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Qualification Standards in Relation to Official Languages

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Introduction

These qualification standards describe the second official language skills and proficiency levels needed to communicate with the public, deliver services to the population and use the second official language at work.

There are two types of language qualifications:

  • Second official language qualifications: levels A, B or C
  • Technical or specialized language qualifications: Code P

These qualification standards apply to positions that require the use of both official languages (English and French), and to all occupational groups. They define basic (A), intermediate (B) and advanced (C) proficiency levels for each of three skills:

  • Reading comprehension
  • Written expression
  • Oral communication

As required by Section 91 of the Official Languages Act and the Directive on Official Languages for People Management, managers must objectively determine the linguistic profile of positions requiring the use of both official languages. The tool entitled Tool for Identifying the Linguistic Profile of Positions is available to assist them.

Application

These standards apply to all institutions subject to Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act.

Other requirements

In addition to these standards, institutions subject to Schedules I and IV of the Financial Administration Act must apply the requirements set out in the following legislation and policy instruments:

Second official language proficiency levels A, B or C

There are three proficiency levels in the second official language:

  • A (basic)
  • B (intermediate)
  • C (advanced)

The levels are cumulative:

  • At level A, a person can accomplish level A tasks.
  • At level B, a person can accomplish levels A and B tasks.
  • At level C, a person can accomplish levels A, B and C tasks.

The second official language requirements of a bilingual position are displayed in the position’s linguistic profile. The language profile consists of three letters. The first indicates the required level of reading comprehension, the second the required level of written expression, and the third the required level of oral communication.

For example, a position with a linguistic profile of CBC requires the following proficiency levels in the second official language:

  • level C in Reading Comprehension
  • level B in Written Expression
  • level C in Oral Communication

When a skill is not required, the linguistic profile contains a dash instead of a letter for that proficiency level, for example, “B–dashB” instead of BBB.

The maximum levels that can be required in the language profiles of bilingual positions are CCC.

Second official language evaluation

The Public Service Commission (PSC) is responsible for the assessment methods used in staffing to evaluate proficiency levels A, B and C under the Public Service Commission’s Appointment Policy.

There are two other possible language evaluation results: X and E. These results are not proficiency levels.

Result X means that the performance during the second official language evaluation did not meet the requirements for level A.

Result E means that the performance during the second official language evaluation met the requirements of level C, and it is expected that the person will maintain level C. The PSC therefore grants the person an indefinite exemption from retesting.

Reading comprehension

Proficiency level A

Description of the standard

Level A is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to understand simple texts dealing with familiar or routine work-related topics.

A person reading at level A can:

  • understand simple texts
  • understand the general sense of texts dealing with familiar work-related topics
  • extract simple information such as common expressions of politeness, position titles and days of the week, in order to perform simple tasks required by the job

A person at this level will not necessarily be able to understand texts containing detailed information.

Examples

A person reading at this level can understand simple written communications such as:

  • routine forms (for example, requisitions and invoices)
  • agendas
  • short emails

In order to:

  • file or forward them
  • extract simple, concrete information
  • process routine requests
  • follow simple instructions

Proficiency level B

Description of the standard

Level B is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to understand factual information on concrete work-related topics.

A person reading at level B meets the requirements of level A and can also:

  • understand the overall meaning of most work-related texts
  • extract specific pieces of information
  • distinguish main ideas from secondary ideas

A person at this level will have difficulty understanding texts with complex grammatical structure and more extensive vocabulary.

Examples

A person reading at this level can understand work‑related texts such as:

  • reference documents
  • reports
  • emails on most work-related topics
  • minutes or proceedings of meetings

In order to:

  • extract specific information
  • understand the overall meaning of the content
  • ensure the content is accurate

Proficiency level C

Description of the standard

Level C is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to understand texts dealing with abstract or theoretical topics, and texts dealing with a wide variety of work-related topics and viewpoints.

A person reading at level C meets the requirements of levels A and B and can also understand:

  • texts dealing with topics that are abstract, theoretical, or may be unfamiliar
  • most complex themes and nuances in meaning

A person at this level may have difficulty understanding rarely used expressions and very complex structures.

Examples

A person reading at this level can understand work-related texts such as:

  • policy statements
  • research and technical reports
  • contracts or agreements
  • laws or regulations

In order to:

  • ensure the texts are accurate and complete
  • extract the details required for interpretation and follow-up
  • ensure the meaning is correct
  • understand the content in depth
  • summarize the content
  • recognize the scope
  • comment
  • make recommendations

Written expression

Proficiency level A

Description of the standard

Level A is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to write simple information and deal with familiar work-related topics.

A person writing at level A can:

  • write isolated words
  • write simple phrases, statements and questions about familiar work-related topics

A person at this level is expected to make errors of grammar, vocabulary and spelling. These errors are acceptable as long as the message is understandable.

Examples

A person at this level can write:

  • isolated words
  • simple phrases
  • simple lists
  • brief notes

In order to:

  • fill out forms related to their work
  • write simple messages in point-form
  • prepare indexes or tables of contents
  • request and provide simple information

Proficiency level B

Description of the standard

Level B is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to write short descriptive or factual texts on concrete work-related topics.

A person writing at level B meets the requirements for level A and also has sufficient knowledge of grammar and vocabulary to transmit information about concrete work-related topics.

A person at this level can communicate concrete, factual, less routine information. Their writing may contain some grammar and vocabulary errors that, generally, will not interfere with understanding the message.

Examples

A person at this level can write work-related factual texts such as:

  • brief messages
  • short texts
  • brief descriptions
  • brief comments
  • simple, factual correspondence or directives

In order to:

  • modify the content
  • request or provide information, explanations or instructions
  • explain certain points
  • request follow-up actions
  • describe a situation
  • compare two situations
  • write minutes of a meeting in point-form
  • present conclusions

Proficiency level C

Description of the standard

Level C is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to write well-structured texts on complex or abstract topics in various work-related contexts.

A person writing at level C meets the requirements for levels A and B and can also write detailed, coherent and well-structured texts.

A person at this level can make corrections and other changes to texts to improve their meaning, tone, clarity and conciseness. In general, the vocabulary will be appropriate, and the grammar and spelling will require little correction.

Examples

A person at this level can write work-related complex texts such as:

  • correspondence
  • briefing notes
  • memoranda
  • newsletters
  • reports
  • recommendations
  • research papers
  • detailed minutes and summaries

In order to:

  • present facts and concepts clearly, accurately and in detail
  • provide information or comments about complex or sensitive issues

Oral communication

Proficiency level A

Description of the standard

Level A is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to communicate orally on simple and familiar work-related topics.

A person communicating orally at level A can:

  • ask and answer simple questions about familiar work-related topics
  • give and understand simple instructions about familiar work-related topics

A person communicating orally at this level makes many errors and displays gaps in oral communication that can interfere with understanding the message.

A person at this level may have difficulty understanding a conversation taking place at a normal pace, so that others may need to repeat or rephrase what they’ve said or repeat it more slowly.

Examples

A person at this level can:

  • ask and answer simple questions on topics related to names, addresses, dates, times or numbers
  • make and respond to requests about simple routine matters
  • give and understand simple instructions
  • take part in brief exchanges on simple and familiar topics

In order to communicate orally at a basic level with:

  • colleagues and other employees about simple and familiar work-related topics
  • members of the public about simple and familiar topics

Proficiency level B

Description of the standard

Level B is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to communicate orally on concrete work-related topics in new or less familiar situations.

A person communicating orally at level B meets the requirements for level A and can also:

  • take part in conversations on concrete topics
  • describe actions taken
  • give clear instructions
  • provide concrete descriptions
  • provide factual explanations

A person at this level is not expected to discuss hypothetical situations or sensitive issues. There may be errors and gaps in grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary and flow, but communication is not seriously affected.

Examples

A person at this level can:

  • give and understand clear instructions and explanations about how work must be done, what steps to take, or possible options
  • describe the steps taken
  • talk about past or future events
  • address standard requests for information
  • take part in meetings dealing with concrete issues
  • make presentations on concrete topics
  • respond clearly to concrete questions

In order to communicate orally at an intermediate level with:

  • colleagues and other employees
  • members of the public

Proficiency level C

Description of the standard

Level C is the minimum proficiency level for positions that require the ability to communicate orally in depth, with ease and accuracy on a wide range of abstract, complex or sensitive topics. At this level, a person must be able to address work-related issues that are not necessarily familiar.

A person communicating orally at level C meets the requirements for levels A and B and can also:

  • provide clear and detailed explanations on a wide range of complex, abstract or sensitive topics
  • clearly establish connections between the ideas presented
  • give opinions
  • express views on complex topics
  • discuss hypothetical situations

A person at this level is not expected to have the ease and fluency of a native speaker and may have gaps in pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary. These gaps rarely interfere with communication.

