ACTFL OPI Speaking Tasks & Instructions

This section contains structured ACTFL/OPI speaking tasks organized progressively from controlled narration to advanced interaction and opinion development. Click below to enter the full task system.

Understanding the ACTFL and OPI Systems

ACTFL (American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages) is a leading organization in language education. It promotes proficiency-based teaching and assessment frameworks that emphasize real-world communication skills. ACTFL provides guidelines, resources, and assessments for measuring language proficiency and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in language education.

ACTFL and OPI (common in civilian/academic settings):

Typically conducted with one certified tester and one candidate (phone or computer-based platform).
The interview is recorded and may be reviewed by additional raters to verify the final proficiency rating.

ILR-based OPI (common in U.S. government and military settings):

Commonly conducted face-to-face with two testers and one candidate.
Each tester independently rates the candidate using the ILR Speaking Standard.
If ratings differ significantly, a third rater reviews the recording to determine the final level.

OPI is performance-based. It evaluates your ability to narrate and describe across time frames, manage functional tasks, resolve complications, report objectively, support opinions logically, and sustain performance under probing.

Scoring Overview:

Two independent raters evaluate performance.
Boundary cases may require a third rating.
Probing is intentional and necessary.
Emotional discomfort during probing is not bias — it is elicitation.

The OPI Command Framework

Structure → Perform → Reflect → Refine → Advance

Notice to Students Taking the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

Important: When you leave the OPI, scoring is not yet finalized.

The two testers provide independent ratings without consulting one another.
A third rater may be assigned to review the recording, write an analysis, and produce an independent score when:

Scores are across major ILR boundaries (0+/1, 1+/2, 2+/3, 3+/4, 4+/5)
Scores are below graduating requirements
Scores are below military occupational specialty (MOS) requirements

If you believe tester behavior or conduct (e.g., rudeness, aggressiveness, drowsiness) was inappropriate or unprofessional, you may submit a written concern through your school’s chain of command and request a review. Legitimate concerns regarding test scores or tester conduct must be filed within 24 hours following the test and before scores are published.

Complaints about tester technique (e.g., decision to probe, elicitation style, number of tasks at a level) will not be considered. OPI testers receive initial and ongoing training to ensure techniques meet OPI requirements. In addition, a quality-control process selects a portion of OPIs for third-rating review.

Students may also address legitimate questions/complaints in writing to their Service Commander. If endorsed and forwarded to the Institute’s Test Control Officer (TCO), the TCO will evaluate merits and determine whether a review or retest is warranted. Retesting may occur if a third rating reveals that testers did not elicit a ratable sample or if the test was not recorded (when a recording is required for final scoring).

ACTFL/OPI Speaking Tasks & Performance Framework

Understanding the ACTFL and OPI Systems

The OPI Command Framework

Enter ACTFL/OPI Task System