Oral Proficiency Interview - (Foreign Language Assessment)
Applicants who achieve a passing score on the English Language Assessment Exam will be eligible to take the Oral Proficiency Interview-computerized (OPIc) in the foreign language that they will interpret. The OPIc is a valid and reliable testing method that measures how well a person speaks a language. The OPIc is administered remotely by a private testing provider contracted by the AOC. Applicants are required to score a minimum of “Advanced High” on the proficiency scale established by the American Council for the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). Testing dates and locations will be announced well in advance.
Sight Translation Foreign Language Assessment
In the event the OPIc is not offered for the applicant’s foreign language by a testing provider approved by the AOC, the applicant will be given a Sight Translation Language Assessment. This assessment consists of 10 sentences written in English. The applicant will be recorded reading the English sentences and then providing a sight translation of each sentence into the foreign language. This assessment is not a translation test but is used to evaluate the applicant’s proficiency in the foreign language. The recorded test will be sent either to raters of that particular language provided by the National Center for State Courts to a language expert approved by the AOC. The raters will evaluate the applicant’s performance on the Sight Translation Language Assessment on syntax, false cognates, general grammar, idioms and vocabulary and provide the AOC a pass/no pass score based on the applicant’s proficiency in the language.
Validity of Exam Scores
Scores of the Oral Proficiency Interview-computerized (foreign language) or Sight Translation Language Assessment exam will remain valid for two (2) years from the date an applicant is notified that he/she achieved a passing score. Any applicant who does not achieve a passing score shall be notified.