Actfl LPT & RPT: Examinee Handbook
Actfl LPT & RPT: Examinee Handbook
Actfl LPT & RPT: Examinee Handbook
EXAMINEE HANDBOOK
No portion of this document may be reproduced or
reprinted without the written permission of
Language Testing International & ACTFL.
Table of Contents
The Listening Proficiency Test (LPT) and the Reading Proficiency Test (RPT), developed by ACTFL
and administered by Language Testing International, Inc. (LTI), are valid and reliable web-based
assessments of how well you understand a language while listening or reading. Individuals,
companies and organizations around the world use these assessments. From students in
Canada, to the New York City Department of Education in the United States, to employees at
Samsung in Korea, the LPT and the RPT have become the tests people trust when they want to
learn what they can do in a language.
The LPT and the RPT are carefully constructed assessments which evaluate listening and reading
abilities according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012 – Listening and Reading, the
Interagency Language Roundtable Language (ILR) Skill Level Descriptors – Listening and Reading,
or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), depending on the
type of language proficiency certification needed. The LPT measures how well you
spontaneously understand spoken language, without the ability to re-listen or ask for
clarification. The RPT measures how well you spontaneously read a language when presented
with written texts without access to dictionaries or grammar references. Both assessments are
standardized tests delivered by computer via the internet.
As the LPT and the RPT both assess general language proficiency, they are not designed to
assess what you learned in a specific language program, class, school or university; nor are they
tied to a specific teaching method or book. Rather than assessing what you “know” about the
language, the LPT and the RPT are assessments of how well you can understand while listening
or reading the language. Proficiency, that is, how well you can function in the language, as
defined by the descriptions of listening and reading ability on the scale of your choice (ACTFL,
ILR, CEFR), is the only factor assessed by these tests.
The ACTFL LPT and the RPT are appropriate for a variety of purposes: literacy certification,
employment selection, program entrance, exit exams, placement, program evaluation and
performance, and interpreter or translator credentialing. The official LPT and RPT ratings are
also recommended for college credit based on the American Council on Education (ACE) credit-
by-examination review.
Currently, there are versions of the tests in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian,
Indonesian (available as an RPT only at this time), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian
and Spanish. A test may be requested through an organization or company, or individually.
Individuals can order the assessments directly from LTI’s website, by clicking on “Certification for
Individuals,” and then, “Take a Test.”
The goal of the LPT and the RPT is to gather evidence of the full range of your functional ability
in listening and reading. These are passive skills; that is, the message in a passage is sent to
the receptor, you, and you receive and understand its meaning. The LPT and the RPT measure
your ability to understand spoken or written passages by asking you comprehension questions
and providing possible answers in order to confirm how well you understood the message.
Instead of simple recognition of vocabulary or isolated statements, there is an expectation of a
holistic (overall) understanding of the passage and its message. At all times, you are expected
to demonstrate your functional ability in listening and reading, e.g., listen to a list of numbers to
recognize the winning lottery numbers, read a list of things to do in order to understand what
you need to do for the day, listen to a newscast to learn what happened in the community, read
an editorial opinion in order to understand the author’s point of view about a social issue. The
expectations for the comprehension of details and nuances increase as the proficiency level
increases.
The Passages
The listening or reading passages are selected to meet specific criteria assigned to specific
levels of proficiency based on content and complexity. The selections include a range of topics
appropriate for each level. They include informal and formal speech on general, social and
academic topics, such as daily interactions, reports, discussions, and broadcasts. The internal
structure of the passage (sentences, strings of sentences, paragraphs, complex development)
matches the level of complexity of the passages.
Listening passages are heard only once, as you would hear in a real-life situation. The voices
are clear, and there is no obstruction in the audio channel that may affect your listening (e.g.,
environment noises, background voices, music). The questions are provided in advance, before
you listen to the passage, in order to help you to focus on the message and listen with a purpose
in mind.
