Embajada Ciudadanos de EE.UU. Visas Política y Asuntos de los Estados Unidos Recursos English

Language Testing Policy

MANAGEMENT POLICY
American Embassy  Quito, Ecuador
No.: 002/09 Date: 01/26/2009 Reference:  N/A
Office:  HR Subject:  LANGUAGE TESTING POLICY

This Mission Policy outlines the new procedures governing the English and Spanish language testing for positions within the Embassy.  The new testing procedures are described below. Any questions regarding this new exam can be addressed to the Human Resources Office at 398-5493.

Rationale for New Exam:

For recruitment purposes, the Human Resources Office (HRO) administered a written English test to assess a candidate’s skills in the English language for effective job performance. But the exam was not as complete as we would have liked it to be: it did not have a speaking component, for example.  After discussions with supervisors we realized the importance of having an exam that not only tests reading comprehension and speaking, but that also gives an accurate assessment of an applicant’s level and ability to function in the language. 

In 2008 the Human Resources office tested hundreds of candidates, taking up valuable time that can be moe efficiently devoted to other issues.   Using an outside contractor to administer exams will also help eliminate frivolous applications as well as save time and money.  Spanish language testing will be conducted by the same company used for the English testing.

Objective:

In order to have a more complete and professional evaluation that will give an accurate level of the proficiency in English and Spanish, the U.S. Embassy in Quito has entered into an agreement with a local English Language institution, “Bloomfield Language School” to test all applicants for the job vacancies that require use of the English and Spanish language.  This new Language testing policy is effective January 1, 2009.    Previous English or Spanish tests administered by HRO are no longer valid.

If the position requires levels 4 or 5 in either languages, Spanish or English, even native speakers of the language will be required to take the test unless the applicant has taken a local test within the last 12 months.  In the case of EFMs, an FSI result within the last 2 years will also be accepted.

For applicants living abroad, it is their responsibility to present a language report for either language or both, depending on the requirement of the position, from a recognized language institute or university.  In the case of EFMs residing at another Post, HR Quito will request the Office of Human Resources in the Post to help with the language testing.

The process for the new English language testing is as follows:

1)  The applicant will need to contact the Bloomfield Language Institute to make an appointment to take the test (s).  The test report (s) will be sent together with the application.

2)  Each evaluation per candidate will have a cost of $20.00, to be paid by the applicant. The candidates (internal or external), must pay the fee directly to the Bloomfield Language School.  Applicants must pay in order to take the test.  If the position requires the candidate to take a test with a specialized or technical vocabulary, this may have an additional cost.

3)  On the date of the test, the applicants MUST bring in originals of their identification (passport, cedula) along with a photocopy of same when they arrive at the Bloomfield Language School.  In the event the candidate presents only a photocopy of either a passport and/or Identification (cedula) this copy must be notarized.

4)   Bloomfield Language School is located in Alemania N30-169 y Vancouver. Tel: 2548624 / 2902791.  The applicants will be asked to arrive 10 minutes before the time of the test.  Bloomfield Language School reserves the right to deny admission to those petitioners who arrive late for their test appointment.  The applicant must then schedule a second appointment.  In the event that the candidate/applicant is late or a no show for two consecutive times, the application will not be considered.

5)  The applicants are NOT allowed to be tested with dictionaries, cellular phones, cameras, beepers, Bluetooth devices, radios or any other electronic devices.  These must be given to the receptionist before testing.

6)  The candidates will receive a report with the results and it is their responsibility to send it to HR with their application. 

7)  The results of test will be valid for one year.

MGMT: MStClair
RHRO:  MOrtiz-Kerr

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