Language Endorsement
The Language Endorsement is for Trainers and Technical Assistance Professionals who are proficient communicating in a language other than English.
What is the Language Endorsement?
Trainers or Technical Assistance Professionals (TA Professionals) who are proficient in a language other than English can have that competency verified in the Wisconsin Registry. Trainers and TA Professionals with the Language Endorsement are identified as individuals capable of readily communicating in the language for which the endorsement was given. The goal of the Language Endorsement is to ensure there are linguistically competent Trainers and TA Professionals working with and providing training to the workforce.
Obtaining the Language Endorsement
Step #1: Approved Trainer / TA Professional
You must first be an approved Trainer or Technical Assistance Professional in the WI Registry.
Step #2: Oral Test
- You then complete a 30–45-minute oral test through Language Testing International that will be completed over the internet or the phone. There is a cost for this test as indicated on the website. Language Testing International ranks you on a scale of Novice to Superior. Your score needs to be minimally at an Advanced Low to receive the endorsement.
Step #3: Sending Documentation
When you have successfully completed the test, you will receive a certificate of completion verifying your score and passing grade. Send a copy of the certificate of completion provided by Language Testing International to the Wisconsin Registry. You may notice that there is an expiration date on your certificate. The Wisconsin Registry will honor your certificate even if it has expired.
Please Note: You will also be given an option to receive an official certificate. The Wisconsin Registry does not require the official certificate, but you may choose to receive one for your personal records if you wish.
Step #4: Having the Language Endorsement
After the Wisconsin Registry verifies your Language Endorsement, those seeking training or technical assistance in a language other than English can search for you on the Registry Statewide Training Calendar.
Taking the Language Test
Go the Language Testing International (LTI) Website
- Go to the Language Testing International (LTI) Website.
- Click Take a Test from the Certifications for Individuals drop-down menu.
Choose the language
Choose the language for which you would like to receive the Language Endorsement.
Select Test Options
You will then select the test you would like to get certified in. Choose from one of the 2 options for the Speaking test. The following test information is from the Choose Test page on the LTI website.
- ACTFL OPI $165.00 - 30 minutes*
The Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) measures your ability to speak in a language. It is a live, unscripted, 15–30-minute phone conversation with a Certified ACTFL tester. This test must be scheduled in advance by selecting possible dates and times during the ordering process. - ACTFL OPIc $108.00 - 40 minutes*
The Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc) measures your ability to speak in a language. It is a 20–40-minute virtual conversation conducted online. An avatar will present you with prompts based on your interests and experiences and that are designed to identify your specific proficiency level.
* = Information regarding the language test is subject to change.