🔄 How Do I Move from A to B to C?

Language learning is a journey — and every learner moves at their own rhythm. Whether you're starting from scratch or aiming for Level C, here’s how your path to bilingual certification works in federal government second-language training.

🎯 What Do Levels A, B, and C Represent?

These levels are defined by the Public Service Commission of Canada and reflect practical skills for real work environments.

Each level includes increasing demands in comprehension, fluency, vocabulary, and adaptability in conversation.

⏱️ How Long Does It Take?

While timeframes vary by individual, the typical learning curve under a full-time training plan (approx. 30 hours/week) is:

• Beginner to Level B: 720–780 hours (about 24–26 weeks)

• Level B to Level C: 360 hours (about 12 weeks)

These estimates assume steady progress, regular attendance, and active participation.

🔍 How Is Your Progress Evaluated?

Instructors continuously assess your development based on the following competencies:

• 🗣️ Fluency and Spontaneity
  Do you speak naturally, even when improvising?

• ⚙️ Grammar Control and Range
  Are your verb tenses, sentence structures, and agreements accurate?

• 👂 Listening and Comprehension
  Can you follow complex questions and implied meanings?

• 💬 Interaction and Message Delivery
  Are your answers clear, on-topic, and adapted to the situation?

You don’t need to be perfect — you need to be functional, confident, and clear.

🚧 Why Progress Might Seem Slow

Language learning is non-linear. Some weeks you’ll feel fast improvement; others may feel like a plateau. That’s normal.

Factors that affect your progress:

• Training frequency and attendance

• Prior exposure to the target language

• Confidence to speak and make mistakes

• Use of extra practice tools outside of class

• Stress, fatigue, or learning conditions

If you feel stuck, talk to your instructor or advisor — we’ll adjust your plan together.

🧭 How Will I Know I’m Ready?

You’re likely approaching test readiness when you can:

• Hold full conversations without frequent translation

• Handle curveballs or rephrased questions

• Justify opinions and describe complex ideas clearly

• Use strategies (e.g., rephrasing, confirming understanding) naturally

Your instructor and advisor will always guide this decision. You will never be sent to evaluation unprepared.

🔄 Tip: Think in Milestones

Don't just aim for "C level" — aim for:

• ✔️ “I can ask questions without hesitation”

• ✔️ “I can describe my workday clearly”

• ✔️ “I can support an opinion and explain why”

Each milestone you reach brings you closer to your goal.

💬 We're With You at Every Step

No matter your level today, your progress matters. We’re here to:

• Track and support your development

• Keep your training flexible and tailored

• Recommend the best time to take the evaluation

You're not expected to do this alone. We’ll guide you from one level to the next — with clarity, confidence, and encouragement.