When SLE Results Expire and How to Renew Them

If your Government of Canada Second Language Evaluation (SLE) results are approaching their five-year expiry date, you may be wondering whether you need to take the tests again. The answer depends on your position, your language profile, the type of results you hold, and whether you are applying for a new bilingual position.

If you do need to retake the SLE, your previous attempt can also help guide your preparation. Instead of starting from scratch, you can focus your training on the skills you need to maintain or improve.

This post will break down:

• The exception to mandatory SLE retests
• Transferring SLE results between jobs
• What happens when your SLE results expire
• How to renew SLE test results
• What an SLE exemption (E) means

What Happens When Your SLE Results Expire?

Government of Canada SLE results are generally valid for five years. However, reaching the five-year mark does not necessarily mean you must immediately retake your tests.

After five years, your results may continue to be valid indefinitely for the position you currently hold, provided the linguistic profile of the position has not been raised above your demonstrated proficiency. To learn more about SLE validity periods and renewal requirements, check out our latest guide.

Employees are only required to retake an SLE evaluation if the language requirements of their position increase. If their existing SLE results already meet the updated language profile, no retesting is necessary.

Are SLE Results Transferable Between Federal Departments?

Current PSC SLE results can generally be reused across the federal public service during their validity period. However, different rules apply to results obtained through alternative assessment methods.

As of October 1, 2025, alternative assessment methods are no longer authorized for new SLE assessments under the temporary measure. Existing alternative-method oral proficiency results at levels A, B or C that are less than five years old may still be used for appointments within the same department or agency, at the discretion of the hiring manager.
If you are changing positions, departments or agencies, confirm the validity and portability of your results with your HR or staffing advisor before assuming that a previous assessment can be reused.

Results from a private provider

A number of third-party providers, including LRDG, are now administering SLE oral tests and issuing official results for government departments. Crown corporations can use these third-party services to administer all three SLE tests (reading, writing, and oral) and issue results.

Results issued from a third-party provider do not follow the same validity rules as those earned when taken directly with the PSC.

For example, if SLE levels were awarded from a third-party provider using an alternative or old test format, the assessment results can only be reused for new appointments within the same department or agency.

It is important to consult an agency’s HR manager to confirm if test results are valid and portable.

How Do I Renew My SLE Results?

If you need new or updated SLE results, testing is generally arranged through the federal department or agency involved in your staffing process. Public servants cannot book or pay for a Public Service Commission (PSC) SLE test directly.

Before preparing for another test, confirm with your HR or staffing advisor which language abilities need to be reassessed; reading comprehension, written expression, oral proficiency, or a combination of the three.

If you’re retaking an SLE after a previous attempt, use the opportunity to focus your preparation on the specific language ability you need to improve rather than starting your training from scratch.

SLE Retesting Period

After completing an SLE test, candidates must wait 30 days before retaking the same evaluation. Any test taken during this waiting period will be deemed invalid, and the 30-day waiting period will restart from the date of the invalid test.

It’s important to note that your most recent SLE results become your official language profile, replacing any previous results. For example, if you currently hold a CBC profile and receive a BBB on a subsequent evaluation, your language profile will be updated to BBB. Learn more about how to achieve a CBC profile and how to access your SLE test results online.

What Does an E Exemption Mean on the SLE?

An E means you are indefinitely exempt from further SLE testing for a specific language ability. It is awarded when your performance indicates that you can be expected to maintain Level C proficiency indefinitely.

Importantly, an E is an exemption, not a language proficiency level above C.

An exemption applies only to the language ability for which it was awarded. For example, receiving an E in reading comprehension exempts you indefinitely from further SLE reading tests, but you may still need valid results for written expression and oral proficiency.

The requirements for earning an E depend on the assessment. Supervised PSC reading and written expression tests have specific exemption score thresholds, while an E on the Oral Language Assessment is based on sustained performance demonstrating that the candidate can be expected to maintain C-level proficiency indefinitely.

