Second Official Language Learning
Supporting and encouraging bilingualism and the use of Canada’s two official languages in the workplace has been a long-standing characteristic of our culture at Employment and Social Development Canada.
Whether you’re looking to improve on your abilities in your Second Official Language, you’re just starting out in your language learning journey, or you’re the manager of a learner, you’ll find all the information and resources you need right here.
Please note that for everyone’s health and safety, all learning opportunities will be offered virtually until further notice.
Policies and Guidelines
Start here to learn about ESDC’s policies and directives surrounding Official Languages Learning at our Department, for both learners and managers.
- ESDC Second Official Language Learning Guidelines (PDF, 798 KB)
- Frequently Asked Questions (DOCX, 366 KB)
- Official Languages Learning Options at ESDC (PPTX, 707 KB)
Visit the Policies and Directives iService page for more information on learning and development at ESDC.
Self-Paced Learning Options
Take your language learning into your own hands! A wide variety of self-paced, virtual learning options are available to all ESDC employees. Before you delve into our expansive collection of self-paced learning options, download the Self-Paced Learning Planning Workbook (available in English and French), to create your action plan and track your progress!
For even more Second Official Language learning options, check out (and bookmark!) ESDC’s National Learning Catalogue. The catalogue is continuously updated with new learning offerings, so be sure to check back regularly.
Be sure to have a discussion with your manager to include these learning opportunities in your Learning Plan before registering.
Note: Be sure to have your credentials handy when accessing learning from CSPS’s GCcampus and ESDC’s Saba.
French as a Second Official Language
LRDG’s “Pour l’amour du français” e-Learning platform
LRDG’s e-Learning platform is available at any time and from anywhere you have Internet access. “Pour l’amour du français” is a 15-module language learning program complete with over 1000 hours of grammar exercises, tests, audio recordings and video clips.
- Duration:
- Variable, self-paced
- Language:
- French
- Content provider:
- LRDG
Preparation for the Tests of Written Expression and Reading Comprehension: Levels B and C
Prepare for the Public Service Commission’s Test of Written Expression or Reading Comprehension by taking non-timed practice tests, with plenty of time to review your answers, receive explanations, and verify your results.
- Duration:
- 20 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- French
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Preparation for the Test of Oral Proficiency: Levels B and C
Prepare for the Public Service Commission’s Test of Oral Proficiency, for levels B and C, in French as a Second Official Language with this series of listening comprehension, oral expression and oral interaction exercises.
- Duration:
- 100 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- French
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Language Maintenance Tools
The Canada School of Public Service offers a variety of free online self-assessment tools, in English and in French, to help you improve or maintain your language skills. These learning products include self-directed evaluation simulations and interactive tools, to help you improve or maintain your skills in your Second Official Language.
- Duration:
- 100 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- French and English
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Achieving BB: Self-Paced Toolkit
This self-directed toolkit outlines the steps and tools – including courses in Saba – you can use to achieve a level B in the French Reading Comprehensions and Written Expression tests. The toolkit contains a wealth of tips, resources and tools, and is organized in a way that is easy to understand and follow.
- Duration:
- Variable, self-paced
- Language:
- French
- Content provider:
- The College@ESDC
English as a Second Official Language
LRDG’s “For the Love of English” e-Learning platform
LRDG’s e-Learning platform is available at any time and from anywhere you have Internet access. “For the Love of English” is a 15-module language learning program complete with over 1000 hours of grammar exercises, tests, audio recordings and video clips.
- Duration:
- Variable, self-paced
- Language:
- English
- Content provider:
- LRDG
Preparation for the Tests of Written Expression and Reading Comprehension: Levels B and C
Prepare for the Public Service Commission’s Test of Written Expression or Reading Comprehension by taking non-timed practice tests, with plenty of time to review your answers, receive explanations, and verify your results.
- Duration:
- 20 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- English
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Preparation for the Test of Oral Proficiency: Levels B and C
Prepare for the Public Service Commission’s Test of Oral Proficiency, for levels B and C, in English as a Second Official Language with this series of listening comprehension, oral expression and oral interaction exercises.
- Duration:
- 100 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- English
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Language Maintenance Tools
The Canada School of Public Service offers a variety of free online self-assessment tools, in English and in French, to help you improve or maintain your language skills. These learning products include self-directed evaluation simulations and interactive tools, to help you improve or maintain your skills in your Second Official Language.
- Duration:
- 100 hours, online self-paced
- Language:
- French and English
- Content provider:
- Canada School of Public Service
Achieving BB: Self-Paced Toolkit
This self-directed toolkit outlines the steps and tools – including courses in Saba – you can use to achieve a level B in the English Reading Comprehensions and Written Expression tests. The toolkit contains a wealth of tips, resources and tools, and is organized in a way that is easy to understand and follow.
- Duration:
- Variable, self-paced
- Language:
- English
- Content provider:
- The College@ESDC
Formal Learning Options
If you are interested in formal Official Languages learning options, please have a discussion with your manager and/or your regional/branch learning coordinator to discuss your specific learning needs and to obtain information on the options available to you.
The Public Service Commission’s Second Official Language Evaluations (SLE)
-
Information for learners: Find out more about the Second Official Language Evaluations in the public service, types of tests and various linguistic profiles.
-
Information for managers and human resources specialists: Explore options and resources for Second Official Language testing, costs, accommodations, results and recourse mechanisms.
-
ESDC Second Official Language Evaluation Options during COVID-19: All the information managers need when leading a hiring process during COVID-19, when SLE tests and results are required.
-
Additional Learning Resources
-
Resources of the Language Portal of Canada: Access free tools to improve your knowledge of English or French. Polish your writing skills with the help of quizzes, participate in the Our Languages blog, and explore a selection of language-related Canadian links.
-
The Self-Paced Learning Planning Workbook: Available in English and French, this handy tool can be used to create your action plan and track your progress.
-