The ability to communicate and work in one or both of Canada's official languages is very important to you, as a skilled worker. Abilities in English, French or both will help you in the Canadian labour market.

Language proficiency is one of the six selection factors for skilled workers. You will be awarded up to 24 points for your basic, moderate or high abilities in English and French. You will be given points based on your ability to:

• listen;
• speak;
• read; and
• write.

Description of Each Level of Ability:

Use the following chart to assess your skill levels according to the Canadian Language Benchmarks. Follow the links for a description of each skill level.

Proficiency Level	Ability
	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
HIGH: You can communicate effectively in most social and work situations.	Speaking: High	Listening: High	Reading: High	Writing: High
MODERATE: you can communicate comfortably in familiar social and work situations.	Speaking: Moderate	Listening: Moderate	Reading: Moderate	Writing: Moderate
BASIC: You can communicate in predictable contexts and on familiar topics, but with some difficulty.	Speaking: Basic	Listening: Basic	Reading: Basic	Writing: Basic
NO: You do not meet the above criteria for basic proficiency.	Does not meet Basic Level.	Does not meet Basic Level.	Does not meet Basic Level.	Does not meet Basic Level.

Your First and Second Official Languages

If you have some abilities in both the English and French language, decide which language you are more comfortable using. This is your First Official Language. The other is your Second Official Language.

Calculate Your Language Points

Use the descriptions from the table above to score your language abilities.

First Official Language
	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
High proficiency	4	4	4	4
Moderate proficiency	2	2	2	2
Basic proficiency	1	1	1	1
Please Note: You can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level proficiency.
No proficiency	0	0	0	0
Second Official Language
	Speaking	Listening	Reading	Writing
High proficiency	2	2	2	2
Moderate proficiency	2	2	2	2
Basic proficiency	1	1	1	1
Please Note: You can score a maximum of only two points in total for basic-level proficiency.
No proficiency	0	0	0	0

Language ability documentation

If you are claiming language skills on your application, you must provide conclusive proof of your language skills. You must choose one of two options to do this. You can:

1. take a language test by an approved organization; or
2. provide other written documentation that supports your claim.

We strongly recommend that you take a language test from an approved organization if you are claiming skills in a language that is not your native language.