International civilian examinations

• TOEIC

Test of English for International Communication

• TOEFL

Test of English as a Foreign Language

• BULATS

Business Language Testing Service

• Cambridge ESOL examinations

(English for Speakers of Other Languages)

What are the assessed skills?

• TOEIC Oral and written understanding Writing and speaking skills (recent tests but are optional)

• TOEFL (paper-based test) Reading, listening and writing Skills

• BULATS Reading and listening skills Writing and speaking skills

• Cambridge ESOL examinations English vocabulary and grammar Reading and listening skills Writing and speaking skills

Civilian examinations

National Examinations

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in

English from French universities • DCL Diplôme de Compétence en Langue

“Diploma in Language Skills”

French ministry of education

STANAG 6001 Level 1,2 & 3

• Depending on your scores in the TOEIC, TOEFL or BULATS

you can reach level 1, 2 or 3 mentioned in STANAG 6001

Other alternative:• If you pass one of the Cambridge ESOL

examinations (PET, FCE, CAE or CPE) you can also reach level 1, 2 or 3 mentioned in

STANAG 6001

Military Certificates of Languages

• MCL 1 (functional) Level 2 STANAG 6001

• MCL 2 (professional) Level 3 STANAG 6001 MCL1 and MCL 2 are given to our military

personnel through civilian examinations.

• MCL 3 (expert) Level 4 STANAG 6001 • Level 4 can only be reached and recognized by

the French military with a Military Certificate of Languages in English 3

The French navy

• The French navy opted for the TOEIC to assess its sailors in English.

Why?

• Because there are several TOEIC sessions organized per month.

• For the navy the TOEIC is the cheapest test compared to other English-language examinations.

• The TOEIC is recognized around the world.

Military Certificates of Languages

• TOEIC score between 605 and 850 Military Certificate of Languages 1 (functional) (MCL1) Level 2 STANAG 6001

• TOEIC score ≥ 851 Military Certificate of Languages 2 (professional) (MCL2)

Level 3 STANAG 6001

Passing rates in 2007-2008

• 36,24% French Navy personnel got a high enough score in the TOEIC to reach:

Level 2 STANAG 6001

• 9,45% French Navy personnel got a score ≥ 851 in the TOEIC to reach:

Level 3 STANAG 6001

Passing rates in 2007-2008

• 62,04% naval officers got a high enough score in the TOEIC to reach:

Level 2 STANAG 6001

• 31,47% naval officers got a score ≥ 851 in the TOEIC to reach:

Level 3 STANAG 6001

What about the French Army?

Très bonne question !

Parlez-vous anglais?

• An off-the-shelf system,

• Relying on:– courses provided by a ‘private’ company– the outsourcing of examinations up to

level3– a few military safeguards.

Parlez-vous anglais?

• Overview

• Why we got there

• What it is today

• Limitations

• Safeguards

1996: Languages policy

• 1) English (a lot!)• 2) German (less but on a regular basis!)

• 3) Russian and Arabic (some specialists!)

• 4) other languages (a few of each!)

English language policy

• Emphasis is on everyday language

• In accordance with STANAG 6001: 4 levels (SLP)

• 1) Main effort on English for officers

• 2) Open to some NCOs

• 4) Optimize what is already known

• 5) Need to improve cost/efficiency (25% did not take tests)

Implementation

• Setting-up of distance learning courses (private sector)

• Spreading of military language software• Introduction of mil. vocabulary mandatory

modules in mil. schools:M1 to M4 (Jr NCO to Staff officers)

• Priority given to everyday language• Motivation and coercion:(Cadet officers and senior officers)

2003: another step further

• Outsourcing of examinations up to level3

• E-learning (contracted company)

• The target is level3 for:

• 100% officers

• 11% NCOs

• 3% privates

Today

• E-learning (3 courses a year) 1000 pers.

– 5-month course

– CD Rom

– 7 meetings with a teacher

• Passing rates:

• SLP2: 91%

• SLP3: 58%

Mon tailleur est riche

• 1 test a year (69€) up to level3

• Tests + university degrees conversions:• 2005: 600 level1 & 1500 level2 & 1200

level3• 2006: 200 level1 & 1200 level2 & 1500

level3• 2007: 300 level1 & 1000 level2 & 1500

level3

Today

• Level3 compulsory for officers’ higher military studies

• 4 English language modules (NCO, Branch, Staff schools)

• Exams, results, taken into account by Personnel management office

System’s limits

• Availability of learners during e-courses– 15% quit for ops reasons– Many others quit on numerous

grounds!!

• Motivation for homework

• Exam is to be taken within 6 months after the end of course: 50% comply

• A test of L,S,R,W on civilian topics

A few safeguards

• Up to level3 managed by ‘specialists’

• Military language modules

• Military exam level4 is demanding

• NATO assignment?

• SLP test in Strasburg!

Any questions?