Credit Recommendation for ACTFL Assessments
Recognizing Language Proficiency Gained Through Traditional and Non-Traditional Means
ACTFL assessments measure an individual’s language ability and proficiency in a specific language. In addition to measuring proficiency acquired through the traditional academic environments, ACTFL assessments recognize competency gained through non-traditional settings, regardless of where or how the language was learned. ACTFL assessments have been favorably reviewed for college credit. ACTFL provides these college credit recommendations to institutions of higher education for their consideration in awarding college credit for demonstrated proficiency in world languages.
Languages
The ACTFL OPI is available in 120+ languages. New languages are added regularly. For a current list of languages click here.
The OPIc, WPT, RPT, and LPT, are available in multiple languages. For a current list of languages, please visit each test description here.
The number and type of credits that are recommended by ACTFL depend upon the rating received. (See Summary of College Credits Charts).
Speakers of Less Commonly Taught Languages
ACTFL assessments include both commonly and less commonly taught languages. This way, speakers and learners of less commonly taught languages are provided with the same testing opportunities as those available to speakers and learners of the more commonly taught and tested languages.
Summary of College Credit Recommendations by Rating & Test*
ACTFL Assessments
Five assessments are available for earning college credits:
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)The OPI is a valid and reliable means of assessing how well a person speaks a language. It is a 30-minute one-on-one telephonic interview between a certified ACTFL tester and an examinee. The interview is interactive and continuously adapts to the interests and abilities of the speaker.
ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview - computer (OPIc ®)The OPIc is a 40-minute internet-delivered test which provides valid and reliable oral proficiency testing. It was developed to emulate the 'live' OPI; a virtual avatar takes the place of a live tester and offers questions based on the interests and experience of the test-taker, which are gathered during the survey phase at the beginning of the test. The test is recorded and assessed by ACTFL Certified Raters and an official certificate will be issued.
ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT)The WPT is a standardized test of global language proficiency in writing; it measures how well a person writes in a language by comparing the performance of specific writing tasks on practical, social, and professional topics.
ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)The RPT is a standardized, internet-delivered test of global language proficiency in reading. RPTs measure how well a person understands written discourse. RPT passages and items address a range of informal/formal speech on general, social, and academic topics. It is auto-graded and an official certificate is issued.
ACTFL Listening Proficiency Test (LPT)The LPT is a standardized, internet-delivered test of global language proficiency in listening. LPTs measure how well a person understands spoken discourse. LPT passages and items address a range of informal/formal speech on general, social, and academic topics. It is auto-graded and an official certificate is issued.
| ACTFL RATING | OPI/OPIc | WPT |
|---|---|---|
| Novice High/Intermediate Low | 3LD | 3LD |
| Intermediate Mid | 6LD | 6LD |
| Intermediate High/Advanced Low | 9LD | 6LD + 1UD |
| Advanced Mid | 6LD + 3UD | 6LD + 3UD |
| Advanced High/Superior | 6LD + 6UD | 6LD + 6UD |
| ACTFL RATING | RPT |
|---|---|
| Intermediate High | 2LD |
| Advanced Low/Advanced Mid | 3LD |
| Advanced High/Superior | 6LD |
| ACTFL RATING | LPT |
|---|---|
| Intermediate Mid/Intermediate High | 3LD |
| Advanced Low/Superior | 6LD |
The 10 ACTFL language proficiency ratings are: Superior, Advanced High, Advanced Mid, Advanced Low, Intermediate High, Intermediate Mid, Intermediate Low, Novice High, Novice Mid and Novice Low.
* Originally established through an ACE credit-by-examination review in 2016.
LD - Lower Division Credit | UD - Upper Division Credit
Scheduling an ACTFL Assessment
Language Testing International (LTI) is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL, administering all ACTFL assessments.
For more information, email us at: sales@languagetesting.com or call 1-800-486-8444.