The first step in becoming a certified world language teacher is finding a reputable certification testing solution. Certifying your language skills will help you advance your career using your talents in language teaching. 

Many states accept ACTFL language proficiency assessments for some component of their teacher certification process. These states have established a formal testing protocol with Language Testing International® (LTI) to assess teacher candidates' speaking and writing proficiency. Individual states establish their own required minimum levels of proficiency. If you are a teacher candidate and want more information, or want to schedule a language proficiency test, then continue reading to learn more and discover your next steps. 

Why Aspiring World Language Teachers Should Complete an ACTFL Certification

Teachers of world languages must undergo the proper testing to prove their proficiency in their language of focus. Certification shows that teachers have demonstrated their abilities through a valid and reliable measure and that academic institutions can trust them to perform at a high level for their needs. And, since its founding in 1967, ACTFL has been a leader in proficiency testing for teachers of world languages. ACTFL is now one of the most recognized bodies for international language testing and certification for teachers, with 27 states accepting ACTFL assessments for teacher certification. 

As an aspiring world language teacher, completing an ACTFL proficiency test may be one of the best choices you can make for your career trajectory. When you pursue certification, employers will recognize your tenacity and willingness to do what it takes to provide quality education. And once you have your certification, you'll show any potential employers that you possess the skills needed for success with the recognized credentials associated with ACTFL tests. 

Many academic organizations require their employees to show a valid proof of language proficiency in order to work for them. As some of the world's most highly recognized language proficiency tests, ACTFL assessments are the best solution available for your testing needs on your journey to becoming a world language teacher. 

The Teacher Certification Process and ACTFL Assessments

The process of obtaining your ACTFL language proficiency certification is easy through LTI, the exclusive provider of ACTFL assessments. LTI has an easy-to-navigate website that simplifies the process of finding the test that applies to you. 

In order to schedule a test, you'll first select your language of focus. Then you'll choose the certification type that meets your needs. After selecting the correct state and the name of the institution to which your test scores should be sent, you'll select a test, which will ensure you're taking an assessment that is recognized by your state or program. If you are not currently associated with an institution, you can select the option to test as an independent candidate. 

Note that language assessment is just one of the requirements for teacher certification, and every state has its own rules. Each state sets the minimum level of proficiency that a teacher candidate must meet to obtain their certification. There are currently 27 states that accept ACTFL assessments as part of the process of achieving teacher certification. 

Benefits of World Language Teacher Certification

Obtaining your world language teacher certification comes with several benefits, including the following:

Career advancement: Advancing your career is one of the main benefits of having a world language teacher certification. Your certification shows your commitment to personal education while providing a quality education for your students. It also shows that you've met or surpassed the standards represented by the certification, which may be a requirement for your state's hiring process. 
Meeting institutional requirements: Some academic institutions require you to have your language proficiency certificate to work for them. This certificate is often part of the larger world language teacher certification process, depending on each individual state's requirements. 
Community: By achieving your world language teacher certification, you'll become part of a community of like-minded professionals and educators who are also on the same journey toward achieving their career goals. Your certification may come with the option to share your digital language credentials across social media platforms, in digital signatures, or embedded in a resume through Credly badging, allowing you to connect with others who have certified their skills and promote your own skills.
Skill monitoring: When a language proficiency assessment is part of the process of achieving your world language teacher certification, it will allow you to demonstrate your current skill level. Teaching at a higher course level may require improving your proficiency and taking another assessment in the future.

Skills Tested by ACTFL Assessments

ACTFL assessments focus on a specific language proficiency skill, depending on the test you choose. Here are the main skill areas available that may be a part of your teacher certification process, depending on your state's requirements or those of any organization through which you might be seeking employment of other opportunities:

Speaking: Speaking is a fundamental component of language proficiency. Teachers of second languages must be able to convey thoughts and instructions through verbal dialogue, making speaking an essential skill in the classroom. You can test your second language speaking proficiency through the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) or fully computer-based Oral Proficiency Interview — computer (OPIc). 
Writing: Writing is a powerful skill to have in any world language. Often, teaching world languages requires a writing component. Plus, you may need to write to students, parents, clients, or government officials, depending on your specific career path. You can test your world language writing proficiency with the ACTFL Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) in your language of focus. 
Listening: To communicate and teach well, one must know how to listen well. Organizations and institutions across industries strive to have employees who can communicate accurately in world languages, and being able to skillfully listen is the first step. You can test your world language listening proficiency with the ACTFL Listening Proficiency Test (LTP) in your chosen language. 
Reading: Having reading skills in a second language is a valuable asset to an organization and your career as a world language teacher. Reading opens up a whole new world when it comes to understanding the people and culture of a location. You can test your world language reading proficiency in your chosen language with the ACTFL Reading Proficiency Test (RPT). 

How to Prepare for ACTFL Assessments

Here's how you can prepare for ACTFL assessments:

Know your goals: First, determine which language you'll be focusing on and which ACTFL assessment you'll need to take to achieve your world language teacher certification. LTI delivers ACTFL assessments in over 120 world languages.
Understand the assessment format: The format of your assessment depends on which assessment you choose. For instance, the OPI is a live, 15 to 30-minute interview with an ACTFL-certified Tester. The OPIc mimics the interview format but makes it fully online using computer technology. The WPT, RPT, and LPT involve answering questions with a focus on the skills being assessed. See LTI's general test descriptions for more information. 
Warm-up and prepare: Practice before taking any of the ACTFL assessments. Immerse yourself in the specific language in the hours leading to the test. Be prepared to respond to every question you encounter to the best of your ability in the language. 
Rest: Be sure to get adequate rest before your test. Being well-rested will ensure your mind is sharp and you're ready to give your best effort. 

Find World Language Assessment Solutions Through LTI

LTI has been a leader in language proficiency testing since its founding in 1992. The ACTFL tests we deliver cover over 120 languages in over 60 countries. We offer tests for individuals as well as tests for organizations, so you're sure to find the assessment that meets your needs. We also make establishing your credentials easy with options for digital badges for language proficiency.

We invite you to schedule a test to take the next step on your journey toward certification.