Learning a second language in university can be profoundly beneficial for your career, confidence, and relationships. It can open the door to exciting new opportunities and broaden your understanding of the world. However, proving your language skills to prospective employers and educational institutions can be difficult. Thankfully, language certification exists to provide reliable, unbiased proof of an individual’s linguistic skills.
As you prepare to enter the workforce, it can be beneficial to certify your language skills. Learn more about certification and how it can improve your academic and career prospects in this guide.
What Is Language Certification?
Language certification is a formal document detailing your level of proficiency in a specific language. Language proficiency refers to a person’s ability to use a language spontaneously in a real-world setting. While educational courses may measure an individual’s technical use of a language, proficiency examines language use in a more conversational way.
Many academic courses and job descriptions require language proficiency certification as part of the application process. You can receive certification by taking a language proficiency assessment from an accredited institution. Organizations trust credible, third-party language tests to provide an unbiased measure of language ability.
The Certification Process
Acquiring certification for a second language is relatively straightforward. First, you need to determine which certification will best meet your needs. Comprehensive proficiency assessments test your ability in all four language skills — listening, speaking, reading, and writing. However, you can take individual tests for each skill separately, depending on your requirements.
Once you’ve chosen a test, you must select a test date and delivery method. Some language assessment institutions allow you to take the test in person or online. When you’ve booked the test, you can familiarize yourself with the test format and practice your language in preparation. It’s beneficial to practice the format the test will be in. For example, you can prepare for an oral proficiency interview by talking through various topics with a family member or teacher.
After you complete your assessment, you will receive your results. For a proficiency test, your results will include a ranking of your performance on a proficiency scale. For example, the ACTFL proficiency scale consists of four levels — Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, and Superior. Each category is broken down further into Low, Mid, and High sublevels. Your ranked proficiency level lists your strengths and weaknesses in your chosen language.
The Benefits of Language Certification
Receiving certification for your language skills comes with the following benefits:
1. Academic Recognition
Students who are proficient in a second language can provide validated proof of their skill level through certification. This is beneficial as some colleges and universities may offer college credits to students who can prove their proficiency in a second language. Earning credits before starting higher education can help you reach your credit requirements quicker, finish university on time, and potentially save money. Certification may also help you qualify for scholarships.
2. Personal Validation
One key benefit of language certification is that it recognizes your current level of proficiency. You may not know how well you use your second language without taking a language assessment. Additionally, understanding your skill level can boost your confidence and self-esteem. When you feel confident using a language, you may feel more comfortable in formal settings such as at work or in a university or job interview.
3. Language Improvement
Receiving certification for your second language can help you get better at using it. A language proficiency test will rank your language ability according to a scale. Your proficiency level on that scale will show you where you can improve. Using this knowledge, you can focus on the areas that need improvement and get better at using your second language.
4. Global Opportunities
Having certification for your language skills can increase access to global opportunities. For example, college language tests are often required for study abroad programs. Universities want to ensure international students can speak the local language, which is essential to understand coursework and lectures. It also helps students make friends and have a better experience on campus.
Students looking for international internships will also benefit from having language certification. Many international companies require certification for internship positions. Additionally, proficiency in one or more languages can help you connect with global colleagues and build a diverse professional network.
5. Employment Advantage
Speaking more than one language can make candidates more attractive in the job market. Many industries value bilingual and multilingual professionals, such as customer service, international trade, health care, and education. Including your languages and certification on your resume may help you stand out from other candidates and receive more job offers. When potential employers ask for proof of your language skills, you can quickly and effectively provide it by showing your certification documents.
6. Career Growth
Beyond helping students land a job more quickly, language certification for a second language can also lead to higher salaries and promotions. Multinational companies and those with a diverse client base need professionals who can meet client needs. By certifying your language skills, you can better assist your company and showcase your career dedication. They may reward your hard work and growth with a pay raise or a promotion to a higher responsibility role.
7. Cultural Competence
Cultural competence refers to a person’s ability to respect and interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. Learning about other cultures is part of learning a new language and receiving certification. By increasing your proficiency level, you may also develop cultural competence. This skill will help you understand and communicate with others, which is beneficial at university and in a professional environment.
Certify Your Language Skills With Language Testing International®
Certifying your language skills is simple with LTI. We’re the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, a leader in language proficiency assessments. Major corporations, government agencies, and academic institutions worldwide recognize and value ACTFL certifications.
We offer several ACTFL proficiency tests in various formats, including speaking, reading, writing, and listening. The tests are also available in over 120 languages, allowing you to receive the certification you need to succeed. With our remotely monitored testing solutions, you can conveniently take the test online or in person.
Browse our list of test languages today, and get certified to experience the benefits for yourself.
