Take the Spanish proficiency exams
All education students with a major or minor in Spanish (or bilingual education) are required to take and pass three proficiency exams—the oral proficiency exam, the grammar exam, and the composition exam. Find out more below!
The Oral Proficiency Exam
Have questions about the OPI? Or just nervous about taking it? Check out our list of FAQs below.
What is the OPI?
OPI stands for Oral Proficiency Interview. The examination consists of a 20-30 minute telephonic interview, during which you will probably be asked to answer questions, talk about your interests, and take part in a role-play. There are also different varieties of the OPI that you may choose to take. See a description of them here.
Do I need to take the OPI?
If you are an education student with a Spanish major or minor (or bilingual education), you must take and pass the OPI. Besides the OPI, you must also pass a grammar and composition examination.
When should I take the OPI?
The OPI is usually offered by the Spanish Department four times during the school year—twice in the fall and twice in the spring. It is recommended that you take and pass the exam 1 year prior to your student-teaching experience—December 20 if you are student-teaching in the fall, and May 20 if you are student-teaching in the spring. If it is not completed before this deadline, you must make a formal appeal to the department to be allowed to student teach. (Download the form.)
*We recommend that you take the OPI immediately after your study-abroad experience, when you are most confident with your Spanish-speaking skills. (Or, if you are studying abroad, you can also take it there.)
How do I sign up?
Read your weekly Spanish department newsletter, Enlace, for updates on exact dates when the OPI will be offered each year. Then come to the Spanish department to sign up!
How much does it cost?
There are several different versions of the OPI that are listed below:
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is administered telephonically by an ACTFL certified tester, double rated, digitally recorded. Ratings are available within two weeks ($134).
ACTFL Advanced Level CheckSpeaking (AL Check Speaking) The ACTFL AL Check is a truncated version of a full OPI that is administered telephonically by an ACTFL certified tester to determine if the candidate has at least an Advanced Low level of proficiency. The digitally recorded interview is rated by the tester and a rating of "Q" or "NQ" is communicated within five business days ($85).
Certified ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc) The Certified OPIc is a test of speaking proficiency delivered by computer or telephone and rated by two ACTFL certified raters. The OPIc to Superior tests from Novice Low through Superior. The OPIc to Advanced tests from Novice Low through Advanced Low. Ratings are available within two weeks.
OPIc to Superior.......($65)
OPIc to Advanced....($55)
What happens if I don’t pass?
You can take the exams as many times as you need to. However, every time you intend to take the exam, you must pay the corresponding fee.
What score do I need to get to pass the OPI?
If you are a student who entered Calvin in the fall of 2006 or earlier, you must pass the OPI with a score of intermediate high. If you are a student who entered Calvin in the fall of 2007 or later, you must pass the OPI with a score of advanced low. However, we recommend that you aim for a score of advanced mid, so that you will be well prepared for the exam.
What do I need to do to get a certain level?
View the ACTFL Proficiency Speaking Guidelines (pdf).
Also check out the differences between sublevels (pdf).
What is the interview like? How can I prepare?
View a list of FAQs about tips for preparing from ACTFL.
The grammar and composition exams
Education students must also pass a grammar and composition exam. However, if you pass the Spanish 301 and 302 final exams (according to the requirements below), you will be exempt from having to take these exams. The grammar and composition exams are typically offered on the same dates as the OPI. The same deadlines also apply. The cost for these exams is $15 for one, or $20 for both. (The first time you take it, however, it is free.) You may re-take these exams as many times as necessary. Unlike the OPI, these exams are graded within the Calvin Spanish department. Grade requirements are as follows*:
- Composition: advanced low
(View a pdf of the ACTFL Proficiency Writing Guidelines) - Grammar: 80%
*If you entered Calvin in the fall of 2006 or earlier, you may have different requirements. Please check with Nora Koster, our administrative assistant.
