HR info RH Bulletin

Second Language Evaluation Options at ESDC

In March 2020, the Public Service Commission (PSC) put temporary measures in place to provide organizations with flexibility in relation to the assessment of second language qualifications in the context of COVID-19.

• PSC temporary measure: Exemption from the requirement to use PSC Second Language Evaluation (SLE) tests, and the temporary use of alternate tests.
  • ESDC’s response: ESDC implemented this PSC measure by creating standardized “in-house” SLE tests to assess reading comprehension and written expression. The PSC’s Oral Language Assessment is used for the assessment of oral proficiency.
• PSC temporary measure: Extension of the validity period for expired SLE results.
  • SLE results that are more than five years old are valid for appointment/deployment to a position requiring a proficiency equal to or lower than the person’s SLE test results.
  • For all appointments/deployments over 12 months, second language results must be confirmed with PSC SLE tests within 24 months of the appointment/deployment.

The PSC recently announced its decision to extend these SLE temporary measures until March 31, 2022.

Sub-delegated managers can find out more about SLE options currently available at ESDC by consulting the Reference Chart available on iService.

For further questions related to these temporary measures, managers are encouraged to contact their HR Advisor via the Human Resources Service Centre.

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