🧠 Understanding Your Evaluation (SLE)

If you're working toward your Level B or Level C in a second language, you're preparing for the Public Service Commission’s Second Language Evaluation (SLE) — a standardized test used across the federal public service to assess language proficiency. Here's what you need to know.

🔗 What Is the SLE?

The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) is administered by the Public Service Commission of Canada (PSC). It is the official test used to assess your ability to communicate in your second official language (French or English) in a work context.

• You are typically evaluated in Oral Interaction (most common), and sometimes also in Reading Comprehension and Written Expression, depending on your position.

• Your goal may be Level B or Level C, depending on your job requirements.

🔗 Visit the official PSC page for full details:
Second language evaluation in the public service

🎯 What Is Evaluated in the Oral Interaction Test?

The oral interaction test assesses your ability to understand and interact in your second language in real workplace situations.

You are evaluated on:

• Comprehension – Can you understand questions, instructions, and information?

• Fluency – Can you respond naturally, without too much hesitation?

• Grammar and Accuracy – Are you using correct verb tenses, sentence structure, and agreements?

• Vocabulary and Clarity – Can you explain things clearly using appropriate words?

• Interaction Skills – Can you ask questions, clarify ideas, and hold a conversation?

The test usually lasts between 20 and 30 minutes and includes:

• Short Q&A

• Role-play or problem-solving tasks

• Discussion of professional or familiar topics

🅱️ What Does Level B Mean?

If you're aiming for Level B, you should be able to:

• Answer routine questions clearly

• Participate in workplace conversations

• Ask for and provide explanations

• Describe processes and share information

• Speak with a few mistakes, but still be understood

• Show basic control of grammar and vocabulary

Level B = You can function in your job in your second language, with some support.

🆙 What Does Level C Mean?

If you're aiming for Level C, you should be able to:

• Speak with ease and confidence on complex, abstract, or sensitive topics

• Defend opinions, summarize key information, and express nuanced views

• Handle unexpected questions or rephrased prompts

• Use a wide range of vocabulary and structures with good accuracy

Level C = You can communicate independently and professionally in your second language.

🎓 How Does Your Training Prepare You?

At Knowledge Circle, our training programs are directly aligned with PSC expectations and built to prepare you gradually and effectively.

You’ll work on:

• Building fluency and spontaneity through conversation practice

• Strengthening grammar and sentence structure

• Expanding vocabulary specific to your work and real-world situations

• Developing strategies to handle pressure, clarify meaning, and respond confidently

• Simulating test-style tasks and interactions

Your instructor and learning advisor will also:

• Monitor your progress

• Share feedback through regular progress reports

• Let you know when you’re ready to be evaluated

✅ Final Takeaways

• The SLE evaluates practical language use — not perfection

• Reaching Level B or C takes time, regular training, and real engagement

• You're never alone — your instructor and our coordination team are here to support and guide you

• We will never recommend testing until you’re ready