International Exchange – Language Requirements
If your first language is different from the official working language of the host institution you would like to go to, you must provide proof of your proficiency in that language.
For more information, click on International Exchanges.
English- and French-Speaking Host Institutions
Your proficiency can be demonstrated by previous course completion. You qualify for this if you have previously completed one of the following:
A. The Second Language Certification Test with a final mark of PASS.
B. A content course taught in your second language.
C. An intermediate level English as a Second Language or French as a Second Language course
(ESL2111, FLS2511 or higher).
If you have not previously completed one of these courses, you will need to complete a proficiency test.
The Proficiency Test consists of a multiple-choice listening and reading test of 1.5 hours in length. There are four scheduled administrations of the proficiency test or an individual administration can be scheduled with an additional $10 fee.
English and French Proficiency Testing Sessions
English |
French |
Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 10 am |
Thursday, December 6, 2012 at 1:30 pm |
Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10 am |
Saturday, January 19, 2013 at 10 am |
Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at 1 pm |
Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 10 am |
Thursday, February 14, 2013 at 10 am |
Tuesday, February 12, 2013 at 1 pm |
French Immersion Studies
Students who are registered in French Immersion Studies are encouraged to go on exchange to a French-speaking country. The fees for proof of language proficiency are prepaid for these students. However, students are responsible for the late fees if they submit their request after the deadline of February 15, 2013.
Spanish-Speaking Host Institutions
Those students who would like to participate in an exchange in a Spanish-speaking country must either have previously completed an intermediate level course (ESP2991 or higher), or complete a Spanish test. The Spanish test is administer via computer and takes about 1.5 hours complete. The test is scheduled on an individual basis with candidates.
Deadline and Fees
All requests must be received by February 15, 2013. Any requests made after this date might not be processed in time for the February 28, 2013 deadline and will be subject to a $20.00 late fee.
Service |
Fee |
Proof of proficiency based on previous course completion |
$12.00 |
French or English Proficiency Test at a scheduled test session |
$25.00 |
Special administration of the French or English Proficiency Test |
$35.00 |
Spanish Test |
$25.00 |
Late fee for any request received after February 15, 2013 |
$20.00 |
Requests Forms
Students may request proof of proficiency or register for a test using one of the following methods:
- Online (credit card payment)
- Complete the online request form
- Complete the payment via General Store
- in person (cash payment)
- Print and complete the appropriate request form (see below)
- Bring the form and payment to 70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 130
- by mail (payment by money order)
- Print and complete the appropriate request form (see below)
- Mail the completed form and payment to:
Language Testing Services
Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute
70 Laurier Avenue East, Room 130
Ottawa, ON
K1N 6N5
Download Forms (PDF)
- Request for Proficiency Test (French or English)
- Request for Proof of Proficiency Based on Previous Course Completion (French or English)
- Request for Proof of Proficiency in Spanish