SOPI TEST

Examinee Self-Administration Guide

Simulated Oral Proficiency Interview

Version 01
SOPI Test
Examinee
Self-Administration Guide
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
OVERVIEW OF TEST Pg. 4

Outline of Test Pg. 5

Scoring Pg. 6

OWL TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Pg. 7

Current System Recommendations Pg. 8

Current Operating System Recommendations Pg. 8
Tools | Browser Check Pg. 9
Pre-test Check List Pg. 9

REGISTRATION AND TEST WALK-THROUGH Pg. 10

Registration Pg. 11
Test Experience Pg. 12

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Pg. 14

 SECTION 1

OVERVIEW OF TEST
 SOPI Test
Examinee Self-Administration Guide
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1 | Overview of the Test

The SOPI is...

a CEFR-aligned language proficiency test that

measures oral communicative ability.

Delivery
• Online, computer-based platform

Testing time

• 20 minutes

Outline of Test

STAGE 1 STAGE 2 STAGE 3 STAGE 4 STAGE 5

System Check Directions Section 1 Section 2 End of Test

1.1 Instructional video Prompt 1

1.2 Sample item directions Prompt 2
1.3 Sample item Prompt 3
1.4 Transition screen Prompt 4
Prompt 5
Prompt 6
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1 | Overview of the Test

Scoring

SOPI is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR). The CEFR is a globally
used language proficiency scale that measures user proficiency in foreign languages from beginner
to highly advanced. An examinee will receive a holistic score on the CEFR scale from A2–C1. A
passing score will be determined by the specific testing initiative and will vary.

Overview of CEFR Proficiency Levels:

ability to use language precisely, appropriately

C2 and with ease
Proficient
User
ability to use a broad range of language fluently
C1
and spontaneously

ability to focus on effective argument, hold one’s

B2 own in social discourse, show a new degree of
language awareness
Independent
User
ability to maintain interaction and to cope flexibly
B1
with problems in everyday life

A2 ability to interact using basic social functions

Basic
User
A1 ability to generate language
 SOPI Test
Examinee Guide
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1 | Overview of the Test

SECTION 2

OWL TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATIONS
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2 | OWL Technical Specifications

Administration Process
Current System Recommendations
A Modern Web Browser
OWL Test Management System supported browsers in order of preference

1. Firefox – Latest version - Currently the best browser available for web apps
2. Chrome – latest version
3. Edge – latest version

** Supported but NOT RECOMMENDED

1. IE11* ** (older versions of IE are not supported)

2. Safari – Fully supported for testing only

Current Operating System Recommendations

• Windows 10
• Mac OSX 10.12 ***
• iPads as well as Android tablets and phones have been tested with many features;
please ask for the latest information about your specific case.

* Some versions of OSX including 10.68 require special configuration to run Java.
Java is only required for older browsers (see IE11 notes).
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2 | OWL Technical Specifications

Tools | Browser Check

The browser check page launches a system check similar to that of a written response activity. It can help
you determine if your system is set up properly to use OWL for the WPE. You can launch to the browser
check page without logging into OWL by going to: https://hosted.owlts.com/browser/test

Pre-test Check List

1. Don’t Have a Bunch of Stuff Open on Your Computer.

2. Close All Open Internet Browser Windows.

3. Launch a Fresh New Browsing Session.

We usually recommend Firefox or Chrome.

4. Disable All Plugins.

If you’re not sure how to do this, you can open an “incognito” or “private”
browsing window.

5. Navigate to Your Test Site.

Use the web address your test administrator gave you.

6. Login with Your Username and Password.

If you don’t know your username, you must contact your test administrator.

7. You are ready to start your OWL Online Activity.

 SECTION 3

REGISTRATION AND
TEST WALK-THROUGH
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3 | Registration and Test Walk-through

Registration
OWL Self-Registration
Please click on the self-registration link provided to you. It will bring you to the self-registration page.

1. Click the Log In (1) button only if you are an existing OWL user.

2. Click the Create (2) button to register.

3. Create Account window will open. Please enter the information requested. Remember the email used and password
as it will act as the user name. If the applicant does not have a valid email address, use this format to create a unique
user name: firstname.lastname@domain.com. Click Register.

4. Click Continue to proceed.

5. Put in the user name and password that you have created. Click Login.
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3 | Registration and Test Walk-through

Test Experience
In each task, you will see and hear a scenario, a question or statement, and time instructions. When the
item appears you will immediately hear the audio prompt.

Notice the timer at the top of the page. This is the time you have to think about your response before
you must start recording your answer. The color of the timer changes. It starts out as green. When you
get down to 20 seconds it changes to yellow. When you have 10 seconds left, the timer’s color changes
to red. The timer starts out as green.

When the timer counts down to 20 seconds remaining, it will turn yellow.
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3 | Registration and Test Walk-through

When you have 10 seconds left to think the timer will turn red.

When the time runs out, you will hear a short beep. Recording will begin automatically.

NOTE: If you feel you are ready to record your response before the preparation time ends, you may
click on the Record button in the Recorder timer to start recording your response. However, if you
decide to press the recording button before the preparation time is over, you will not hear a beep.

The recorder will display the word “recording” once it begins.

The timer changes to notify you of the amount of time you have to speak your answer. Speak your
answer clearly. If you run out of time, the test will automatically move to the next question. If you wish
to move to the next item before the timer is finished, simply click the next item button.

Once you move on to the next task, you cannot go back to the previous task.
 SECTION 4

FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
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4 | Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I take the test?

You will take the test at a location determined by your test administrator. Your test administrator will
provide you with a link to log in and register for the test. If you cannot take the test at the location
provided by your test administrator, you must use the remote proctoring. SLTI will not verify the
results of tests taken in an unproctored environment.

What information will I need to register for the test?

You will register with your first and last name as well as a unique email address. No other information
will be collected from you.

When will I receive my score?

Your score will be sent to the test administrator within 24 hours of submission. Your test administrator
will contact you with the results when they are available.

What is a passing score?

You will receive a holistic score on the CEFR scale from A2–C1. The passing score will be determined
by your test administrators’ requirements and may vary. Please contact your test administrator for
information about passing scores for your test.

What does it mean if my score is “unratable”?

A score of “unratable” means that the rating center was not able to assign a score to a test. Common
causes for an unratable test include a muted microphone, inaudible responses or suspected cheating.
Your test administrator may choose to accept this score, or ask you to take the test again.
Simulated
Oral
Proficiency
Interview

Second Language Testing, Inc.

a subsidiary of Berlitz

www.2lti.com

7 Roszel Rd, Princeton, NJ 08540