The YMCA Language Assessment Centre has been in operation since 1992. It was established as part of the Federal Government's initiative to improve newcomers' access to language training, also known as the Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC).
Besides being part of Cross Cultural and Immigrant Services, the Language Assessment Centre is a member of TESL Ontario and Project Read and collaborates with a variety of other immigrant-serving agencies in the community.
Please click here to view Language Assessment Centre brochure.
Services Provided
The Languages Assessment Centre staff provide:
Eligibility screening
Assessment of language skills
Referral to language training and/or other programs in Kitchener-Waterloo and Cambridge
Information on language training and other programs
Eligibility: Adult landed immigrants, convention refugees and people to whom Canada intends to give landed status can be assessed.
Assessment tools and levels: Newcomers' language skills are evaluated using the Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA) introduced in 1996 or the more recent Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT). These tools measure newcomers' skills in four areas of language: Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing. They come with their own scoring system whereby a LINC level is determined. At present, LINC levels range from 1 to 7.
In 1998, the Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA) was also introduced. This tool determines newcomers' literacy skills and is unique in its use of first-language tasks.
Starting 2008, the Language Assessment Centre also provides Enhanced Language Training Placement Assessments (ELTPA) for ELT programs. The tool is used for Benchmarks 6 - 10.