Reading passages are visible to you until you finish with the questions related to them. As in real
life, you can go back and review the printed media (e.g., notes, newspapers, reports).
Multiple-Choice Questions
Each passage has three questions that refers to the passage’s content; each question has four
multiple-choice answers, of which only one is correct. While all passages are presented in the
tested language, questions and multiple-choice answers at the Intermediate level and below are
in English; questions and multiple-choice answers at the Advanced and Superior levels are in the
target language. There is also an international version of the tests available with all passages and
multiple-choice answers in the target language.
All of the possible multiple-choice answers are equally attractive. This means that all options will
appear to be potentially correct. However, each item has only one correct response. Multiple
reviews of each test item have confirmed the quality of these questions in order to ensure that
the questions and multiple-choice options are appropriate and aligned with the level, and that
When taking notes in the note pad provided on the screen, you can jot down information from
the passage that may help you to select the correct answer. You can go to the Test demo and the
item sample at the beginning of the test to familiarize yourself with the test structure.
In contrast to the LPT, the RPT presents both the questions and the passage together. As with the
LPT, reading the questions in advance provides you with the opportunity to read with a specific
purpose in mind. Read the questions first, and then read the passage while focusing on the
information that may help you to select the correct answer.
These assessments are administered via the internet on a secure computer that meets the
minimum technical specifications stipulated by LTI. You will need an internet connection,
webcam, headset with earphones, and microphone. The test is proctored by an authorized
individual, or via LTI's remote proctoring services.
The LPT and the RPT provide detailed test instructions on how to access the questions and record
your answers. You will have the opportunity to review the instructions and sample questions
before the beginning of the test. It is important that you complete these practice items to
practice with LPT and RPT functionality. This will also prepare you to focus on and pay attention
to all aspects of the passages during the test. Once you are familiar with the system, you will be
ready to begin the actual test.
The following sections provide details and illustrations regarding test functionality.
If the System Check shows that your computer does not meet a requirement, update your
Make sure that all programs are closed and eliminate all possible distractions. You will receive
another reminder at this time and throughout the test regarding time control. Once you
press Begin, the computer will maintain time controls and will provide you with frequent time
reminders.
Once you log in, the program will introduce you to the test functionality with a couple of
examples. In the screenshot below, notice the following:
• A progress line. In the practice section, only two steps appear. Later on, this line will
indicate your progress by marking the number of items you have completed.
• An orientation line describing what the passage is about.
• A 30-second time counter to indicate the time left before the recording begins to play.
This is also a reminder to be ready when the passage begins.
• The questions related to the passage in the recording. You should use the 30 seconds to
familiarize yourself with these questions.
• A recorder indicator for the listening passage. You do not have control over the
recording. The recording will begin to play automatically when the 30 seconds of
preparation have transpired; you will not be able to stop or replay the passage. Be ready
to listen from the moment the recording begins. You will listen to the recorded passage
only once.
• A notepad on which you can type any information from the recording that you deem
important in order to answer the questions. The notepad will remain on the page until
you have finished with that test item.
• A 30-second time counter to highlight the time remaining to take notes after the
recording is finished. Once the time is up, the test will automatically move to the next
page. If you are ready to proceed to the questions before the 30 seconds is up, you can
click on “Next” and continue to the next page immediately.
Make sure that all programs are closed. Technical issues can affect your concentration, so
eliminate any possible distractions. You will need total focus to perform at your best on the test.
If there is a problem that requires shutting down the computer, the test will remain available
to you for an additional two hours. If you need more time, you must contact LTI immediately.
Another reminder that you will receive at this time, and throughout the test, is about time
control. Once you click on Begin, the computer will show a timer and provide you frequent time
reminders.
After the System Check, the program will send you to the login page. There, your proctor will help
you log in and begin the test by using the login credentials assigned to you.
The RPT test functionality differs from that of the LPT. From the sample test item screenshot,
notice the following:
• A zoom line to expand the font size, so you can read the text more comfortably.
