FLNG 0007 - ACTFL Written Proficiency Test
Course Description
The Written Proficiency Test (WPT), administered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL), is a standardized assessment designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in written communication in the target language. This exam measures how well an individual can write spontaneously without access to language resources, grammar tools, or editing aids.
ACTFL WPT ratings are widely recognized by Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and the American Council on Education (ACE), which grants college credit based on proficiency levels achieved.
The ACTFL WPT may fulfill language-related certification or licensure requirements; please contact your state Department of Education for guidance specific to your situation.
After registering, you may schedule your ACTFL WPT at any time within a 90-day window. Your Written Proficiency Test will be proctored by the program manager via Zoom or Teams. Please allow two hours for both setup and completion of the WPT. Proctoring is offered Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. CT; Friday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. CT; and Saturday, 8 a.m.–3 p.m. CT, based on program manager availability.
The program manager will guide you through the process and offer practical examples and tips to help you prepare for the WPT. A valid photo ID is required and will be verified at the start of your exam.
Course Outline/Topics
Test Forms & Proficiency Ranges The WPT assesses the full range of the ACTFL Proficiency – from Novice to Superior – on three different test forms. The results of the Self-Assessment automatically generate the appropriate form.
- Form 1 can provide a rating within the proficiency range of Novice Low to Intermediate Mid (NL – IM). The average administration time is 40 minutes.
- Form 2 can provide a rating within the proficiency range of Novice Low to Advanced Mid (NL – AM). The average administration time is 60 minutes.
- Form 3 can provide a rating within the proficiency range of Novice Low to Superior (NL – S). The average administration time is 80 minutes.
Assessment Criteria
The WPT is rated exclusively by ACTFL-certified raters. Responses on the Writing Proficiency Test (WPT) are assessed from a global perspective. In evaluating writing, the following criteria are considered:
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- Functions or global tasks the writer performs
- Content areas and contexts within which the writer performs the tasks
- Accuracy of the writing
- Length and organization of the text the writer produces
Note that discrete linguistic components are viewed from a communicative perspective and are thus considered in terms of how they contribute to the overall message communicated in the written sample.
Tests are double-rated and an official ACTFL WPT certificate is issued to the candidate. The certificate includes the rating, the description of the rating and the description of language ability associated with the rating.
Familiarization
Prior to taking ACTFL’s Writing Proficiency Test (WPT), takers are encouraged to do the following:
- Take the WPT Demo Test
- Read the WPT Familiarization Guide
- Review the Writing Proficiency Guidelines, which include samples in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Japanese, Russian, and Spanish.