Some kind of language assessment is warranted, but it could be implemented differently. Lots of people taking these tests are native speakers or have obtained an education at an English/French-speaking institution. I’d be in favour of either lengthening the test’s validity or waiving it for those who can prove English or French proficiency through other experience. The two-year expiry for formal language tests is too restrictive, in my view.
IELTS, CELPIP and TOEFL are all in it to make money - they benefit from a two-year expiry. They don’t even guarantee proficiency, rather they just prove someone can take a test. I remember reading that it takes at least two IELTS tests on average to achieve a score of 6.5 or higher, so that’s at least $500 in testing costs, plus study guides and classes.
The only reason they have legitimatacy is because they are a gatekeeper for many who apply to post-secondary or for PR. UBC is actually the developer of CELPIP under Paragon Testing Enterprises (they sold it in 2021), so it is clearly a money spinner.
Some kind of language assessment is warranted, but it could be implemented differently. Lots of people taking these tests are native speakers or have obtained an education at an English/French-speaking institution. I’d be in favour of either lengthening the test’s validity or waiving it for those who can prove English or French proficiency through other experience. The two-year expiry for formal language tests is too restrictive, in my view.
I agree, especially if they accept expired results for citizenship but not for permanent residency.
IELTS, CELPIP and TOEFL are all in it to make money - they benefit from a two-year expiry. They don’t even guarantee proficiency, rather they just prove someone can take a test. I remember reading that it takes at least two IELTS tests on average to achieve a score of 6.5 or higher, so that’s at least $500 in testing costs, plus study guides and classes.
The only reason they have legitimatacy is because they are a gatekeeper for many who apply to post-secondary or for PR. UBC is actually the developer of CELPIP under Paragon Testing Enterprises (they sold it in 2021), so it is clearly a money spinner.
I didn’t know that about CELPIP. Interesting…
5 years I feel is too restrictive. Should expire in 10 years, or no more than two years after the test changes.