LANGUAGE ASSESSMENT REFERRAL CENTRES

The Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) established the official national standards for English (and French) language proficiency that are utilized in second language education and community and workplace settings.  The CCLB was established Citizenship and Immigration Canada.  For further details see www.language.ca. Contact the following centres to book an appointment for assessment.  It may take several weeks to get an appointment, so be sure to book it early.

Calgary

Immigrant Language and Vocational Assessment-Referral Centre (ILVARC)

www.calgaryimmigrantaid.ca

#1401, 910-7th Ave SW
Calgary, AB T2P 3N8

Phone: (403) 262-2656               Fax: (403) 294-1173
Email: ilvarc@calgaryimmigrantaid.ca

Cost: no charge for landed immigrants and Canadian citizens

SAIT, English Language Foundations

N304, Senator Burns Building
1301 16 Ave NW
Calgary AB T2M 0L4

Phone: (403) 210-4045               Fax: (403) 284-7121

Toll Free: 1 877 284-7248
Website: www.sait.ab.ca/academicsupport/cals/elf/default.htm
E-mail: english.language@sait.ca

Cost: $100

Edmonton

Language Assessment, Referral and Counselling Centre (LARCC)

www.catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

10709-105 Street
Edmonton, AB T5H 2X3
Phone: (780) 424-3545               Fax: (780) 425-6627

Email: Shazia.Javed@catholicsocialservices.ab.ca

Cost: no charge for landed immigrants and Canadian citizens

Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB)

CLBs range from 1-12 describing levels of reading, writing, speaking and listening second language proficiency.  A separate level score is given for each of these four skill areas.  It is common for individuals to have different scores in each of the skills areas, reflecting their strengths and skills that may need further development. Learners will find the length of time to progress between levels increases as they advance through levels.  At beginner and intermediate levels the emphasis is on master sounds and structures, and at more advanced levels the emphasis is on broadening vocabulary, complex exchanges and dealing the unfamiliar. The following is a brief summary of the CLB levels. For a more detailed description of each level see www.language.ca/display_page.asp?page_id=439.

Beginner

Levels 1 and 2 - almost no reading ability, recognizes familiar words and phrases, very limited vocabulary, conversation limited to basic survival needs, establishes ability to recognize and differentiate the sounds of the language, communicates basic personal information

High Beginner - Low Intermediate-

Levels 3 and 4- can read and write simple text and recognize basic punctuation and spelling, masters simple sentence and casual conversation structures, begins to focus on clearer speech and accuracy of sound production, communicative skills expand, but vocabulary still limited

High Intermediate - Low Advanced

Levels 5 and 6 – can read authentic text about simple subject matters, can function in most routine daily life community and work situations, can give explanations and presentations, errors in pronunciation and grammar may cause some misunderstandings

Advanced - Employment and Education Preparation

Levels 7 and 8 – can read more complex and special documents, can adjust level of formality of speech to suit the situation, continues to build vocabulary and knowledge of idiomatic expressions, can study TOEFL and professional licensure materials

Advanced – High Advanced

Levels 9, 10, 11 and 12 – can communicate fluently and accurately on most demanding and professional topics, can use language to persuade and influence, reads authentic materials, can revise and edit the writing of others