Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
Based on the latest pattern | Detailed Analysis

The Oral Proficiency Interview or OPI is a live telephone conversation between a certified ACTFL tester and the applicant. This test is a valid and reliable test that measures how well a person speaks a language. The procedure is standardized in order to assess global speaking ability, measuring language production holistically by determining pattern of strengths and weaknesses. The OPI resembles a conversation but the tester follows a strictly controlled structure & protocol, and elicits a speech sample demonstrating the performance of the speaker and the level in which the speaker can sustain the performance.

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) 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 (OPI) Important Dates:

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Selection Procedure: The four mandatory stages of the OPI are the:

  • Warm-up

  • Level checks

  • Probes

  • Wind-down

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) Exam Pattern:

The OPI test is a live telephonic interview between an ACTFL certified tester and a speaker. The total time  of the test is 15 to 30 minutes. The content of the test is according to the applicants experience (Academic, Personal or Professional). There are 100+ languages in the ACTFL OPI test.

Request for an OPI can be made in two ways:

- By an Organisation:- 

  • A free account is set up with Language Testing International.

  • OPI then provides a secure web-based scheduling utility. Using this utility, the organization can request assessments, track requests, confirm appointments and see results. 

  • Because the OPI is a live interview tester, organizations must submit a request for desired days and time to LTI for the interview to be conducted over the phone.

  • LTI then send back a confirmation stating the confirmed time, date and phone number to call for the phone interview.

- By an Individual:-

  • Individuals wanting to test and certify their speaking ability can order and take an OPI by ordering a Speaking Certificate.

  • At the OPI appointed time, the candidate signs into the remote proctoring platform through a computer with an internet and a webcam connection.

  • The remote proctor instructs the candidate to call the OPI Tester by phone while observing the phone call over the computer system.

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) 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 (OPI) FAQs:

Ques 1. What is an OPI test?

Ans. The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) measures your ability to speak in a particular language.

Ques 2. How reliable is the OPI test?

Ans. The reliability of ACTFL OPI assessments is well documented by 3rd-party studies and the rigor of OPI'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 OPI?

Ans. Following are the purposes:

  • Language Fluency Certification

  • Employment Selection

  • Program Entrance

  • Placement

  • College Credit

  • Program Evaluation and Performance

  • Linguist/Teacher Credentialing.

Ques 4. What is the process of proctoring OPI?

Ans. To proctor, OPIs organization can make arrangements. 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.

Ques 5. What are the scales over which applicants are judged for their language skills?

Ans. Using the following scale: Superior, Advanced High, Advanced Mid, Advanced Low, Intermediate High, Intermediate Mid, Intermediate Low, Novice High, Novice Mid, Novice Low.

Ques 6. Are proficiency levels defined separately for different abilities?

Ans. Yes, According to ACTFL proficiency guidelines different abilities i.e. listening reading writing, speaking is defined separately.

Ques 7. For which category this test is appropriate?

Ans. This test is appropriate for candidates of Secondary, Higher Education and beyond.

Ques 8. What are the contents of the test?

Ans. The contents of the test are based on the applicant's personal, academic and professional experiences.

Ques 9. How many languages are there in the OPI test?

Ans. There are more than 100 languages available on OPI and more are being added.

Ques 10. Is there any other scale over which an OPI result can be requested?

Ans. An OPI can be requested in the following scales:

  • Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR)

  • Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).

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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