Spanish Language Proficiency Testing

Spanish is the most in-demand second language in the U.S. workforce. According to ACTFL’s Making Languages Our Business report, 85% of employers rely on Spanish and need Spanish-speaking candidates. Whether applying to a university, advancing your career, or certifying your team’s skills, an official Spanish language proficiency test provides the objective proof you need.

Language Testing International^® (LTI) is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL^® assessments, delivering trusted Spanish language testing and certification for individuals, businesses, and academic institutions. 

Spanish Language Proficiency Tests We Offer

Explore a full suite of in-person and online Spanish proficiency tests, with flexible options to fit your personal or professional goals. ACTFL assessments, delivered exclusively by LTI, test Spanish ability in the four core language skills — speaking, reading, writing, and listening. Testing is inclusive of all Spanish dialects, including those spoken in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and South America, ensuring accurate assessment for every test taker.

Oral Proficiency Interview

As the gold standard for oral language testing, the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) evaluates real-world Spanish-speaking ability. During the 15- to 30-minute telephone interview, candidates demonstrate their maximum sustained functional level. The test is also available in an on-demand, computer-based version called the Oral Proficiency Interview - computer (OPIc), which uses an avatar to prompt responses.

Writing Proficiency Test

The Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) evaluates Spanish-language writing ability through practical, social, and professional prompts. During this 20- to 80-minute assessment, test takers must submit a written response to all prompts to demonstrate their familiarity with the written language.

Listening Proficiency Test

The Listening Proficiency Test (LPT) assesses how well someone understands Spanish as a spoken language. Testing lasts 50 to 125 minutes, allowing test takers to listen to passages related to real-life topics and answer multiple-choice questions. 

Reading Proficiency Test

The Reading Proficiency Test (RPT) determines an individual's reading comprehension in Spanish. During this 50- to 125-minute assessment, the test taker reads a number of written passages and selects the most appropriate answers.

APPT and AAPPL Academic Tests

We provide two specialized Spanish language proficiency tests used in educational settings. Universities and colleges can use the ACTFL Proficiency Placement Test (APPT) to distinguish between beginner and advanced Spanish learners.

ACTFL's Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is specifically for elementary, middle, and high school students. It challenges them to use their Spanish skills in real-world scenarios. The test assesses Interpersonal Listening and Speaking, Interpretive Reading and Listening, and Presentational Writing.

Understanding Test Levels and International Standards

All ACTFL tests are rated according to the ACTFL Proficiency Scale, the leading standard in the United States. Highly trained ACTFL-certified Raters ensure all tests offer researched-backed and reliable results. Proficiency may be rated as Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Superior, further divided into Low, Mid, and High sublevels for the most accurate representation of a test taker's skills.

Some organizations and schools with global ties may wish to use a rating system other than the ACTFL Proficiency Scale. You may request a score conversion to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) or the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scales. 

The CEFR is a language testing framework used in Europe and around the globe. It evaluates test takers based on what they can do with the language. Language proficiency is then described across six levels — A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. The ILR is most often used by U.S. government agencies and measures a test taker's Spanish abilities on a scale of 0-5.

Spanish Language Testing for Personal, Professional, and Academic Use

Spanish language proficiency matters in many settings, and LTI is the only provider authorized to deliver ACTFL Spanish assessments. See how our testing options provide the right solution for your situation.

For Individuals

Be sure to stand out in highly competitive environments by certifying your Spanish skills. Whether you grew up speaking Spanish at home in a Puerto Rican household or learned the language in school, ACTFL certifications are recognized by numerous employers and academic institutions.

For Employment

More companies than ever before need Spanish-proficient employees. LTI offers reliable, remotely proctored Spanish-language testing to assess employees and future employees. You can screen job applicants, certify employee proficiency, and support global teams with ACTFL’s Spanish proficiency tests for employment.

For Academic Institutions

Schools from elementary to university level need objective Spanish testing for students. Using ACTFL testing at the start of a course can give teachers insight into their students' current abilities and help establish learning outcomes. Schools can also track student growth, award course credit, and recognize Heritage Spanish speakers with official certification.

Schedule a Spanish Language Proficiency Test

Eliminate the guesswork from placing students or screening job candidates. Contact the LTI sales team to learn more about our Spanish-language assessment solutions.

Wondering how to get a Spanish certification as an individual? Schedule a Spanish proficiency test online and take it on your schedule to receive an official credential trusted across many industries.