Oral proficiency (levels A, B and C)
Can understand most of a speech that deals with concrete and routine topics and is delivered slowly and clearly in standard speech; make themselves understood in short contributions, although pauses and false starts are very evident; talk about their routine activities and handle a simple question-and-answer exchange; have sufficient basic vocabulary and grammatical structures to conduct routine transactions involving familiar situations and topics. Structures and vocabulary borrowed from another language may interfere with the clarity of the message. Pronunciation requires close attention from the listener, but there are no long stretches that are unclear.
Can understand linguistically complex speech that deals with work-related topics and is spoken in standard dialect at normal speed. Can give clear, detailed descriptions of complex topics and can summarize a discussion. Can express and sustain opinions and respond to complex and hypothetical questions. Have a fairly natural and even delivery, with occasional hesitations, but most hesitations are to search for ideas. Have a broad range of vocabulary and grammatical structures allowing them to talk about complex and abstract topics with a relatively high degree of control. Make errors, but these rarely lead to misunderstanding. Have pronunciation that is clear, even if an accent from another language is noticeable. Have occasional mispronunciations but they rarely interfere with communication.
Exemption:Exemption from further testing because linguistic performance contains no major weaknesses. Can handle most situations in the second official language with excellent control of the language and a high degree of ease.