Cambridge Assessment English, a not-for-profit department of the University of Cambridge has launched Linguaskill, an accurate English language test with fast results which will help employers across Asia to ensure that their teams have the language skills they need to compete internationally.
Introducing the new test at the HR Festival Asia 2019 in Singapore today, Seán Hayde, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Cambridge Assessment English explained:
“Linguaskill helps employers to recruit staff with the right language skills – not just a passive knowledge of the English, but the ability to communicate effectively. Linguaskill has been developed to make it easy to check the language skills of job applicants, audit the language skills of existing staff and to plan and evaluate training.”
“We produced a major study called English at Work, based on input from more than 5,000 companies. The research showed that while employers across the Asia Pacific region see English-language skills as essential to their success, there are significant skills gaps at all levels from top management to specialists across a whole range of business activities. Linguaskill will help employers to address this issue quickly and efficiently.”
Linguaskill is produced by Cambridge Assessment English, which develops the world’s leading examinations for language learners and teachers, including the Cambridge English Qualifications and IELTS. It covers the four key language skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing using advanced artificial intelligence to deliver accurate assessment of language skills in as little as 48 hours. Results are aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), the global standard for describing language ability.
Hayde said: “Our exams have helped more than 55 million people worldwide to learn English and prove their skills to the world, and our unique experience and expertise puts Cambridge in a prime position to help bridge the communications gap in the Asia Pacific region. As Asia continues to internationalise, stronger English language skills will help businesses unlock opportunities and compete on the global stage. Linguaskill will help organisations to recruit the right people and shape more effective training programmes.“
Linguaskill will be progressively rolled out across the Asia Pacific region to meet the growing demand for English language skills as companies across the region are rapidly internationalising their operations and markets.
Linguaskill is easy to administer for individuals or groups of candidates because it is one test for people of all levels, from basic to advanced. The multi-level online test also simplifies testing by allowing organisations to operate and invigilate at their own venue. Within 48 hours, administrators of the test can access a comprehensive, in-depth report. The speediness of the reports allows organisations to make informed decisions on recruiting candidates with the right language skills and helping individuals improve their language proficiency over time.
Companies are already integrating Linguaskill as a core aspect of their in-house training programme. For example, the global banking group HSBC worked closely with Cambridge Assessment English to set internal English standards for performing a range of jobs, and Linguaskill is used to screen new candidates. For example, the Portuguese national airline TAP is using Linguaskill competency levels as a standard for internal promotion, and it has been a huge motivator for staff attending language training programmes.
