ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test® (RPT)
To take a Demo version of the RPT, click here.
What is the ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)?
What is the format of the RPT?
What are the topics in the RPT?
How is the RPT rated?
How do I request an RPT?
How is the RPT proctored?
What is the cost of the RPT?
In what languages is the RPT available?
What is the ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)?
The ACTFL RPT is a standardized test for the global assessment of reading ability in a language. RPTs measure how well a person spontaneously reads a language when presented with texts and tasks without access to dictionaries or grammar references. The ACTFL RPT is a carefully constructed online assessment that evaluates reading ability according to one of three guidelines, depending on the type of language proficiency certification needed:
- ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024 – Reading
- Interagency Language Roundtable Language (ILR) Skill Level Descriptors – Reading
- The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
For information about ACTFL's L&Rcat, an internet-delivered version of the ACTFL English LPT and RPT, please click here.
The test can assess a specific range of proficiency (e.g., Novice Low to Intermediate Mid, Intermediate Mid to Advanced Mid, Intermediate High to Superior, etc.). These options ensure that the test targets the appropriate range of the candidate's reading ability and is economical, in terms of time and effort. The test is appropriate for Grade 12–Adult. Younger candidates may be able to take the test depending on their language experience and training (i.e., attendance in an elementary, dual-immersion program, etc.).
The ACTFL RPT is appropriate for a variety of purposes: language literacy certification, employment selection, program entrance and exit exams, course placement, college credit, program evaluation and performance, and translator credentialing. The ACTFL RPT has been favorably reviewed for college credit by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT® . ACTFL provides these college credit recommendations to institutions of higher education for their consideration in awarding college credit for demonstrated reading proficiency in world languages. For more information on college credit recommendations, click here.
What is the format of the RPT?
The RPT consists of reading passages at specific levels of proficiency. Each passage has three questions; each question has four multiple-choice options of which only one is correct. All passages, questions and multiple-choice answers are in the target language.
The RPT structure is based on one of six test forms, each of which targets a specific range of proficiency. Having targeted test forms minimizes the length of the test:
| Superior | D | F | G | H | ||||
| Advanced High | ||||||||
| Advanced Mid | C | |||||||
| Advanced Low | B | E | ||||||
| Intermediate High | ||||||||
| Intermediate Mid | A | |||||||
| Intermediate Low | ||||||||
| Novice High | ||||||||
| Novice Mid | ||||||||
| Novice Low |
| Test Length |
50 minutes for a two-level test (A, B, C & D) 75 minutes for a three-level test (E, F & G*) 125 minutes for four-level test (H**) *This is a semi-adaptive version of the test which ranges in time from 50-75 minutes. It is designed to start at Advanced Low and adapts, presenting higher or lower level tasks based on the candidate's responses. ** This is the full-range test. |
What are the topics in the RPT?
There is a range of informal and formal texts on general, social, academic, and professional topics, such as correspondence, reports, and news articles.
How is the RPT rated?
A rating is assigned based on the number of correct responses and the version of the test administered. Results can be reported according to one of three rating guidelines depending on the type of language proficiency certification needed:
- ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2024 – Reading
- Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) Language Skill Level Descriptors – Reading
- The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
How do I request an RPT?
Organizations
For organizations wishing to schedule an RPT for candidates, you must first set up a free account with Language Testing International. We will collect some basic administrative information and then provide access to a secure web-based scheduling utility. Using this utility, the organization can request assessments, track those requests, confirm appointments, and see test results. As the RPT is internet-delivered, organizations can arrange for candidates to take the assessment in a proctored setting at any time. All that is needed is a computer or tablet that meets the minimum specifications, detailed here, in an appropriate test environment. Test results are also posted and stored on the client utility website, allowing organizations to track their testing activity easily in a single location.
Individuals
Individuals wishing to test and certify their reading ability in a target language can order and take the assessment by selecting the appropriate Language Proficiency Certification based on their need. To view individual language proficiency certification options, click here. The actual test is taken via a computer or tablet with an internet connection and can be proctored via LTI's remote proctoring services or locally proctored.
Note: if using the remote proctoring service, candidates must take the exam via a computer, as the remote proctoring services themselves do not currently support tablets. A webcam is also required.
How is the RPT proctored?
Organizations
Organizations can arrange to proctor RPTs on location. The tests must be proctored by an authorized, responsible individual, ideally a member of the HR department or faculty of the organization requesting the assessment. This individual, nominated by the organizing agency, will sign a form and provide it to LTI in advance of the assessment, to confirm the identity of the candidate and to agree to the conditions under which the test will be taken. Organizations may also use LTI’s remote proctoring services to administer RPTs.
Individuals
Individuals can arrange to take the test via LTI's remote proctoring program, by signing up for one of the Language Proficiency Certification options offered to individuals by LTI. To view individual language proficiency options, click here.
What is the cost of the RPT?
Organizations, please fill out a Contact Us form to learn more.
Individuals can view the cost of remotely proctored, language proficiency certificate programs by clicking here.
In what languages is the RPT available?
Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish