Communication Skills Test (CST)
Information for Candidates
Overview
The Communication Skills Test is an assessment designed to measure a person’s ability to interact in a professional context using two or more languages (usually English and one or more other languages). It evaluates the ability to understand and retain information provided in a language, the ability to clearly communicate ideas through speech, and knowledge of occupation specific terminology. Versions of this test are available for a variety of professions, including customer service, finance, insurance and benefits administration, non-provider healthcare staff, medical providers (physicians and nurses), and specialty providers (psychologists, physical therapists, social workers, etc.). This test does not evaluate or certify your ability to interpret or translate.
Each language will be assessed separately in a series of interviews, consisting of three sections each (only two sections for LO-CST): Language comprehension, efficacy of oral communication (speech), and terminology. Candidates testing in two languages will have two interviews, first in English, and then in the target language, but at no point will they be interpreting or translating. Candidates testing in three or more languages will have additional interviews. Usually all of the interviews will take place on the same call, one immediately after the other.
Depending on the profession for which you are taking the test, the questions and readings in the comprehension and oral communication sections may be specifically contextualized to that field, common topics from everyday life, or a mixture of both specialized and general topics. The terminology section will always be applicable to the job field.
How it works
Each section of the test will begin with a practice exercise or example. While the practice questions will not hurt your score if you get them wrong, correct answers may help your overall score, or shorten the test.
The first section of each language interview will be listening comprehension. In this section, you will hear a series of short readings. After each reading, you will be presented with a few questions related to the content of the reading. Here is an example (you will not see text during test, only hear audio):
“Angela withdrew $300 dollars from the bank this morning before she took her cat to the veterinarian for a routine checkup and vaccination. The vet bill was $200, which she paid in cash, and she gave the rest of the money to her mother.”
You will then be presented with the questions, such as the following:
“What two places did Angela visit?” (answers: Bank and veterinarian)
“Why did Angela take her cat to the vet?” (answer: checkup or vaccination)
“How much money did Angela give her mother?” (answer: $100)
The second section of each interview will be efficacy of oral communication, or speech. In this section you will be presented with open-ended starter topics, and asked to talk for approximately 2 to 3 minutes about each topic, giving your thoughts and opinions. Keep in mind that the starter topics are just prompts to get you started, and that there are no wrong answers. Your responses will be evaluated based on how clearly, coherently and fluidly you communicate, taking into account pronunciation, grammar and syntax, pace, vocabulary, and your ability to express complex concepts. Here is an example (audio only on test):
“Some school systems have proposed limiting the amount of homework that can be assigned to elementary school children, to ensure that they are not overwhelmed and have enough time for play each day. Give your opinion about how much homework you think is appropriate for elementary students. Do you think playtime is as important as homework? Please explain.”
Where applicable, the third section of each interview will cover terminology. In this section you will have two separate exercise types: terminology recognition and terminology definitions. First you will be presented with a series of brief definitions, and you will need to state the term that corresponds to each definition. Then, you will be presented with a series of vocabulary terms, and you will need to provide a clear and precise definition for each term given.
You may find the following questions useful when trying to define terms:
• What is it? (thing/person/concept/etc.)
• What is it used for?
• What are its characteristics?
• What makes it different from other similar things/people/concepts?
• (When applicable) What is the size, color and/or location?
Here are some examples:
Recognition: “A cloth tube, closed at one end that is worn on the foot. It may also cover part or all of the calf. You put it on before your shoes.” (Answer: sock or stocking)
Definition: “Refrigerator” (Answer: A large kitchen appliance in which your store food to keep it cool and avoid spoiling.)
Taking the test
You will need to be alone and in a quiet area, and you will need a pen and 2-3 sheets of blank paper for note taking. You are not allowed to use any reference materials, such as dictionaries, translation software, or assistance from other people. The use of electronic devices or computers, even for note-taking, is strictly prohibited. The test usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes, depending on your pace. It is administered in one of three ways:
On-site proctoring: You may need to go into the offices of the requesting organization, or to another LanguageStat approved testing site, where they will verify your identity, and then proctor the test while you test. This may be requested for any of our testing modalities (real-time telephonic, real-time OVP, or 24/7 web-based testing)
Online via Video Proctoring (OVP): If authorized to test remotely, you may use the Online Video Proctoring service for real-time testing. Please see the following explanation with Frequently Asked Questions about Online Video Proctoring. Broadband internet connection required.
24/7, On-Demand (aka ‘automated’): Depending on your language combination, testing is available without the need to schedule, and can be performed as soon as you receive the invitation via email, at any time of the day, 7 days a week. The test is conducted within your web browser, and requires a headset with microphone, a webcam, a broadband internet connection. Online proctoring can be included, but requires advanced scheduling.
While On-Demand testing does not (by default) include a live proctoring service, starting in early 2021, it will require each candidate present a valid, nationally recognized photo ID (ex. passport, state driver’s license) via webcam, along with a sample voice recording, for added test security.
Visit our website for more information on our automated testing platform.
Unproctored Testing: Testing without proctoring or identity confirmation is not encouraged and should only be performed in special circumstances with explicit permission from the requesting organization. (Report will indicate that this was an unproctored test without identity confirmation.)
Technical Considerations
It is important to have a reliable high-speed internet connection for web-based testing, as well as a microphone and headset for audio (built-in computer microphones and speakers are sufficient, but less than ideal). The web-based system will provide you with a chance to test your audio setup and connection quality before beginning your test. If you are unsure whether or not your internet speeds are sufficient, please run a speed test, and share the upload and download speeds with our team (see contact below).
Scheduled telephonic testing does not require an internet connection, but does require a reliable phone line. Landline connections are encouraged whenever available. Disabling of call waiting features is also encouraged, to limit interruption while testing.
System requirements for Online Video Proctoring can be found here.
For all other questions, please feel free to contact us at testing@languagestat.net, or by phone at 678-540-6394.