{"id":4526,"date":"2025-03-24T15:00:22","date_gmt":"2025-03-24T15:00:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/?p=4526"},"modified":"2025-09-22T20:01:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-22T20:01:46","slug":"setting-students-up-for-real-world-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/setting-students-up-for-real-world-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Setting Students Up for Real-World Success"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As language educators, we strive to prepare our students for real-world communication and future opportunities. Whether they pursue careers in government, healthcare, business, or education, their ability to use language effectively can open doors. Therefore, providing them with the right assessment tools to showcase their skills is essential.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Not all language tests are created equal. When choosing an assessment, it\u2019s important to consider what sets ACTFL assessments apart and why an ACTFL score is a valuable credential for students. Here are a few reasons to consider testing with ACTFL assessments\u2014particularly the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.actfl.org\/assessments\/k-12-assessments\/aappl\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">AAPPL (ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages)<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\">\u2014for both educators and students.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><!--more--><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Real-World Communication: The Power of Interpersonal Skills<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Language is meant to be used interactively, yet many assessments fail to measure a student\u2019s ability to engage in a real conversation. The AAPPL is unique, because it includes an <\/span><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Interpersonal Listening and Speaking<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> component, which simulates an actual conversation. Unlike other tests that only measure presentational speaking, the AAPPL assesses how well students can think on their feet, listen actively, and respond naturally\u2014just as they would in real-world situations.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">When students travel, work, or engage in professional settings, they\u2019ll need to communicate spontaneously and effectively. That\u2019s why testing with an assessment that includes an interpersonal component is crucial.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ACTFL Scores: The Key to College, Career, and Certification Opportunities<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An ACTFL score isn\u2019t just a classroom measure, it\u2019s a recognized credential that follows students into higher education and the workforce.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\"> But here&#8217;s the catch: only ACTFL assessments can result in an ACTFL scores. No other tests are authorized to issue ACTFL scores.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Many states require ACTFL tests for teacher certification. If you, as an educator, had to demonstrate your language proficiency through an ACTFL assessment, why wouldn\u2019t your students benefit from the same standard?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Colleges and universities frequently use ACTFL assessments for placement and credit-by-exam programs. Why not have your students already have an ACTFL score as they apply for colleges?<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Industries such as healthcare, finance, insurance, transportation, hospitality, and government use ACTFL scores to certify employees for hiring, promotions, and bilingual pay differentials.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By using an ACTFL test, you are aligning with the same standards that shape the professional and academic landscape. Students who take a non-ACTFL test may find themselves needing to retest later to meet the demands of their career path.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">ACTFL Scores Are Required for Prestigious Careers<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For students interested in diplomacy, federal government roles, or medical interpreting, an ACTFL score is more than a recommendation\u2014it\u2019s a requirement.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Numerous federal and state government agencies recognize and require ACTFL proficiency levels for language-related positions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Certification Commission for Healthcare Interpreters (CCHI) and the National Board of Certification for Medical Interpreters (NBCMI) require an ACTFL score for admission into their programs. Even if a student has taken another proficiency test, they will need to take an ACTFL assessment to qualify for these national medical interpreter certifications.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"4\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Law enforcement, legal services, and intelligence agencies also rely on ACTFL assessments to determine language qualifications.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Choosing an ACTFL assessment early ensures students have a recognized credential that will support their ambitions.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">The Seal of Biliteracy and Beyond: Preparing for a Multilingual Future<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Earning the <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sealofbiliteracy.org\/\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Seal of Biliteracy<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> is a milestone for many students, but what happens after graduation? Too often, students receive a language proficiency certificate without fully understanding its value in the workforce. The reality is that an ACTFL credential carries weight across industries, making a significant difference in their employability.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">An ACTFL score can help students:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Qualify for bilingual job opportunities in business, commerce, and trade.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Meet language proficiency requirements for hospitality and tourism industries.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Stand out in medical professions, where bilingual employees are in high demand.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li data-leveltext=\"\uf0b7\" data-font=\"Symbol\" data-listid=\"5\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;\uf0b7&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}\" aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-aria-posinset=\"4\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Gain a competitive edge in global markets and international business sectors.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">By ensuring your students earn an ACTFL credential, you are giving them a tool that extends far beyond the classroom\u2014one that provides tangible benefits in their future careers.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"auto\">Make It Count: Choose ACTFL Assessments<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">As language educators, we have a responsibility to ensure our students are equipped with the best possible credentials. When you choose ACTFL assessments, you ensure that your students take externally validated and highly valued language credentials they can leverage in professional or academic settings.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">There are many benefits in choosing a proficiency-based assessment that aligns with industry and government standards, and provides students with a trusted, widely accepted credential.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"auto\">For more information and to start testing with ACTFL assessments, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/contact-us\/sales\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">contact<\/span><\/a><span data-contrast=\"auto\"> Language Testing International today.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As language educators, we strive to prepare our students for real-world communication and future opportunities. Whether they pursue careers in government, healthcare, business, or education, their ability to use language effectively can open doors. Therefore, providing them with the right assessment tools to showcase their skills is essential.\u00a0 Not all language tests are created equal. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25,"featured_media":4530,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[183],"tags":[80,16,48,154,42,245,40,249,34,27,268,156,8,7,145,155,230],"class_list":["post-4526","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-academic","tag-aappl","tag-actfl","tag-bilingual","tag-bilingualism","tag-determining-proficiency","tag-education","tag-language-assessment","tag-language-is-your-superpower","tag-language-learning","tag-language-proficiency","tag-language-proficiency-assessments","tag-language-skills","tag-language-test","tag-language-testing","tag-multilingual","tag-multilingualism","tag-seal-of-biliteracy"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/shutterstock_2478769009-scaled.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4526","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4526"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4526\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4965,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4526\/revisions\/4965"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4526"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4526"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.languagetesting.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4526"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}