ACTFL Proficiency Levels

ACTFL Performance Descriptors

Communicates information on very familiar topics using a variety of words, phrases and sentences that have been practiced and memorized. Expresses self in conversations on very familiar topics using a variety of words, phrases, simple sentences, and questions that have been highly practiced and memorized. Understands words, phrases, and formulaic language that have been practiced and memorized to get meaning of the main idea from simple, highly-predictable oral or written texts, with strong visual support.

Novice

Low-Mid-High

Communicates information and expresses self with detail and organization on familiar and some new concrete topics using paragraphs. Expresses self fully to maintain conversations on familiar topics and new concrete social, academic, and work-related topics. Can communicate in paragraph- length conversation about events with detail and organization. Confidently handles situations with an unexpected complication. Shares point of view in discussions. Understands main ideas and supporting details on familiar and some new, concrete topics from a variety of more complex texts that have a clear, organized structure.

Advanced

Low-Mid-High

Communicates information and expresses own thoughts about familiar topics using sentences and series of sentences. Expresses self and participates in conversations on familiar topics using sentences and series of sentences. Handles short social interactions in everyday situations by asking and answering a variety of questions. Can communicate about self, others, and everyday life. Understands main ideas and some supporting details on familiar topics from a variety of texts.

Intermediate

Low-Mid-High

ACTFL Proficiency Levels