Language Proficiency Test: Bengali
Overview
The Language Proficiency Test (LPT) provides evidence of teachers’ proficiency in the language they teach or want to teach.
It shows that teachers have proficiency to the level of three years’ tertiary study. The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) recognises equivalence to four or six units of post-beginner tertiary language study for native speakers of the language if they have verification from a university of their level of language knowledge and proficiency.
What will be verified
The test is designed to assess proficiency and knowledge in five language domains:
- Writing
- Reading
- Listening
- Speaking
- Cultural knowledge
Sydney Institute for Community Languages Education
SICLE provides professional pathways for teachers and support for community language students through the development of curriculum resources and assessments.
Description of the test
The Language Proficiency Test has three main sections: Reading, Writing and Listening & Speaking and reading aloud. You also have the opportunity to demonstrate cultural understanding and culturally-appropriate communicative competence.
Reading lasts 40 minutes and assesses your ability to read different types of reading texts and show understanding of the key events and factors or the main ideas. You will have two texts to read and to answer open-ended questions in the language tested or English.
The Writing section lasts 55 minutes (including 10 minutes reading time) and assesses your ability to produce different types of writing such as descriptions or recounts. Writing is assessed on appropriate structure and format as well as syntax and vocabulary. You will complete two writing tasks which may include:
- writing a formal/informal email/letter
- describing or explaining a given photo
- retelling or summarising a well-known traditional tale or story related to the culture
Listening & Speaking and reading aloud takes approximately 35 minutes and is conducted face to face with the assessor. This part of the test will normally be scheduled on the same day as the Reading and Writing components. You will listen to a short, spoken text and identify the purpose of the text and summarise it (in the language or in English). You will then have a short text to read aloud testing your pronunciation and intonation. Finally, you will choose one of three topics to talk about and then discuss with the assessor assessing your spoken language, vocabulary and accuracy.
The test is a closed book exam.
Important information
This Language Verification Test assesses language proficiency in Bengali across all skill areas to the equivalent level of 2-3 years undergraduate study. The test provides evidence of your language proficiency.
Before registering, please read the LPT_Candidate_info_2025.pdf, which provides furthur information for candidates.
If you are a NSW Department of Education K-6 teacher, this course may be fully funded by the NSW Department of Education. Please fill out the form application form to find out if you are eligible. Once your eligibility has been confirmed, you will be emailed a code to waive the registration fee.
There are no practice tests. The best way to prepare for the test is to practice listening, reading, writing, and speaking in the language you are taking the test in.
This course is suitable for pre-service and existing teachers and anyone else seeking formal verfication of their language proficiency.
The test is 2 hours and 10 minutes in duration (1 hour and 50 minutes as a group and 20 minutes individually) and is held face-to-face at the University of Sydney. Participants will receive a reminder email a week before the test date.
Upon passing the test, you will receive a certificate of verification in your language.
Upcoming classes
Education Building
| When | Time | Where | Session Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 17 May 2025 | 9:45am - 1:30pm (UTC+10:00) | Education Building - Education Building |