Examples

A person at this level can:

  • give and understand detailed explanations about complex or abstract topics, or hypothetical questions
  • give and understand detailed accounts of events, meetings, steps or actions taken, or procedures to be followed
  • understand, explain and discuss policies, procedures, regulations, programs and services related to an area of work
  • deal with situations requiring expression of opinions, negotiation and presentation of complex arguments
  • give oral presentations on complex topics and answer follow-up questions
  • advise employees, senior management or clients on sensitive or complex issues
  • participate in selection committees or other working groups

In order to communicate orally at an advanced level with:

  • employees and colleagues
  • members of the public

Technical or Specialized Language Skills – Code P

General

  • Code P is for bilingual positions requiring the use of technical or specialized official language skills.
  • These skills are normally acquired through specialized training or experience.
  • Code P is not necessarily a second official language requirement. For example:
    • If a position requires the editing of texts written in French, Code P would be required for reading and writing in French, and therefore it would be:
      • a first language requirement for candidates whose first official language is French; and
      • a second language requirement for candidates whose first official language is English.
  • There are five categories of technical or specialized language skills:
    1. Dictatyping and dictation
    2. Professional writing
    3. Editing
    4. Translation and interpretation
    5. Teaching and testing
  • The table below lists specific and detailed technical or specialized language skills for each category.
  • To satisfy the requirements of the Qualification Standards, code P is restricted to these or similar skills.
  • The specific skill or proficiency itself should be identified as “Essential Qualifications” on the Statement of Merit Criteria.

Linguistic Profile

  • A "P" in the linguistic profile indicates which language (English and/or French) and which language abilities (written comprehension, written expression and/or oral proficiency) require the technical or specialized language skills.
  • Code P supersedes any general second official language qualification and is used instead of levels A, B, or C for that particular ability.

Imperative Staffing

  • The Public Service Official Languages Exclusion Approval Order specifies that, regardless of their first official language, all candidates must satisfy all qualifications designated by code P in order to be qualified for a position. Imperative staffing is therefore required for any qualifications designated by code P.

Language Training

Imperative staffing requires applicants to meet the position’s linguistic requirements. Language training is not offered following an imperative staffing action.

Evaluation of Language Skills

  • The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) tests prescribed by the Public Service Commission are not used to evaluate skills requiring the use of code P.
  • Institutions and managers are responsible for identifying and developing the necessary evaluation tools for code P.
  • The P result is not transferable from one position to another.

Table: Specific technical or specialized language skills and corresponding use of code P in the linguistic profile

How to use the table:

  1. identify the category
  2. identify the specific technical or specialized language skill
  3. identify the ability requiring code P
  4. determine in which language the code P skill is required

1. Dictatyping and Dictation

A typing qualification alone, without proofreading, does not require code P. Proofreading includes reading and correcting errors of all types, including errors in spelling, grammar and punctuation (however, merely proofreading one’s own typing work to ensure accurate copy is not sufficient to warrant the use of a grammar, spelling and punctuation qualification and the resultant use of the code P).

Specific skill Reading in English Writing in English Oral proficiency in English Reading in French Writing in French Oral proficiency in French
Typing text from a recording
both English and French P P P P P P
in English P P P      
in French       P P P
Taking dictation in using shorthand by machine
both English and French P P P P P P
in English P P P      
in French       P P P
Proofreading typed texts and correcting errors
in both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  
Typing documents and proofreading them
in both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  

2. Professional Writing

Specific skill Reading in English Writing in English Oral proficiency in English Reading in French Writing in French Oral proficiency in French
Writing articles, brochures, speeches, press releases, and other documents on technical or specialized topics
both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  
Revising and rewriting scientific and technical documents in terms of their literary presentation
both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  

3. Editing

Specific skill Reading in English Writing in English Oral proficiency in English Reading in French Writing in French Oral proficiency in French
Providing an editing service for technical or specialized texts, documents and publications
both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  
Ensuring the linguistic quality of technical or specialized texts, documents and publications
both English and French P P   P P  
in English P P        
in French       P P  

4. Translation and Interpretation

Specific skill Reading in English Writing in English Oral proficiency in English Reading in French Writing in French Oral proficiency in French
Translating selected texts
from both English to French and French to English P P   P P  
from English to French P     P P  
from French to English P P   P    
Checking the translation of texts to ensure that the linguistic quality corresponds to that of the originals
from both English to French and French to English P P   P P  
from English to French P     P P  
from French to English P P   P    
Reviewing bulletins, circulars, manuals and other documents prepared in both official languages to ensure equivalency
  P P   P P  
Conducting research in terminology and/or linguistics to determine the equivalency and correct usage of terms in both official languages
  P P   P P  
Simultaneously interpreting with no documents being read aloud
from both English to French and French to English     P     P
from English to French           P
from French to English     P      
Simultaneously interpreting with documents being read aloud
from both English to French and French to English P   P P   P
from English to French P         P
from French to English     P P    

5. Teaching and Testing

Specific skill Reading in English Writing in English Oral proficiency in English Reading in French Writing in French Oral proficiency in French
Teaching
both English and French as a second language P P P P P P
English as a second language P P P      
French as a second language       P P P
Providing pedagogical services to teachers and students
in both English and French P P P P P P
in English P P P      
in French       P P P
Designing and developing a program to teach
both English and French as a second language P P P P P P
English as a second language P P P      
French as a second language       P P P
Designing, developing, and scoring second language tests
in both English and French P P P P P P
in English P P P      
in French       P P P

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2026-09-16