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Testing on the ILR Scale

Developed by the Federal Government’s Inter-Agency Language Roundtable from descriptions used by the Foreign Service Institute, the ILR scale is the way in which the US Federal Government measures and refers to language ability. With 6 base levels from 0 (No Practical Proficiency) through 5 (Native or Bilingual Proficiency) and plus levels that can be assigned when proficiency is between base levels, the ILR scale encompasses the full range of language abilities.

Since the Interagency Language Roundtable does not officially test language speakers and learners, select language testing organizations are authorized to test using the ILR scale. Language Testing International, the exclusive licensee of ACTFL Assessments, tests over 120 languages on the ILR scale through the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI). Numerous languages can be scored on the ILR scale through other test types as well, such as the Oral Proficiency Interview-computer (OPIc), Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), Reading Proficiency Test (RPT), and Listening Proficiency Test (LPT). The results of our tests are accepted by government agencies. 

What Is the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR)?

The Interagency Language Roundtable was founded in 1955 after the military identified the need for a larger coordinated effort to measure language proficiency within US government and its branches. The ILR exists as an unfunded governmental organization that coordinates communication across departments and agencies in the interest of sharing and advancing knowledge regarding language learning, use, and testing. 

Approximately 60% of all ILR members are federal employees and the ILR Steering Committee is made up entirely of federal employees. The ILR represents over 40 different government departments and agencies — more than any other government or academic language association. 

Test ratings on the ILR scale are accepted by all government branches, though the ILR itself does not administer tests. ACTFL assessments, delivered exclusively by LTI, can be rated on the ILR scale.

ILR Levels and Scale

The ILR Scale measures language ability in all four communication skills — listening, reading, speaking, and writing. Each skill has its own level descriptors and is rated from 0 (No Proficiency) to 5 (Functionally Native Professional Proficiency). Plus levels are assigned when proficiency is higher than a base level but doesn’t meet the criteria for the next higher base level.

  • 0, or No Proficiency
  • 0+, or Memorized Proficiency
  • 1, or Elementary Proficiency
  • 1+, or Elementary Proficiency, Plus 
  • 2, or Limited Working Proficiency
  • 2+, or Limited Working Proficiency, Plus 
  • 3, or Professional Working Proficiency
  • 3+, or Professional Working Proficiency, Plus
  • 4, or Full Professional Proficiency
  • 4, or Full Professional Proficiency, Plus
  • 5, or Native or Bilingual Fluency 
     

Please see the link to each skill on the ILR scale with detailed level descriptors.

ILR Testing Online

Through ACTFL assessments, delivered by Language Testing International, individuals can certify 1 or all 4 of their communication skills in a language with a rating on the ILR Scale. Our tests can be scheduled and taken online from the comfort of your home. When you're ready to certify your language skills, we offer certifications for professionals as well as students and teachers. 

In addition to online testing for individuals, Language Testing International has delivered ACTFL assessments to government agencies, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and academic institutions since 1992. We administer tests in over 120 different languages, and ACTFL’s widely accredited assessments are accepted and used by many major corporations and government agencies. Please click the links below to learn more about our testing options. 

Contact Language Testing International Today

If you are an individual, you can browse our selection of tests for individuals and schedule your test today. Organizations can learn more about our offerings by contacting us online.

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