LRDG Language Training Programs: English & French as a Second Language  

How to Choose the Right Language Training Program Based on Your Goals

For more than 20 years, LRDG has provided English and French language training to Government of Canada employees, Crown Corporations, businesses, corporate teams, and individual learners across Canada and beyond.

LRDG offers part-time and full-time language training, self-directed learning, SLE preparation, language maintenance, evaluations, and conversation practice. Our programs are flexible and customized to each learner based on their language level, goals, schedule, and training needs.

Not sure which language training option is right for you? Whether you need part-time or full-time training, SLE preparation, or another solution, LRDG can help. This guide covers LRDG’s language training programs, assessments, SLE preparation, and learning services to help you find the right option for your goals.

Start With an Evaluation: Find Your Current Language Level

Before choosing the right language training, it helps to understand where you are starting. LRDG offers two main types of language evaluations: Preliminary Evaluation for learners beginning their training journey and SLE Simulations (Mock Tests) for learners preparing for an upcoming Second Language Evaluation.

While both help assess your current language skills, they serve very different purposes.

Preliminary Evaluation: Your First Step With LRDG

A Preliminary Evaluation, or Prelim, is the first step for anyone beginning language training with LRDG. It helps us understand what you already know, identify your current proficiency level, and determine the most appropriate starting point for your English or French training.

The goal isn’t to pass or fail. It’s to make sure your training begins at the right level so that your tutors can focus on the skills and areas that will help you progress.

• What is it? A general assessment of your current English or French language proficiency.
• Who is it for? New LRDG learners who are preparing to begin a language training program.
• How does it work? The evaluation is conducted over the phone and typically takes approximately 20–30 minutes.
• What happens next? Your results help the LRDG team recommend an appropriate starting level and build a training plan based on your needs and goals.

Preparing for Government Language Training?

Interested in Government of Canada language training? Start with our Preliminary Evaluation to determine your current language level and training needs. Read our Preliminary Evaluation Guide or speak with an LRDG Language Advisor to get started.

Looking for Corporate Language Training?

Looking for English or French language training for your organization or team? Start with our Corporate Self-Assessment to identify your training needs. Explore our Corporate Training Guide and Self-Assessment or speak with a Corporate Language Advisor.

SLE Simulations: Test Your Readiness Before Your Exam

Already have an upcoming Second Language Evaluation (SLE)? An LRDG Simulation, or mock test, can help you better understand your current performance and experience what an SLE-style evaluation may feel like before your official test.

Unlike a Preliminary Evaluation, a Simulation is designed specifically for learners preparing for the SLE. It can help identify whether your current performance aligns more closely with Level A, Level B or Level C, while highlighting areas that may need additional attention before your exam.

• What is it? An SLE-focused mock evaluation designed to assess your current performance and readiness.
• Who is it for? Learners with an upcoming SLE who want a clearer understanding of their current level and areas for improvement.
• How does it work? The Simulation recreates key elements of the evaluation experience so you can become more familiar with the format and expectations.
• What happens next? Your results can help identify strengths and areas to work on, allowing you and the LRDG team to determine the most appropriate next steps before your official evaluation.

Want to prepare before booking? Explore our complete guide to LRDG SLE Simulations to learn more about what to expect.

Ready to test your SLE readiness? Speak with an LRDG Language Advisor to find the right Simulation for your needs.

Core Language Training: Choose the Right Training Format

LRDG offers three main language training formats: part-time, full-time, and self-directed training. All options are available for English or French language learning and can be customized based on your current level, schedule, learning goals, and professional needs.

Not sure which option is right for you? Here’s how they compare.

Part-Time Language Training

Part-time language training combines live tutoring with independent learning through the LRDG Portal for learners who need flexibility while working or managing other responsibilities.

• Schedule: 1–3 tutoring sessions per week
• Format: Individual or small-group training
• Languages: English or French
• Best for: Consistent progress with a flexible schedule

Full-Time Language Training

Full-time language training is an intensive option combining 15 live tutoring sessions per week with structured self-study through the LRDG Portal.

• Schedule: 15 tutoring sessions per week
• Format: Individual or small-group training
• Languages: English or French
• Best for: Learners looking to make significant progress in a concentrated period

Self-Directed Language Training

Self-directed language training provides independent English or French learning through the LRDG Portal without regularly scheduled tutoring.

