Most interpreter certification programs require documented proof of language proficiency. Language Testing International^® (LTI), Inc., as the exclusive licensee of ACTFL^®, administers the language proficiency assessments that meet that requirement, giving aspiring and working interpreters a standardized, credible measure of their linguistic abilities.

Interpreter Proficiency Tests

Interpreting demands exceptional skills across listening and speaking. Gaps in comprehension or expression can have significant consequences, making formal verification through a language proficiency test critical for interpreter certification and demonstrating professional skill development.

ACTFL assessments measure real-world language ability, providing the objective, standardized evidence that certification bodies and employers require. Earning a documented proficiency credential through a recognized assessment is often a foundational step in building a career in interpreting.

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview^® (OPI)

Conducted live over the phone, the OPI^® runs 15 to 30 minutes and engages the candidate in a structured conversation with an ACTFL-certified Tester to evaluate spoken language ability across real-world communicative tasks. This test is available in over 120 languages, including German, Japanese, and Spanish. 

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview - Computer^® (OPIc)

Delivered online and typically completed in under 40 minutes, the OPIc^® replicates the conversational format of the live interview, offering scheduling flexibility, making it a practical option for individuals pursuing language interpreter certification online. Each assessment is personalized through a background survey and self-assessment to target the candidate's proficiency range. Available in more than 10 languages, including Spanish, Arabic, English, and Korean.

ACTFL Listening Proficiency Test^® (LPT)

The LPT^® evaluates a candidate's ability to comprehend spoken language in real time, often without the option to relisten or request clarification. Assessment duration ranges from 50 to 125 minutes, with passages covering everyday, occupational, and formal subject areas. Available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Why Choose LTI for Language Interpreter Testing?​

Since 1992, LTI has been at the forefront of language proficiency testing, delivering ACTFL assessments. We use Testers and Raters who hold active ACTFL certification, having passed extensive qualification requirements and ongoing recertification. The assessments we deliver are accredited and widely accepted by government bodies, academic institutions, and major corporations worldwide. Results are reported on internationally recognized scales, such as ACTFL, ILR, and Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), making them applicable across a broad range of language interpreter certification programs and employment requirements.

Schedule Your ACTFL Test

Take your first step toward interpreter training or certification by scheduling your assessment online. If you are an organization seeking to evaluate interpreter candidates' language abilities, submit our online contact form.