Language Proficiency

1. Demonstrating Language Proficiency:
   An applicant who does not meet the language proficiency requirements based on their first language or language of academic instruction, is required to either:
   
   1. Complete a standardized language proficiency test administered by a recognized 3rd party testing agency and meet or exceed the minimum cut-off score for that test (Appendix A). The cut-off scores required in the approved language tests reflect the minimum level of English or French language proficiency necessary for a prospective applicant to function successfully as an Agent in Training and as an Agent, once registered. Applicants are responsible for the cost of language proficiency tests. Test results are valid for 2 years from the date the test was administered. They must be sent directly from the language testing agency to the College.OR
   2. Provide non-objective evidence of language proficiency. The College accepts alternatives to a standardized language proficiency test. An applicant may meet the language proficiency registration requirement through non-objective evidence (NOE) of their language proficiency by submitting at least TWO of the following:
      
      1. Successful completion of relevant professional education in a majority English or French-speaking country;
      2. Relevant employment in a majority English or French-speaking country in a role similar to that of an Agent in Training or registered Agent;
      3. Successful completion of the four final years of school in Canada that establishes eligibility to apply for university or college;
      4. Successful completion of a Canadian college or university degree or diploma; or
      5. Successful completion of one or more parts or papers of a qualifying examination in a related field.

Extending the Period of Validity of Language Proficiency Test Scores:
The College may extend the validity of an applicant’s language proficiency test scores when the applicant meets the following:

1. The applicant is engaged in or has recently successfully completed the 24-month training required to establish eligibility for the Qualifying Examinations;
2. The original test scores meet the language proficiency requirements outlined in Appendix A;
3. The original test scores have expired within the past two years; and
4. In the opinion of the Registrar, there is no evidence to suggest the applicant is not sufficiently proficient in English or French.

An extension is valid for a period of up to one year. A second extension of up to one year following the end of the first extension period may be requested. When an applicant’s request for extension of the period of validity of language proficiency test scores is denied, the applicant can appeal the decision to the Registration Committee.

Exception: Notwithstanding the requirements for extending the validity of language test results described above, language test results will remain valid until the applicant receives a registration decision by the Registrar, or until the Registration Committee conducts a review, if a review is requested by the applicant.

1. The Registrar will consider the evidence submitted by the applicant to determine if the language proficiency requirement has been met and will make a decision.
2. Registration staff will communicate the Registrar’s decision to the applicant in writing and will provide instructions for appealing the decision to the Registration Committee should the Registrar deem the language proficiency requirement unmet or denies a request to extend the validity of language proficiency test scores.