Language Assessment

Before joining a LINC class, a client first completes a language assessment. The client's language and training needs are considered and then he or she is referred to the appropriate LINC program, ELT, ESL, or other program provider.

In the Durham Region, CDCD's Durham Language office is the only language assessment centre. Our certified Canadian Language Benchmarks assessors use:

• Canadian Language Benchmarks Assessment (CLBA)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Placement Test (CLBPT)
• Canadian Language Benchmarks Literacy Assessment (CLBLA)
• Enhanced Language Training Placement Test (ELTPA).

The CLBs measure Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing on a scale from 1 - 10, where Benchmark 1 is the lowest level and Benchmark 10 is the highest level. Click here for more information about Canadian Language Benchmarks. 

The assessment is valid for 6 months and is accepted in all LINC/ELT programs across Canada. 

 Assessors

Tejinder Walia-Vellani (TJ)
Tejinder has almost 10 years of teaching experience with the Durham Board of Education and also more than 5 years of experience working as a Language Assessor in Ontario.  She is a certified Canadian Language Benchmark assessor and works full-time at CDCD.
Patricia Liang
Patricia Liang has been involved in settlement, language and employment training for over 16 years. She is a certified Canadian Language Benchmark assessor and works full-time at CDCD.