Business language tests and exams

At Language Services Direct, we understand the importance of thoroughly assessing the outcomes of training to ensure that our clients receive an excellent return on their investment. At the outset of each course, we carefully assess learners’ strengths and weaknesses in the language and report on their current level. At the end of each course, the learner is re-assessed with detailed written feedback on level and progress.

We also offer clients a number of options for business language tests and exams. This includes formal and informal options. Informal tests may take the form of regular in-class progress tests. More formal options include internal milestone tests at key levels and/or external examinations. The latter can provide important reassurance for clients in terms of external verification of learner levels. These options are discussed in more detail below.

Internal milestone tests

We can work with clients to develop standardised milestone tests if required. These tests allow clients to compare progress rates across their learner populations in a way that is fair and consistent. For a number of our clients, we have developed bespoke tests to assess learner progress at set intervals throughout their training. These tests can be tailored to the learning and business requirements of the particular client and typically consist of three elements: a role-play, listening comprehension and a written test.

Formal exams

For other clients, external verification of their learners’ levels is important. We are experienced in preparing learners to take appropriate language exams with external providers. We ensure that:

• the learner works with a specialist trainer with experience preparing learners for the particular exam
• suitable exam-preparation materials are used
• learners are supported to enroll for relevant exams at appropriate centres

Our trainers have prepared learners for a range of formal language examinations, including:

• LCCI FLAW (Foreign Languages at Work) Qualifications
• LCCI German for Business Exams
• Diplomas in Spanish as a Foreign Language (DELE)
• Goethe Institute German language exams
• Certificato Lingua Italiana – Perugia (CELI)
• Certificato Italiano Commerciale (CIC)
• Certificato Lingua Italiana – Siena (CILS)
• Diplôme Approfondi de Langue Française (DALF)
  
• Diplôme d’Etudes en Langue Française (DELF)
  
• Diplôme de français des affaires level 1 (DFA1)
• Diplôme de français des affaires level 2 (DFA2)
• Certificat de français professionnel (CFP)
• Certificat de français juridique (FJ)
• Oxford Cambridge RSA (OCR)
• Certificate in Business Language Competence
• First Certificate in English (FCE)
• Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
• Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
• Test de connaissance du français (TCF)
• Test of English for International Communication (TOEIC)
• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

In cases where a large number of learners with a particular client are required to take an external exam, we can apply for exam-centre status and run the exams ourselves at the client’s site(s). This has been done for a number of key clients to meet their extensive requirements for formal exams.