• Schedule: Flexible, self-paced learning
• Tutoring: Not included
• Languages: English or French
• Best for: Independent learners who want maximum flexibility

Additional support is available through Pedagogical Follow-Up Calls with an LRDG Pedagogical Advisor.

Specialized Government & SLE Preparation Training

For Government of Canada employees preparing for the Second Language Evaluation (SLE), LRDG offers targeted English and French training based on the level or test component you need to prepare for.

Unlike general language training, SLE preparation is designed for learners who already have the required underlying language proficiency and are ready to focus specifically on exam preparation.

SLE Oral Preparation – Level B & Level C

Prepare for the SLE Oral Language Assessment with targeted training based on your proficiency goal.

• Level B Preparation: Focuses on the communication skills and language abilities required to demonstrate Level B proficiency.
• Level C Preparation: Focuses on more advanced communication, including greater precision, complexity, fluency, and the ability to discuss more complex or hypothetical situations.
• Best for: Learners who already have the appropriate language foundation and are preparing for an upcoming SLE oral assessment.

SLE Reading Preparation

Prepare for the SLE Reading Comprehension Test with targeted practice to strengthen your understanding and interpretation of written information.

Learn more: Explore our SLE Reading Comprehension Test guide for the test format, preparation strategies, and what to expect.

SLE Written Expression Preparation

Prepare for the SLE Test of Written Expression with targeted practice focused on the skills evaluated on the test.

Learn more: Explore our SLE Written Expression Test guide for the format, preparation strategies, and what to expect.

Already have an SLE coming up? Explore our resources on SLE results, test administration, language profiles, the bilingual bonus, and preparation strategies.

Maintain Your Language Skills & Keep Practicing

Already reached your language goals? LRDG also offers options for learners who want to maintain their current level or simply practice speaking regularly.

Language Maintenance Training

Designed for learners who have already achieved their required Level B or Level C and want to maintain their language proficiency, confidence, and skills through continued practice.

LRDG Coffee Groups | Conversation Practice

Our Coffee Groups offer a relaxed environment to practice English or French conversation regularly. These sessions focus primarily on speaking, interaction, and building confidence rather than structured language training.

Interested in maintenance training or joining a Coffee Group? Get in touch with our team to learn more about availability and find the right option for you.

Choose Between Individual or Small-Group Language Training

LRDG language training is available one-on-one or in small groups, depending on the program and your training needs.

Individual Language Training

One-on-one language training provides personalized support focused on your level, goals, progress, and areas for improvement.

• Group size: One learner and one tutor
• Best for: Learners who prefer individualized attention and a personalized learning experience

Small-Group Language Training

Small-group language training brings together three to four learners for collaborative practice and tutor-led support.

• Group size: Three to four learners
• Best for: Learners who value conversation, interaction, and learning alongside others

Your training format can be tailored to your schedule, language level, goals, and program.

Find the Right Language Training

Choose the option that best fits your needs and book a call to get started.

Government of Canada Language Training

English and French language training for Government of Canada employees and organizations, including SLE preparation and language maintenance.

Government training → Book a consultation with a Language Advisor

Corporate & Organizational Language Training

Customized English and French training for businesses, Crown corporations, organizations, and teams, available individually or in small groups.

Corporate training → Speak with a Corporate Language Advisor

Individual Language Training

Flexible English and French language training tailored to your level, schedule, and goals.

Individual training → Book a consultation with a Language Advisor

Not Sure Which Language Training Option Is Right for You?

You don’t need to have it all figured out before getting started. Tell us about your goals, current level, schedule, and training needs, and our team will help you find the right path.

Getting Started Is Simple

1. Book a Call

Book a consultation with our team and tell us what you’re looking for, whether it’s English or French training, SLE preparation, professional development, or another language goal.

2. Get Your Personalized Training Plan

We’ll help determine your level, understand your objectives and schedule, and recommend the training format and level of support that best fit your needs.

3. Get Access & Start Learning

Once your training plan is ready, you’ll receive access to the tools and resources included in your program, and you’re ready to start learning.

Ready to get started? Get in touch with our team today!

Frequently Asked Questions About English & French Language Training