Paraprofessional, Office Professional, and TNLI HS Bilingual Counselor candidates applying for Spanish-designated assignments with Denver Public Schools will be required to successfully complete a Spanish language proficiency exam proctored by Berlitz Languages, Inc.
Cost and reinbursement process
The first attempt (speaking, reading) costs $70.00. Once a candidate successfully completes the exam and is hired to perform in the capacity of an ELA-S designated assignment, they can submit a request for reimbursement.
DPS will reimburse for the first attempt at the assessment, but only after the full exam has been successfully completed. Additional retakes of any part of the SLP exam will not be reimbursed.
About the exam
Administered by Berlitz, the Spanish Language Proficiency (SLP) Exam for Paraprofessionals, Office Professionals, and TNLI HS Bilingual Counselors candidates consists of two components: speaking skills and reading comprehension.
Candidates must pass both portions of the SLP Exam to be considered by the Department of Human Resources as Spanish-qualified applicants.
If a candidate fails either portion of the exam, they are allowed to retake that portion of the test only two more times. Candidates must wait 30 days between test administrations.
A computer with a webcam and a USB-connected headset with a microphone is required to complete the exam. At the start of the test, you will be asked to complete an ID check. The testing platform also uses monitoring and security measures throughout the session to help ensure the integrity of the exam.
Speaking test and passing score
The Berlitz Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview (SOPI) is an oral proficiency testing system designed to accurately measure the examinee’s oral communicative ability in a professional setting.
The SOPI consists of six situations where the examinee speaks to a native speaker of Spanish. For each scenario, the examinee reads and listens to a description and sees a picture on the computer of the person or people they will address. They then have 15 to 40 seconds to prepare their response and 30 to 90 seconds to speak.
This 20 minute test of speaking skills is delivered via a computer-based platform. The Berlitz SOPI combines the efficiency and reliability of online administration with the validity of human scoring.
The passing score is a B1 on the CEFR Scale.
Reading test and passing score
The reading test consists of five paragraphs with 12 questions. Examinees are given 30 minutes to complete the reading comprehension portion.
The passing score is 8 correct answers minimum using a DPS 1-12 possible reading comprehension answer test.
Denver Public Schools and Examinees will receive results within 5 business days of the test date.