language Services. This assessment evaluates a candidate's ability to translate written content from English into the target language or vice versa. Candidates are asked to translate two passages, each approximately 200-250 words. Paper dictionaries are permitted during the assessment, and candidates have two hours to complete it. The translation assessment is provided by ALTA Language Services. Please contact Colorado Language Connection to confirm language availability before scheduling a Translation Assessment.
Schedule a Language Proficiency Test
Ready to get started? Schedule a Language Proficiency Test with Colorado Language Connection in 3 easy steps:
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Pay Online (required before scheduling)
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Email CLC@AuroraMHR.org, including the following:
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Candidate Name (first and last)
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Language to Be Assessed
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Type of Assessment
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Email Address
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Phone Number
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Copy of Photo Identification (must be state-issued driver's license, state identification card, military identification card, valid passport, or permanent resident card)
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Respond to Colorado Language Connection follow-up communication
Cancellation Policy
Language assessment fees are nonrefundable. Candidates may reschedule their assessment by providing at least 24 business hours’ notice. Weekends do not count toward the 24-hour notice period. Rescheduling with less than 24 business hours’ notice will result in forfeiture of the testing fee, and another payment will be required.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How are language proficiency assessments scored?
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For Colorado Language Connection’s in-house Oral Language Proficiency Assessments, we use a five-level proficiency scale ranging from L1 (Novice) to L5 (Native-Level Full Proficiency). ALTA Language Proficiency Assessments use ALTA's proprietary 12-level proficiency scale.
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How long does it take to get results?
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Results are typically available within 2-4 business days after the assessment is completed.
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Who receives the results?
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It depends on who requested the assessment and whether they have requested for the results to be sent to someone else. Typically, we send the report directly to the person who requested it, such as a manager. Sometimes, they also request that the candidate receive a copy. For Human Resources (HR)-related assessments, HR usually request to receive the report directly without sending a copy to the candidate.
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What languages are available for testing?
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Our language proficiency tests are available in more than 85 languages. To check availability, please email CLC@AuroraMHR.org.
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Do you offer a Spanish proficiency test for employment?
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Yes. Employers can schedule a Spanish oral proficiency test for current employees or job candidates. The testing fee is $120 for a 30-minute assessment.
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