• An orientation line (in blue) telling you what the passage is about.
• The reading passage together with the multiple-choice questions related to the
passage. You will be able to re-read the passage while responding to the questions.
Time control in the RPT will work differently from that of the LPT. Since the passage and the
questions are presented at the same time, you will have the opportunity to re-read the passage
before you finalize your answers. Still, you have a limited amount of time to complete the test, so
you should not linger more than the recommended amount of time (see “Suggested Time” in the
screenshot below) on each item.
The LPT and the RPT are machine-scored tests, and results will be available within hours. A
computerized algorithm assesses test responses and assigns a final rating. The scoring procedure
considers the difficulty of the passage, the items’ level of difficulty, and the test-taker’s ability.
Hundreds of tests items were evaluated in order to create a reliable procedure. The computer
score is interpreted into a proficiency rating.
Results will be reported according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012, the Interagency
Language Roundtable (ILR) Language Skill Level Descriptors, or the Common European
Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), depending on the type of language proficiency
certification needed. All ratings for all languages refer to the same criteria. You can study the
descriptors in detail at: https://www.actfl.org/ publications/guidelines-and-manuals/actfl-
proficiency-guidelines-2012. The site includes translations of the document and samples at each
major level in at least 10 languages.
As mentioned before, the LPT and the RPT can provide ratings based on different proficiency
scales (i.e.: ACTFL, ILR, CEFR). The descriptions of the different scales follow similar criteria, and
the best way to understand a rating is to read the descriptors. Here are some highlights for each
major level according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines – 2012:
NOVICE
Listening Reading
Low I can recognize a few memorized words I can recognize a few letters or
and phrases when I hear them spoken. characters. I can identify a few
memorized words and phrases when I
read.
Mid I can recognize some familiar words and I can recognize some letters or
phrases when I hear them spoken. characters. I can understand some
learned or memorized words and
phrases when I read.
High I can often understand words, phrases, I can understand familiar words,
and simple sentences related to phrases, and sentences within short
everyday life. I can recognize pieces of and simple texts related to everyday
information and sometimes understand life. I can sometimes understand the
the main topic of what is being said. main idea of what I have read.
INTERMEDIATE
Listening Reading
Low I can understand the main idea in short, I can understand the main idea of short
simple messages and presentations on and simple texts when the topic is
familiar topics. I can understand the familiar.
main idea of simple conversations that I
overhear.
Mid I can understand the main idea in I can understand the main idea of texts
messages and presentations on a related to everyday life and personal
variety of topics related to everyday interests or studies.
life and personal interests and studies.
I can understand the main idea in
conversations that I overhear.
ADVANCED
Listening Reading
Low I can understand the main idea and I can understand the main idea and
some supporting details in organized some supporting details on a variety of
speech on a variety of topics of topics of personal and general interest.
personal and general interest. I can I can follow stories and descriptions of
follow stories and descriptions of some some length and in various time frames
length and in various time frames. I can and genres.
understand information presented in
a variety of genres on familiar topics,
even when something unexpected is
expressed.
Mid I can understand the main idea and I can understand the main idea and
most supporting details on a variety of most supporting details in texts on
topics of personal and general interest, a variety of topics of personal and
as well as some topics of professional general interest, as well as some
interest. I can follow stories and professional topics. I can follow stories
descriptions of some length and in and descriptions of considerable
various time frames. I can understand length and in various time frames. I can
information presented in most genres, understand texts written in a variety of
even when not familiar with the topic. genres, even when I am unfamiliar with
the topic.
Listening Reading
The listening and reading descriptors of each sublevel in the ACTFL Guidelines provide details
about the quality of functional ability demonstrated within the level. Sublevels are assigned in
the ACTFL scale for Novice, Intermediate and Advanced. Superior does not have sublevels. The
three sublevels are: High, Mid, and Low.
