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Oral Proficiency Interview - Computer (OPIc)

The goal of the OPIc is the same as the OPI: to obtain a ratable sample of speech which a rater can evaluate and compare to the ACTFL or ILR Proficiency Guidelines in order to assign a rating. The OPIc assesses the full range of the ACTFL scale, from Novice through Superior, taking, on average, between 20 and 40 minutes to complete.

The OPIc Format

  1. Background Survey.
  2. Self-Assessment.
  3. Introduction and Warm-Up.

Official ACTFL OPIcs are currently available in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Persian Farsi, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

The ACTFL OPIc is designed to assess spontaneous unrehearsed language ability. ACTFL does not provide practice materials for this reason. Test takers can, however, further familiarize themselves with the test format by reviewing the ACTFL OPIc Familiarization Guide and by taking the OPIc Demo test. ACTFL also provides suggestions for test takers and for educators.

The OPIc is then rated and given an official rating by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language (ACTFL). The scale, as shown below, ranges from Novice to Distinguished.

More information on the OPIc can be found here.

Once you submit a request for an OPIc, a notification will be sent to your BYU email address (netid@byu.edu).

OPI-Scale-232x300.jpg
Image Courtesy of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

More information on ACTFL proficiency guidelines

Prepare for the OPIc

Proficiency Tests Handout

Preparing for Your OPIc

OPIc Familiarization Guide (ACTFL)

Understanding the OPI/OPIc Diagnostic Grid

Intermediate High Grid Explanation
Part One:

Part Two:

Part Three:

Advanced Low Grid Explanation
Part One:

Part Two:

If you have any other questions about the OPIc or scheduling, please email cls@byu.edu for more information.