Do you want to understand your English or French language skill level prior to taking an official language test or pursuing further education or employment?

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Frequently Asked Questions FAQ - How To Videos Technical Requirements

GENERAL QUESTIONS

The Online Self-Assessment is a tool to measure your language ability and assign an approximate score range based on Canadian Language Benchmarks (CLB) for English and Niveaux de compétence linguistique canadiens (NCLC) for French. It is not a test that a user can pass or fail. The Online Self-Assessment results can inform language learning, settlement, and career-related goals. To learn more about Online Self-Assessment, please visit the About Us page.

Is the Online Self-Assessment right for me?

This web-based assessment is available to anyone with access to the internet. It is intended for prospective immigrants and newcomers to Canada who are interested in learning English and/or French. Professionals assisting them, have also found this tool useful as a component of needs assessment. To register and take the assessment at no cost, please visit our Testing Centre page.

How much does it cost?

This online assessment is fully funded by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada and the Government of Ontario, and it is available at no cost to anyone.

How many tests does CLB-OSA have?

CLB-OSA has three reading and two listening tests. Each test consists of 10 to 18 tasks.

How long does it take to complete the assessment?

There is a 60 minutes limit per test, and each test consists of up to 18 tasks. Most users complete the test before the time expires. There is no particular order to taking the tests, and you can repeat them as many times as desired.

How do I get answers?

CLB-OSA can be used as a practice test to alleviate test-taking anxiety and familiarize yourself with the type of tasks you can expect to see in an official CLB test at a language assessment centre in Canada. You are encouraged to repeat the test as many times as you wish, and you will get your approximate benchmark range displayed each time you successfully complete the test. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide an answer key.

How many times can I take the assessment?

You can take the online tests as many times as you wish and in any order you like.

Where can I find a practice test?

If you are looking for tests to practice at home, you can visit our “Useful Link” page by clicking here.