Unsupervised reading and written expression tests can result in X, A, B or C, but they cannot result in an E exemption.

If your goal is an E, focus first on consistently demonstrating strong Level C proficiency. An exemption reflects sustained second-language ability rather than simply achieving a high score on one part of the assessment.

Tips For Retaking SLE

If you are beginning to re-qualify your language profile or are pursuing higher levels to remain compliant in your position, here are some tips you should consider.

Know Your Target Level

Before preparing for an SLE retest, make sure you understand the linguistic profile required for your position. Have the requirements changed? Do you need to maintain your current results or achieve a higher level? Whether your second-language skills feel a little rusty or you need to improve a specific area, targeted preparation can help you approach your next SLE with greater confidence.

Not sure where you currently stand? An LRDG Preliminary Evaluation can help identify your current proficiency and the areas that may need more attention.

If you already have an upcoming SLE Oral Language Assessment, consider taking an LRDG SLE Simulation. A mock assessment can help you become familiar with the evaluation experience, identify areas to improve, and focus your preparation before test day.

Find LRDG’s Ultimate Guide to SLE Test Prep here. Whether you’re preparing for the Public Service test or looking to succeed in a bilingual government role, LRDG’s French language training programs give you the tools, skills, and confidence to achieve your goals.

Immerse Yourself in your Second Language

Leading up to an official evaluation, intentionally surrounding yourself with your second language can help reinforce key concepts, refresh vocabulary, strengthen comprehension, and improve your speaking flow. The LRDG Portal supports this immersion with reading, listening, speaking, and writing practice across 16 modules featuring Canadian-focused content. Regular exposure can help you rebuild confidence, strengthen your language skills, and prepare more effectively for your next SLE.

Take Practice Tests & Simulations

Refreshing yourself on test formats and expectations will help make sure your true language proficiency accurately translates into your test score. See LRDG’s second language evaluation guide for more information.

Find A SLE Expert Tutor

If you are serious about achieving your second language evaluation goals, finding high-quality language lessons and tutors is necessary. Find out more about our SLE expert tutors and team here.

LRDG’s blended methodology and online learning platform provides serious learners with the flexibility, professionalism, and expertise they need to achieve their desired results. Talk to our team and achieve your language goals with LRDG.

Need SLE testing support?

Book a call today to learn how our second language testing services can help.

Frequently Asked Questions – SLE Edition (FAQ)

Why do SLE test results expire?

The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) test results expire as a way to ensure Canada maintains a strong bilingual public service sector. Language proficiency can fluctuate over time depending on usage and practice, so a test taken several years ago might not reflect one’s current language skills.

When do I have to re-take second language evaluations?

SLE test results remain valid for five years as per the Public Service Commission of Canada. However, they remain valid indefinitely as long as an individual stays in the same role. If an employee changes roles or the language requirements for a position increase, they may be required to retest to ensure their language proficiency meets the new standards. To learn more about SLE validity periods and renewal requirements, check out our latest guide.

How can I get exempt from second language evaluations?

E scores are granted to those whose SLE test performance indicates they can be expected to maintain their second language proficiency at Level C indefinitely.

What is the retest period for SLE?

Candidates must wait 30 days before retaking the same SLE test. Any test taken within this waiting period will be deemed invalid, and the 30-day waiting period will restart from the date of the invalid test. To receive a valid result, candidates must wait the full 30 calendar days before attempting the evaluation again.

How long are SLE test results valid for?

SLE test results are generally valid for five years from the date of the evaluation. Once this period expires, employees may need to retake the test if they are applying for a new position with language requirements.

Candidates may also choose to retest before their results expire if they wish to improve their language profile. For example, an employee with a BBB profile may decide to retake the evaluation to achieve a CBC profile and qualify for advancement opportunities. Book a call with our team of experts to learn more about our language training programs.