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Technical Requirements

Assessments are scheduled using an online tool, but exactly how you access the website differs from client to client. Please contact us for further information on account setup and the Client Utility site.

ACTFL/LTI tests can be delivered in multiple ways, depending on the test (ACTFL TEP test takers should refer to the sections below for the OPIc, WPT and L&Rcat):

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

 Phone – the test should be taken on a landline, in a quiet location away from potential disturbances. If you cannot use a landline, make sure you have good signal strength for your mobile phone.

Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc)

    Click here to run a system check and take a 5 minute demo test.

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS C: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Audio: During the OPIc test, a series of audio/video prompts will play. Your computer must be able to play audio/video files.
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
    • Audio: During the OPIc test, a series of audio/video prompts will play. Your tablet must be able to play audio/video files.
  3. Headset or Speaker:
    • The ability to play audio and respond via a microphone is required.
    • A good quality digital USB headset with microphone is recommended.
    • Units with noise cancellation are suggested for noisy environments.
  4. Network: – An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.
    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), Business Writing Test (BWT)

    Click here to run a system check and take a demo test.

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

  4. Language Support (Keyboards):
    • Computers and tablets must be set up to permit candidates to type in the target language.
      • For languages with Roman alphabets, on-screen special character support is provided wherever students will be entering text. No additional set-up is required. ALT codes are also supported.
      • For all other languages, language-specific keyboard layouts must be set up. (Similarly, they may be used, as well, for Roman-alphabet languages, if desired.) Select the operating system for the device being used and follow the directions provided to complete the set-up: Windows 10, Windows 8, Chromebook, MacOS, iOS. For Android tablets, consult your device's online support to determine how to change keyboard input settings.

WPT & BWT Technical Requirements:

  • For Spanish, French, German, English, Portuguese, and Italian, on-screen special character support is provided wherever students will be entering text.
  • All other non-roman character based languages will require a keyboard in that particular language or enabling the Microsoft language service pack that allow users to use a standard QWERTY keyboard to type in the testing language: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/language-packs#lptabs=win71.
  • The WPT operates on PC & Mac, using Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, or Safari.
  • Note: Transliteration keyboards of any kind are not acceptable forms of input on ACTFL assessments.
  • Pop-up blockers must be disabled in order to access the WPT.
  • If the candidate attempts to access any other program, opens another browser window, or presses any function key on the keyboard, the test will automatically shut down.
  • If the candidate is forced out of the test, immediately log the candidate back in to the test so that they can continue from where they left off.

Paper & Pen

Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)

The RPT may be taken on any computer or tablet that meets the following specifications:

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

Listening Proficiency Test (LPT)


Very important: All test-takers must successfully complete the System Check before beginning the test. If your browser is not configured correctly as confirmed by the System Check, your test score could be affected.

The LPT may be taken on any computer or tablet that meets the following specifications:

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Audio: During the LPT, a series of audio prompts will play. Your computer must be able to play audio files.
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Headset or Speaker:
    • The ability to play audio is required.
    • A good quality digital USB headset is recommended.
  4. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

Listening and Reading Computer Adaptive Test (L&Rcat)


Very important: All test-takers must successfully complete the System Check before beginning the test. If your browser is not configured correctly as confirmed by the System Check, your test score could be affected.

The L&Rcat may be taken on any computer or tablet that meets the following specifications:

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Audio: During the L&Rcat, a series of audio prompts will play. Your computer must be able to play audio files.
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Headset or Speaker:
    • The ability to play audio is required.
    • A good quality digital USB headset is recommended.
  4. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL)

Very important: All test-takers must successfully complete the System Check before beginning the test. If your browser is not configured correctly as confirmed by the System Check, your test score could be affected.

The System Check page will tell you whether your device is ready to take the AAPPL assessments:

AAPPL System Check

AAPPL System Requirements

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, 10, or 11, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS C: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Audio: During the AAPPL test, a series of audio/video prompts will play. Your computer must be able to play audio/video files.
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Network:
    • An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
      • 768 kbps minimum port speed
      • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
      • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.
      • Any reasonably fast connection will work.
  4. Headset or Speaker:
    • The ability to play audio and respond via a microphone is required.
    • A good quality digital USB headset with microphone is recommended.
    • Units with noise cancellation are suggested for noisy environments.
  5. Video:
    • You must be able to view videos to complete the assessment.
  6. Language Support (Keyboards):
    • For the Presentational Writing (PW) component only, computers and tablets must be set up to permit candidates to type in the target language.
      • AAPPL will use any language keyboard application your school uses for instruction.
      • For English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, on-screen special character support is provided wherever students will be entering text. No additional set-up is required. Students taking the PW component on a Windows-based computer may also use ALT codes, as described here, if that’s preferable.
      • For Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Thai, language-specific keyboard layouts must be set up. (Similarly, they may be used, as well, for French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, if desired.) Select the operating system for the device being used and follow the directions provided to complete the set-up: Windows 10, Windows 8, Chromebook, MacOS, iOS. For Android tablets, consult your device’s online support to determine how to change keyboard input settings.

ACTFL Latin Interpretive Reading Assessment (ALIRA)

The System Check page will tell you whether your device is ready to take the ALIRA assessment.

The ALIRA may be taken by any computer or tablet that meets the following specifications:

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 100 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test (APPT)

The APPT may be taken on any computer or tablet that meets the following specifications:

  1. Computer:
    • Operating System: Windows 7, 8.1, or 10, Mac OS
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Windows: Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox, and Opera
      • Mac OS: Chrome, Firefox, and Safari
      • Chrome OS: Chrome
    • Audio: During the listening section of the APPT, a series of audio prompts will play. Your computer must be able to play audio files.
    • Resolution: 1024×768 or higher
  2. Tablet:
    • Operating System: Any tablet capable of running Chrome v65, Chrome Dev v65 or iOS Safari v11 is sufficient.
    • Browser: We recommend running the latest supported browser on your platform.
      • Android: Chrome
      • iOS: Safari
  3. Headset or Speaker:
    • The ability to play audio is required.
    • A good quality digital USB headset is recommended.
  4. Network - An internet connection is required. We strongly recommend a wired internet connection instead of wireless for desktop or laptop computers. Technically, we require:
    • 768 kbps minimum port speed
    • Approx. 200 kbps sustainable free bandwidth required per test candidate
    • Minimum bandwidth should be more than 1,000 kbps.

    Any reasonably fast connection will work.

 

When you set up an account, you will be able to choose the delivery method most appropriate for your needs.

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