Language Proficiency Distinction – Taking the Oral Proficiency Test

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Students wishing to pursue the optional "Language Proficiency" distinction must have their oral proficiency measured by an objective exam of the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The ACTFL rates on a scale ranging from Novice to Superior; to qualify for the IP Language Proficiency distinction, the following rating must be met: 

Intermediate High Level: French, German, and Spanish  

Intermediate Mid Level: Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Russian 

These levels of proficiency were identified by the School of Modern Languages as being attainable for students who have made a concerted effort to increase their language skills both in the classroom and while abroad. Students wishing to reach these levels of proficiency are strongly encouraged to spend their 26 weeks abroad  (or more!) in their linguistic area, seek opportunities to use the language with native speakers as much as possible, and take some language courses beyond the 2002-level. For more information about how to achieve the required level of proficiency, please contact Dr. Nora Cottille-Foley, the IP faculty representative from the School of Modern Languages.

Students who pass at the required level would receive the following notation on their GT transcript upon graduation:

Bachelor of Science [major]
International Plan, Language Proficiency

In addition to receiving the distinction on your GT transcript, you will also receive a nationally-recognized certificate from ACTFL attesting to your language ability. 

To learn more about how the OPI test is structured, please see: http://www.languagetesting.com/oral-proficiency-interview-opi. 

To read detailed descriptions of the different rating levels, please see: http://www.actfl.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/ACTFLProficiencyGuidelines2012-Speaking.pdf

​To arrange a time to take the OPI exam, please complete the “OPI Testing form”. Complete the form and submit it to the IP Manager. The IP Manager will send forms in batches to the School of Modern Languages. When your test has been arranged, the test proctor from the School of Modern Languages will email you. It typically takes a few weeks to arrange the test. For questions about scheduling the exam, contact the Academic Advisor in the School of Modern Languages (Swann Building).

It is recommended that you take the exam as soon as possible upon completing your 26 week international experience. Your language skills are fresh and your chance of success is higher. Georgia Tech pays for you to take the exam one time. If a student does not achieve the desired score, he/she may elect to re-take the exam at their own cost.

Students taking the ACTFL/OPI exam are advised to do so no later than:

  • Fall graduates - November 15
  • Spring graduates – April 1
  • Summer graduates – July 1
Last modified: 
Friday, February 21, 2020 - 3:44pm

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