What is the SLE (Second Language Evaluation)? The Canadian Government Bilingual Test
The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) Test & Canada Bilingual Certification
The Government of Canada Second Language Evaluation (SLE) assesses the English or French proficiency of federal public service employees and job candidates. The SLE evaluates reading comprehension, written expression, and oral communication to determine whether a candidate meets the linguistic profile required for a bilingual position.
For candidates pursuing a bilingual imperative position, achieving the required SLE results, such as BBB or CBC language profile, is an important part of meeting the position’s official language requirements.
This post explores:
- What is Canada’s Second Language Evaluation (SLE)
- The three different English & French Language Tests
- Second Language Evaluation Results
- Resources you will need to prepare
Preparing for an upcoming Second Language Evaluation? Explore our Government of Canada SLE guide, for additional test preparation strategies and resources.
What is the SLE Test?
The English and French bilingual test is known as the SLE, which is an assessment developed and overseen by the Public Service Commission (PSC) of Canada and used to fill bilingual imperative and bilingual non-imperative positions within the federal government.
SLE testing is designed to quantify a candidate’s proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking in French and English. The exams are administered to government workers and crown cooperation employees to ensure compliance with Canada’s official language laws.
The SLE is comprised of three separate evaluations, each assessing a different component of communication:
These three tests vary in length, format, and time limits. To better prepare, we advise you to take a look at the best Government of Canada SLE practice tests.
Bilingual imperative roles require candidates to possess the required SLE results at the time of appointment, while non-imperative roles may allow employees up to two years to achieve the required second-language proficiency through language training. Book a call with an expert, and start your bilingual journey.
Test of Reading Comprehension
The SLE reading test assesses a candidate’s ability to read and understand work-related written texts, such as emails, memos, and reports.
The supervised SLE Reading Comprehension Test gives candidates 90 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions, including 10 pilot questions that do not count toward the final score. The unsupervised online Reading Comprehension Test is shorter, with 25 questions to complete in 45 minutes.
Learn more about the English & French Reading Test Here.
Test of Written Expression
The SLE writing test assesses someone’s knowledge of grammar and vocabulary as well as other skills needed to write effectively in French or English.
The supervised SLE Written Expression Test gives candidates 90 minutes to answer 65 multiple-choice questions, including 10 pilot questions that do not count toward the final score. The unsupervised online Written Expression Test consists of 30 questions and has a 45-minute time limit.
Find LRDG’s complete guide to the Written Expression Test here.
Oral Language Assessment
The SLE oral test is an interview-style exam administered remotely by a certified language assessor. The test gauges a candidate’s ability to speak and understand French or English.
The oral test takes 20-40 minutes and features open-ended questions about work-related scenarios in order for the assessor to review the candidate’s fluency, comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.
LRDG has the most comprehensive guide for the Oral Language Assessment. Find it here!
PSC Bilingual Test & SLE Results
On all three of the public service language tests, candidates can receive a letter grade indicating their proficiency in French or English. These levels include:
- Level A – Beginner
- Level B – Intermediate
- Level C – Advanced.
Each result is combined into a three-letter linguistic profile (CCC, CBC, BBB, etc.) and used to determine if a candidate meets the specific bilingual proficiency requirements for a government position.
“BBB” or “CBC” in Canada means that a candidate has earned intermediate results in each evaluation. For example:
| Reading | Writing | Oral Interaction |
| C | B | C |
“BBB / BBB” or “CBC / CBC” means that a candidate must possess the same language proficiency profile in their first and second languages. For example:
| Reading | Writing | Oral Interaction | |
| English | C | B | C |
| French | C | B | C |
A CBC level represents the bilingual standard required for many roles within the federal government. Discover how to get CBC on the SLE by exploring our comprehensive guide available at LRDG. Federal employees who have compliant SLE results for their respective job descriptions can earn the Canadian bilingual bonus.
PSC SLE test results are typically valid for up to five years before they expire and need to be renewed.
SLE Test Prep & Tutoring with LRDG
LRDG gives government workers and job candidates a flexible and efficient solution to preparing for SLE tests and achieving target levels on the first attempt.
We blend online one-on-one and group tutoring, self-study, and our comprehensive online learning portal to accommodate the modern learner and generate results. We’ve helped 50,000 successful learners since 2002 and maintain an industry-leading 90% test success rate. Whether you need to start from the basics or are brushing up for a recertification, our programs cater to all levels of proficiency, ensuring you’re prepared to not just pass but to excel!
Don’t let language barriers hold you back from advancing your career. Join the thousands who have succeeded with LRDG. Explore our English Business Courses, French as a Second Language and Online Programs & training and see how LRDG can help you achieve your bilingual goals.
Get in touch with our team by booking a call to learn more!
Frequently Asked Questions About the SLE Tests
The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) measures a federal employee or candidate’s proficiency in their second official language, English or French. It assesses reading, writing, and oral communication for bilingual Government of Canada positions.
The Government of Canada SLE levels are A, B, and C. Level A represents basic proficiency, Level B intermediate proficiency, and Level C advanced proficiency in a candidate’s second official language.
A BBB language profile means Level B proficiency is required in reading, writing, and oral communication. BBB is an intermediate second-language profile required for many bilingual Government of Canada positions.
The Government of Canada SLE assesses three language skills: reading comprehension, written expression, and oral communication. The required results depend on the linguistic profile assigned to the federal position.
Candidates obtain SLE results by completing the required Government of Canada second-language assessments. Their reading, writing, and oral results determine whether they meet the position’s required linguistic profile, such as BBB or CBC.
The Government of Canada uses the SLE to assess second-language proficiency for bilingual federal positions. It helps determine whether candidates and employees have the English or French skills required to perform their duties.
Federal public service employees and job candidates may be required to take the SLE when applying for or working in a bilingual Government of Canada position. Testing requirements depend on the position’s linguistic profile and the candidate’s existing valid language results.
The SLE is used to assess second-language proficiency for Government of Canada federal public service positions. The TEF and TCF are standardized French proficiency tests commonly used for purposes such as Canadian immigration, citizenship, education, or other language certification requirements.
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