Bilingual Testing & Language Proficiency
Finding the right candidate is tough. Finding the right candidate who speaks multiple languages is even tougher.
We can help.
For more than 12 years, our Bilingual Testing Service (BTS) has given our clients the confidence in their team’s language proficiency to get the job done. Our language tests are developed exclusively at TransNation and provide reliable results you can trust when evaluating a candidate’s language proficiency.
Our evaluation ratings are consistent with the Interagency Language Roundtable’s Language proficiency scale.
Types of Language Tests
TransNation currently provides four major categories of testing and our tests are adaptable to meet your specific needs. From emergency personnel to administrative workers, we’ve worked with them all to ensure that we test for the right language skills and vocabulary. Contact us today to discuss your bilingual testing requirements.
Speaking
- Evaluates a person’s spoken language skills
- Series of oral questions in the present, past, future, and conditional tenses
- Series of general and situational questions
Our speaking test evaluates how proficient the candidate is at speaking and understanding the spoken language. We assess these oral communication skills through a series of carefully devised questions. Syntax (grammar), semantics (meaning), and pronunciation are evaluated and scored per our proprietary rating scale. TransNation evaluates a candidate’s ability to communicate effectively, with no relevance placed on his or her place of origin (i.e., vernacular particular to the country of origin).
Reading
- Candidate reads a passage
- May be timed
- Candidate answers questions about the text
- Candidate may refer the text – it is not a memory test
Our reading test evaluates how well the candidate can read and understand written communications in the given language. We give candidates 5-10 minutes to read a passage before a series of predetermined questions are administered. During this time, they are free to make notes directly on the page. Our focus is on the candidate’s ability to understand the text and glean information from it. The candidate’s responses are evaluated, scored, and defined within the guidelines.
Writing
- We offer two types of writing tests: Language-specific and Translation-specific
- Text is a general, business document
- Dictionary is provided (optional)
- Test is timed or not timed (client preference)
Our writing tests evaluate how proficient the candidate is at writing in the given language. We test for a Source Language Ability (Language-specific) and/or Translation Ability (Translation-specific). Each test is analyzed for syntax, completeness, accuracy, and spelling- including appropriate use of accents. A summary of the total points earned is calculated and the competency level is then assigned.
Occupational
- Text is specific to an occupation (i.e. Police, Fire or Dispatch Department)
We test for occupational-specific language competence to determine the candidate’s ability to communicate effectively in a verbal form specific to that candidate’s job. Each candidate’s language ability is evaluated for correct usage, accuracy, and pronunciation. A summary of the total points earned is evaluated and the level is then assigned.
Who Trusts Us for Their Testing?
City of Los Angeles
City of Irving
City of Richardson
City of Rockwall
City of Stephenville
City of Wylie
TransNation’s 3-Step Process:
- Assess your needs
If you are relying on an employee’s bilingual language skills for essential communications with your clients, you will want to be assured of his or her language competency. Often, an employer cannot evaluate whether a current or prospective employee has the required language skills. We’ll work with you to make our flexible program fit your needs.
- Test the candidate
TransNation tests language aptitude from basic through expert levels. Whether you are hiring a receptionist or a paralegal, you will want to know their level of language expertise.
- Evaluate the results
We submit the results in easy-to-read formats so that you can quickly evaluate your candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. Typically we have results back to you within 24 hours.
Languages
TransNation can provide bilingual testing in more than 50+ languages. Please contact us to discuss what languages you will need bilingual testing in.
Our Evaluators
Our skilled and experienced evaluators are trained to administer bilingual tests in a completely professional and unbiased manner. Each evaluator is college-educated (or the equivalent in their home country) and has extensive experience working with our assessments.
