Planning to work in Canada?
An essential workbook for newcomers

Section B – Canada’s official languages

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Introduction

Language skills are extremely important to your professional future in Canada. This section will help you learn more about Canada’s two official languages (English and French) as well as assess your language skills and identify opportunities for language training.

Step 1: Canada’s official languages

Canada has two official languages: English and French. Learn important facts about Canada’s official languages by visiting the Canadian Heritage Official Languages Support Programs website.

Step 2: Language skills assessment

It is best to take an English- or a French-language assessment (proficiency) test before coming to Canada. There are several ways to do this:

• Review the Language Assessment section of the “Working in Canada Report.”
• Look at the Government of Canada Language Instruction for Newcomers to Canada (LINC) website.
• Search for “free English-language proficiency test” on the Internet (for example, on the World English website).
• Visit the Centre for Canadian Language Benchmarks (CCLB) website.

Help

All family members coming to Canada with you should take their own language assessment test.

Step 3: Finding language training

If the results of your language proficiency test indicate that you or members of your family need to improve your English- or French-language skills, make a plan to improve your language skills. There are several ways to do this before coming to Canada:

• Register at a local language school or take lessons from a tutor.
• Purchase and use language skills workbooks or software.
• Search the Internet for “Free English language training” or “apprendre le français gratuitement.”
• If you are already in Canada, find out if job-specific language training is available by visiting the Government of Canada Enhanced Language Training website.
• Find information about language training in the province or territory where you want to live and work on some provincial and territorial government websites.

Step 4: Do you need proof of language skills?

Review the Language Skills section of the “Working in Canada Report” and assess the English- or French-language requirements to work in your chosen job in the city and province or territory in which you wish to live. Note any requirements for official proof of your English- or French-language skills. If you are unsure of the language requirements, you may also contact an organization listed in Section C: Step 3 or visit their website.

Step 5: Get proof of your language skills

Arrange to get official proof of your English- or French-language skills (proficiency) if this is required. Many organizations, such as educational institutions, regulatory bodies and employers, will ask you for proof of your language skills. Getting proof, such as language test results, will cost you money. Some organizations only accept certain types of tests. Check with the organization before you take a language assessment to ask:

Are there special language requirements?

What language test results are needed?

Where can I get tested?

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