Overview
The Oral Proficiency Interview Computer is an internet delivered test, provides valid & reliable oral proficiency testing on a large scale. It was developed in response to the increased worldwide demand for the testing of OPI. The delivery of questions is through a carefully designed program and via a virtual avatar. Ava, allowing the test to be taken on demand and at a time convenient to the candidate and proctor. Currently, OPIc rates as per the full range of the ACTFL scale, from Novice through Superior.
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) Conducting Body:
The American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages or ACTFL Certified Testers, highly specialized language professionals with rigorous training, concludes the tester's ability.
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) Important Dates:
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) Selection Procedure:
The OPIc structure is based on one of the five test forms which target a specific range of proficiency:
Form 1 - Targets proficiency levels from Novice Low to Novice High although any rating from Novice Low to Intermediate Low can be assigned.
Form 2 - Targets proficiency levels from Novice High to Intermediate Mid although any rating from Novice Low to Intermediate High can be assigned.
Form 3 -Targets levels from Intermediate Mid to Advanced Low although any rating from Novice Low to Advanced Low can be assigned.
Form 4 - Targets proficiency levels from Advanced Low to Advanced Mid although any rating from Intermediate High to Advanced High can be assigned.
Form 5 - Targets proficiency levels from Advanced High to Superior although any rating from Advanced Low to Superior can be assigned
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) Exam Pattern:
The goal of the OPIc is the same as the OPI: to obtain a ratable sample of speech that a rater can evaluate and compare to the performance against the proficiency levels as per ACTFL Proficiency Guideline. The total time of the test is 40 minutes. The OPIc is delivered by the internet and on any secure tablet/computer that meets the minimum technical specifications.
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) OPIc Interviewer:
An avatar figure that personifies the OPIc interviewer is called AVA. Ava ask questions to candidates and they respond to her. Having Ava's picture on the screen helps in engaging in the conversation and Ava mimics a one-on-one conversation with a native speaker of the target language.
- Content:
Before the OPIc is conducted test takers complete two tasks i.e. a Background Survey and a Self Assessment. A full overview and explanation of OPIc procedures and a sample test question is also provided to the test taker. The instructions regarding the test is delivered in the test taker's native language.
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The Background Survey provide information about the test taker's work, school, home, personal activities, and interests.
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The Self-Assessment give different descriptions of how well a person can speak a language.
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The purpose of these two tasks is to assure the test takers that OPIc target their range of ability and provides questions on topics familiar to them.
Request for an OPIc can be made in two ways:
- By an Organisation:-
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A free account is set up with Language Testing International.
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OPIc then provides a secure web-based scheduling utility. Using this utility, the organisation can request assessments, track requests, confirm appointments and see results.
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Because the OPIc is internet-based, organisations can arrange for candidates to take the assessment in a proctored setting at any time. A computer or tablet meeting the specifications in an appropriate test environment is all a candidate need.
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Remotely proctored tests must be completed on a computer with a webcam and microphone.
- By an Individual:-
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Individuals wanting to test and certify their speaking ability can order and take an OPIc by ordering a Language Proficiency Certificate.
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The test is taken through a computer having an internet connection, webcam, headset with earphones, and microphone and LTI's remote proctoring services proctor the test.
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) Eligibility Criteria:
The OPI assesses the language proficiency of the candidate and the ability to use the language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations. It does not address how a speaker has acquired his/her language.
Oral Proficiency Interview Computer (OPIc) FAQs:
Ques 1. What is an OPIc test?
Ans. The Oral Proficiency Interview-Computer (OPIc) measures the ability to speak in a particular language against the proficiency levels depending on the type of language proficiency certification needed.
Ques 2. How reliable is the OPIc test?
Ans. OPIc assessments is well documented by 3rd-party studies and the rigor of OPIc's selection, training, and certification process for both testers and raters, along with monitoring and re-certification are excellent.
Ques 3. What is the purpose of ACTFL OPIc?
Ans. Following are the purposes:
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a reliable tool to determine the linguistic capabilities of the personnel of commercial enterprises, international organizations, and government agencies.
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Program Entrance
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Placement
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College Credit
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Program Evaluation and Performance
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Linguist/Teacher Credentialing.
Ques 4. What is the process of proctoring OPIc?
Ans. To proctor OPIc, the organization can make arrangements.
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The organization requesting the assessment must ensure that proctors are authorized, responsible individual, ideally a member of the HR department or faculty of the organization.
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Applicants are free to take the test via LTI's remote proctoring program by signing up for one of the Language Proficiency Certification options offered to them by LTI.
Ques 5. How many languages are available for the OPIc test?
Ans. Following are the languages:
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Arabic, Brazilian, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian Farsi, European Portuguese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish.
Ques 6. What is the rating process?
Ans. Commercial OPIcs are single rated i.e. an ACTFL Certified OPIc rater rates by identifying the speaking proficiency level of the candidate.
In a Certified/Official OPIc the rating is done blindly by two ACTFL Certified OPIc raters and their independent ratings must agree before an official rating is released.
Ques 7. Is there any other scale (other than ACTFL) over which an OPIc result can be requested?
Ans. An OPIc can be requested in the following scales:
Ques 8. What is the rating table of all the scales?
Ans. Following is the detail regarding the ratings:
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ACTFL OPIc:- between Novice and Superior.
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ILR OPIc:- between ILR 0 (No Proficiency) and ILR 3 (Professional Proficiency).
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CEFR OPIc:- between A1 and C2.
Ques 9. What is the difference between LTI and ACTFL?
Ans. Following are the differences:
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ACTFL trains and certifies testers whereas LTI delivers the testing.
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LTI is the exclusive licensee of ACTFL assessments and is for rigorous, quality assurance.
Ques 10. How long must a candidate wait before another test?
Ans. A waiting period of 90 days is advised as per the standard retest policy.
Ques 11. Can a candidate get a replacement in case the certificate is lost?
Ans. Yes, a candidate can get a replacement through online mode.
Ques 12. How long does it take to get test results?
Ans. Test ratings are available as soon as the same business day but mostly depend on the specific tests and needs of the clients.
Ques 13. What are the subjects of the questions?
Ans. Test questions are based on real-world concerns and a range of tasks one might be expected to handle in real life.
Ques 14. How long are the results valid?
Ans. Test results are valid for two years.
CONCLUSION: This exam offers such a great opportunity for the interested and eligible aspirants to accomplish their goal. It is a good occasion for interested aspirants. We the team of estudentbook wishes you all the best for your upcoming future. For more information regarding this you can visit our official website estudentbook.com.
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