The ACTFL Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) is unlike any other assessment. AAPPL is a web-based proficiency and performance assessment of K-12 standards-based language learning. It assesses tasks across the three modes of communication as defined by the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages. AAPPL Rater Certification is only awarded in the languages in which the AAPPL is offered: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English/ESOL, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish.
AAPPL Raters are recruited on an as-needed basis according to the volume of AAPPL testing. ACTFL generally accepts applications once a year—typically between late April and early August. Upon certification, raters will work as independent contractors for ACTFL’s test administration partner, Language Testing International (LTI).
The AAPPL Certified Rater application is now open and will close on August 1, 2024. The application is currently open for the following 8 languages including: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish. Currently, we are not seeking raters for the other 3 languages (Arabic, Italian or Korean). If we need raters for those languages, we will update this webpage.
Successful applicants will be invited to pursue Certification as an AAPPL Rater by completing an online certification course. The Certification is a 4-week course including approximately 20 hours of material. It is largely self-paced through online modules, but opportunities for synchronous interaction (e.g., Zoom-based office hours) will be made available. The time of year this course is typically offered has been moved to the summer to better accommodate candidates. The course will launch in early August 2024 and remain open until the end of September.
Prerequisite for Becoming a Rater:
- ACTFL-certified AAPPL raters will rate AAPPL tests from their home computers. As such, a high-speed (not dial up) connection is required.
- All AAPPL raters must demonstrate a minimum proficiency of Advanced - Mid in the language in which they will rate. If a rater is not an L1 speaker of the language, with all higher education completed either in the target language or by majoring/specializing in that language, then an OPIc will be required to document the rater’s language proficiency. This will be arranged by ACTFL prior to enrollment in the AAPPL certification workshop.
- Minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
- Ideal candidates have a background in proficiency assessment and preference is given to candidates with language teaching experience.
- All candidates must be able to obtain an EIN number and/or legally authorized to work in the U.S.