The Oral Proficiency Interview – Computer (OPIc) is an internet-delivered test which provides valid and reliable oral proficiency testing on a large scale. It was developed in response to the increased worldwide demand for the testing of oral language proficiency. The computer delivered assessment emulates the ‘live’ OPI, but delivery of questions is through a carefully designed computer program, and via a virtual avatar. Thus, the test can be taken on demand and at a time convenient to the candidate and proctor.
OPIc Rater Certification
Certification (via Recruitment/Invitation)
ACTFL OPIc Rater Certification is by recruitment or invitation only. ACTFL hosts OPIc Certification Workshops whenever there is an increased need for OPIc raters. If recommended, certified raters may be hired by ACTFL’s test administration partner, Language Testing International.
We are not currently certifying OPIc raters, however, if you would like to be placed on an interest list you can fill out this form. We will then contact you when the application for OPIc certification is live.
Prerequisites for Becoming an OPIc Rater:
- All OPIc Raters must demonstrate a minimum oral proficiency of Superior in the language in which they will rate. If a rater is not an L1 speaker of the language, with all higher education completed in the target language, then an OPI will be required to document the rater’s language proficiency. This will be arranged by ACTFL prior to enrollment in the OPIc certification workshop.
- Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Teaching, testing, tutoring, writing, translating, copy editing, or similar experience required.
- As a certified ACTFL OPIc Rater, you will rate OPIcs from your home computer. As such, a high-speed (not dial up) connection is required. You will complete tests as an independent contractor and as assigned by the ACTFL’s designee, Language Testing International (LTI).
The OPIc Rater Certification is an online course, which includes self-guided modules along with synchronous and asynchronous activities and sessions. The OPIc Certification Program is a four-week course and includes an estimated 20-25 hours of material. The online program focuses on the to OPIc test structure and logic and includes a series of rating activities which require a rater to demonstrate the ability to make reliable rating judgements according to the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines for Speaking.
During the certification process, candidates will:
- Become familiar with the OPIc
- Understand, internalize, and apply the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines 2012—Speaking
- Recognize and apply the Assessment Criteria for each of the major ACTFL proficiency levels and sublevels
- Assess whether a response meets or does not meet the targeted level of a task.
During the Certification process, candidates must:
- Complete all self-guided modules
- Attend ACTFL-hosted synchronous online OPIc Familiarization Workshop sessions
- Attend virtual office hours hosted by an OPIc Quality Assurance Advisor as needed
- Successfully complete the practice and certification rounds of rating OPIc samples.
Awarding of Certification:
- OPIc Rater Certification is issued for 4 years.
- OPIc Rater Certification must be renewed every 4 years.
- Raters will be asked to participate in benchmarking and norming activities to maintain rating reliability.
Maintaining OPIc Rater Certification
Once an OPIc rater is certified, they maintain their certification under the following circumstances:
- The rater maintains an active rating record
- The rater maintains an acceptable interrater reliability rate
- The rater participates in an annual norming event, and attends ACTFL-hosted virtual office hours, benchmarking activities, or other focused re-norming activities when necessary.
Certification Appeals Process
ACTFL is committed to a transparent certification process. While not all individuals who apply for certification achieve it, ACTFL convenes an Appeals Committee on a quarterly basis to reconsider certification decisions. Candidates for an appeal must meet the following criteria:
- Certification materials were evaluated inaccurately and/or
- There were extenuating circumstances that did not allow for a fair assessment of a candidate’s testing/rating performance
For detailed information on the certification appeals process, visit here.