Reasons to Use the WPT
Proficiency-Oriented, Criterion-Referenced Approach
ACTFL writing tests assess writing proficiency in terms of the ability to write effectively and appropriately for real-life writing purposes. The WPT does not address when, where, why, or how an individual learned to write. The ACTFL WPT is not an achievement test assessing a writer’s acquisition of specific aspects of course and/or curriculum content, nor is it tied to any specific method of instruction. The ACTFL WPT does not compare one individual’s writing to another individual’s writing; rather, it compares each individual’s writing to the descriptors for writing as stated in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, for example.
Official ACTFL WPT ratings can be used for a variety of purposes in academic, commercial, and government communities. In academia, writing proficiency ratings can be used for admissions, placement into language programs, general assessments, or for exit/ graduation requirements. In business and government communities, WPT ratings can be used for certification, hiring, and promotion in multilingual positions. Upon completion of an official ACTFL WPT, digital badges, indicating proficiency range achieved, are available through Credly.
Languages
Official ACTFL WPTs are currently available in the following languages: Albanian, Amharic, Arabic, Armenian, Bengali/ Bangla, Bosnian/ Croatian, Bulgarian, Cantonese, Czech, Danish, Dari, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek (Modern), Gujarati, Haitian Creole, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malayalam, Mandarin, Pashto, Persian Farsi, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Serbo/Croatian, Spanish, Swedish, Swahili, Tamil, Tagalog, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese, and Yoruba.
Seal of Biliteracy
The WPT is available for the Seal of Biliteracy for high school students, grades 11 – 12. Visit the Seal of Biliteracy Assessment page for more information.