The Language Tests

WELARC assessors can assess your language skills in English or French. They use the Canadian Language Benchmark Placement Test (CLBPT) to assess English skills and the Batterie de tests de classement aux Niveaux de competence linguistique canadiens (BTC-NCLC) to assess French skills. These tests measure how well you can communicate information and ideas in English or French.

These tests are standardized assessments given by trained and certified professionals across Canada.

There are 3 parts to the CLBPT (English) test.  

• Listening and Speaking - one-on-one in an assessor’s office (5- 20 minutes)

• Reading - in the testing room (up to 30 minutes)

• Writing - in the testing room (up to 30 minutes)

There are 4 parts to the BTC-NCLC (French) test. 

• Listening - in the testing room (up to 26 minutes

• Speaking - in an assessor’s office (5-20 minutes)

• Reading - in the testing room (45 minutes)

• Writing - in the testing room (45 minutes)

A Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) is assigned for each skill area: Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing. 

The results of your test will help a school place you into the right language class; one that is not too hard or too easy. So, you do not need to study for the test. 

Your assessor will explain the results and discuss the English or French classes available. 

Your test results are not useful for:

• employment

• academic courses

• immigration or citizenship purposes

Both these tests assess your language skills up to Canadian Language Benchmark Level 8.  Read more about the Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLBs) here.