International civilian examinations TOEIC Test of English for International Communication TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language BULATS Business Language Testing Service Cambridge ESOL examinations (English for Speakers of Other Languages)

What are the assessed skills? TOEIC Oral and written understanding Writing and speaking skills (recent tests but are optional) TOEFL (paper-based test) Reading, listening and writing Skills BULATS Reading and listening skills Writing and speaking skills Cambridge ESOL examinations English vocabulary and grammar Reading and listening skills Writing and speaking skills

Civilian examinations National Examinations Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees in English from French universities DCL Diplôme de Compétence en Langue “Diploma in Language Skills”  French ministry of education

STANAG 6001 Level 1,2 & 3 Depending on your scores in the TOEIC, TOEFL or BULATS you can reach level 1, 2 or 3 mentioned in STANAG 6001 Other alternative: If you pass one of the Cambridge ESOL examinations (PET, FCE, CAE or CPE) you can also reach level 1, 2 or 3 mentioned in STANAG 6001

Military Certificates of Languages MCL 1 (functional)  Level 2 STANAG 6001 MCL 2 (professional)  Level 3 STANAG 6001 MCL1 and MCL 2 are given to our military personnel through civilian examinations. MCL 3 (expert)  Level 4 STANAG 6001 Level 4 can only be reached and recognized by the French military with a Military Certificate of Languages in English 3

The French navy The French navy opted for the TOEIC to assess its sailors in English.

Why? Because there are several TOEIC sessions organized per month. For the navy the TOEIC is the cheapest test compared to other English-language examinations. The TOEIC is recognized around the world.

Military Certificates of Languages TOEIC score between 605 and 850 Military Certificate of Languages 1 (functional) (MCL1)  Level 2 STANAG 6001 TOEIC score ≥ 851 Military Certificate of Languages 2 (professional) (MCL2)  Level 3 STANAG 6001

Passing rates in ,24% French Navy personnel got a high enough score in the TOEIC to reach:  Level 2 STANAG ,45% French Navy personnel got a score ≥ 851 in the TOEIC to reach:  Level 3 STANAG 6001

Passing rates in ,04% naval officers got a high enough score in the TOEIC to reach:  Level 2 STANAG ,47% naval officers got a score ≥ 851 in the TOEIC to reach:  Level 3 STANAG 6001

What about the French Army? Très bonne question !

Parlez-vous anglais? An off-the-shelf system, Relying on: –courses provided by a ‘private’ company –the outsourcing of examinations up to level3 –a few military safeguards.

Parlez-vous anglais? Overview Why we got there What it is today Limitations Safeguards

1996: Languages policy 1) English (a lot!) 2) German (less but on a regular basis!) 3) Russian and Arabic (some specialists!) 4) other languages (a few of each!)

English language policy Emphasis is on everyday language In accordance with STANAG 6001: 4 levels (SLP) 1) Main effort on English for officers 2) Open to some NCOs 4) Optimize what is already known 5) Need to improve cost/efficiency (25% did not take tests)

Implementation Setting-up of distance learning courses (private sector) Spreading of military language software Introduction of mil. vocabulary mandatory modules in mil. schools: M1 to M4 (Jr NCO to Staff officers) Priority given to everyday language Motivation and coercion: (Cadet officers and senior officers)

2003: another step further Outsourcing of examinations up to level3 E-learning (contracted company) The target is level3 for: 100% officers 11% NCOs 3% privates

Today E-learning (3 courses a year) 1000 pers. –5-month course –CD Rom –7 meetings with a teacher Passing rates: SLP2: 91% SLP3: 58%

Mon tailleur est riche 1 test a year (69€) up to level3 Tests + university degrees conversions: 2005: 600 level1 & 1500 level2 & 1200 level3 2006: 200 level1 & 1200 level2 & 1500 level3 2007: 300 level1 & 1000 level2 & 1500 level3

Today Level3 compulsory for officers’ higher military studies 4 English language modules (NCO, Branch, Staff schools) Exams, results, taken into account by Personnel management office

System’s limits Availability of learners during e- courses –15% quit for ops reasons –Many others quit on numerous grounds!! Motivation for homework Exam is to be taken within 6 months after the end of course: 50% comply A test of L,S,R,W on civilian topics

A few safeguards Up to level3 managed by ‘specialists’ Military language modules Military exam level4 is demanding NATO assignment? SLP test in Strasburg!

Any questions?