The HIGH Sublevel
Listeners and readers at the High sublevel are able to function with ease and confidence when
performing the functions of their baseline level (Novice, Intermediate or Advanced). They are
able to understand the content and contexts, and the text type at the next higher major level
most of the time, but they are unable to sustain functional ability at the next higher level without
intermittent lapses or evidence of difficulty.
For example, a Novice High listener or reader is able to understand sentence-level discourse
about the content and contexts associated with the Intermediate level, but he or she would
not be able to maintain that level of comprehension all the time. There will be evidence
of breakdown when the listener or reader would not be able to sustain the criteria of the
Intermediate level.
The MID Sublevel
Mid sublevel listeners and readers are able to function with ease and confidence when
performing the functions of their baseline level (Novice, Intermediate or Advanced). They may
demonstrate some understanding of the passages at the next higher major level, but they are
unable to sustain functional ability at that level most of the time.
For example, an Intermediate Mid listener or reader would be able to understand sentence-
level discourse with the content and contexts associated with the Intermediate level consistently
throughout the test. Nevertheless, they will show frequent evidence of breakdown in
comprehension of passages at the Advanced level.
The LOW Sublevel
Listeners and readers at the Low sublevel work hard to hold on to the major level of proficiency
for which they have qualified. They demonstrate minimal but sustained functional ability in the
functions of their baseline level (Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, or Superior). They meet the
minimal requirements for the level and do not break down to the level below. On the other hand,
they struggle to understand passages at the next higher major level.
For instance, an Advanced Low listener or reader is able to just hold onto the Advanced level
by understanding short paragraphs about the content and contexts related to the Advanced
level. He or she would be able to recognize different time frames (past, present and future),
but the listener or reader may need to make an effort to understand the intent of the message.
Additionally, he or she will struggle to understand Superior-level passages.
Logistics
• Scheduling the LPT and the RPT is handled by LTI. Make sure to follow all of the
instructions issued by LTI. If you have any questions, contact LTI immediately.
• Make sure in advance that your computer meets the minimal connection requirements
for the test. Technical problems can be very distracting and will affect your ability to focus
on the listening and reading tasks. Please check your settings in advance.
• Make sure that the area where you are taking the LPT and the RPT is quiet and void of
distractions. If you are taking a proctored test in a testing site, the proctor is responsible
for taking care of the environment in which you are taking the test. If, however, the test is
un-proctored, be sure to find a quiet place, without any interruptions.
• Meet your test schedule. Once LTI sends you the registration information, you will have
two weeks to complete the test. Tests will automatically expire after two weeks, but your
test administrator can provide extensions.
• Once you begin the test, you have a limited amount of time to complete the test. The
time counters will assist you to maintain good control of time.
• During the test, you are not allowed to check documents or dictionaries, or ask for help.
Rely exclusively on what you can do.
Personal preparation
To do your best on the LPT and the RPT, you must create a habit of listening and reading in the
target language across a variety of contexts, formats, topics, and domains. Working to build your
skills, so you can understand the language in real world contexts, is the best way to get ready
to take the LPT and the RPT. Listen and read with the purpose of understanding the meaning of
passages. Consider: What message is the author trying to convey?
The LPT and the RPT are assessments of what you understand in the language at the time of
the test. Your final rating describes your general functional ability and your current receptive/
comprehension skills. The final rating describes your sustained functional ability, which is the
level at which you show full control over the functions. Only language development over time will
impact your rating. Last-minute preparation will not improve your functional ability throughout
the test. Last-minute language learning, grammar review, or vocabulary practice will not improve
your final results. Knowing more about the language will not affect your rating unless it reflects
on what you can understand when you are listening and reading. As such, focus your practice on
listening and reading real-life materials (articles, books, etc.), with attention to comprehending
the speaker’s/writer’s message rather than the language forms he or she uses.
As with any test, you should prepare by being well rested and alert, maintaining a positive
attitude throughout the test. During the test, FOCUS! Concentration will help you to understand
better and recognize details. Focus on understanding the passage and its message.