Description of Each Assessment Tool

Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA). This assessment was developed in 1996 by a team of experienced English as a Second Language specialists who, along with psychometrists and language acquisition experts, worked both to develop and validate the content and sequence of all test items. This assessment is the original, takes longer to administer (from 2-4 hours), and yields three benchmark scores; Listening and Speaking, Writing and Reading. SALAS Ltd. assessors use this instrument primarily with individuals who might be expected to score at benchmark 5 and up in most of the categories.

Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA). This assessment,developed in 1998, is also a nationally recognized language assessment , designed under the same rigorous conditions as the CLBA, but for different purposes. This assessment is used in either the case of clients who are literate in their own language and can demonstrate this literacy by completing language assessments available in any one of 22 languages. Or, the assessment is used for clients who are not literate in their own language or in English. The assessment is very adaptive and provides both the client and the assessor with a wide range of options or paths to be explored throughout the assessment. It is time consuming for both client and assessor, but it will provide a thorough assessment of the client’s literacy and numeracy knowledge.

Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT). This assessment, unlike the above two, was developed by the Canadian Centre for Language Benchmarks. This assessment also yields benchmarks in speaking, listening, reading and writing, but is efficient to administer in a group, has four forms, including a form of the test that is geared to employment. It was developed in 2002 and was designed to streamline language assessments and to reduce the backlog that had accumulated as the result of the longer, more detailed previous assessments. The length of time an individual spends in this assessment is, on average, 80 minutes. SALAS Ltd. assessors use this instrument most frequently with our CIC clients and exclusively with our private company contracts.

Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessment (ELTPA)
This tool, developed by the Centre for Education and Training is designed for placement of adult newcomers, usually internationally trained professionals and trades people, in Enhanced Language  Training programs.  The assessment references the Canadian Language Benchmarks and evaluates skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing related to work settings.

Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Placement Tool (CLBLPT).  This assessment tool was developed by the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks.  Volumes 1 and 2 of this tool contain reading, writing, and numeracy tasks designed for use primarily by classroom teachers  to place learners on the normal literacy benchmark scale.