A qualified instructor with experience in the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) is essential for a good quality language assessment. So, whether you need practical insights from informal assessments or formal evaluations for immigration or education, the expertise of these professionals ensures that English learners receive accurate and tailored language assessments to set them up for success.
What are the types of language assessments?
Qualified professionals can administer either a formal standardized test (often for legal purposes) or an informal test (often job-related) to assess someone’s language proficiency. In this post we will discuss the different types of assessments and explore what each is used for.
Note: There are more language assessments than just the ones below, we are simply talking about the most common ones used currently in Canada.
Understanding Informal Language Assessments for Workplaces
Informal language assessments are a way for employers to understand better how well their staff are communicating in English.
There are two ways that this is normally done:
- Hiring staff informally assess new hires and decides whether the person has the language for the job (or if they can support the person in some way to do the job even if they don’t have the language needed)
- The workplace hires someone. This is usually a qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) instructor who is familiar with the Canadian Language Benchmarks (the official national standard). While these informal tests may be a less dynamic assessment compared to the formal ones (often necessary for legal reasons like permanent residency or an academic educational setting), they still offer a good picture of the English levels of individuals who go through the evaluation and provide a practical language profile. They also provide enough language information for employers to safely assign appropriate jobs and tasks to their staff. This form of assessment also allows for proper training opportunities to ensure company-wide success.
Informal Assessment Resources:
- CLB Bootcamp through the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks
This 10 hour self-directed training allows you to familiarize yourself with the Canadian Language Benchmarks and their role with planning and assessment.
- CLB-OSA Canadian Language Benchmarks – Online Self-Assessment
This is an online self-assessment tool that is good for test takers who are interested in assessing their English as a Second Language (ESL). This convenient online test is based on the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and will assess your language proficiency in reading and listening.
- Instructor developed Test
If your workplace hires a qualified ESL instructor who is trained in the Canadian Language Benchmarks, they will be able to assess staff (usually quite accurately) regarding their levels in the four areas (reading, writing, speaking and listening)
Understanding Formal Language Assessments for Immigration and Education
Formal language tests are a more comprehensive assessment and are crucial for individuals seeking permanent residency in Canada or aiming for higher education opportunities. For those who want to obtain permanent residency (PR) in Canada, formal language assessments are a necessary step. Common assessments used for this purpose are:
- CELPIP
- IELTS
- CLB Placement Test (CLBPT)
The CELPIP is a standardized assessment tool that provides results in Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) . It is important because many government agencies require this for PR applications. And, it is less academic and therefore more accessible to many individuals. It is also specific to Canada.Â
IELTS, on the other hand, is an internationally recognized test and is preferred for academic pursuits like admission to higher education institutions. Its validity extends beyond Canada, which makes it versatile for opportunities abroad.
So, CELPIP is appropriate for those who wish to work and settle in Canada, but IELTS gives individuals more global opportunities.
And for individuals interested in accessing government funded language programming, assessments like the CLBPT are required in order to determent the class level required for them. The first place to start if you need a CLBPT is to connect with WELARC. They can set up a language assessment or direct you to the place closest to you.
Formal language assessments are vital for individuals navigating the immigration process or seeking educational opportunities. Choosing the most suitable assessment is the best way to be successful in your future plans and goals, so make sure you understand the options available before you select an assessment path.
Formal Assessment Resources:
- CELPIP Test Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program Test
The CELPIP Test proves English language proficiency for immigration purposes. This professional designation is officially accepted by several governments, professional organizations, academic institutions and employers.
- WELARC Winnipeg English Language Assessment and Referral Centre
WELARC helps newcomers access government funded language classes (English or French), they administer the Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT).
Note: most government funded language classes have waitlists, be prepared to wait for potentially 6 months or more.
- IELTS Canada International English Language Testing System Canada
The IELTS assesses the language proficiency of individuals aiming to study, work, or integrate into an English-speaking environment.
- Government of Canada Department of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship
Here, you can find equivalencies between the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) and the results of language tests from designated testing organizations.
Obtaining accurate evaluations of language proficiency levels is essential to many situations for life in Canada and beyond. This is why language assessments are so important! Qualified instructors with expertise in Canadian Language Benchmarks are crucial for both informal and formal assessments. Overall, understanding the various types of language assessments and proficiency tests available empowers language learners to make informed decisions about the next step in their language learning journey and future endeavours.
As always, if you have any questions please feel free to connect with me here!
