Introduction

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As a major international language training center, CLA offers language-related services, such as proficiency assessment in both Cantonese and Putonghua, in addition to its major tasks of teaching and publication of teaching materials and dictionaries.

 

COPA format, scales and explanations

COPA is an adaptation of the Chinese Speaking Test (CST) developed by the Center for Applied Linguistics in the United States. The examinee hears the test instructions and questions in their mother tongue (English, Japanese or Korean) from a master tape and then responds in the language (Cantonese or Putonghua). Responses will then be evaluated by two specially trained COPA raters. The test lasts for approximately 30-45 minutes, with tasks covering a wide range of topics and speech functions. The rationale in scoring the COPA is to find the level at which the examinee consistently fulfills the speaking functions.  Each COPA task presents the examinee with a speaking task of a defined level of difficulty on the Proficiency Guidelines developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL). The ACTFL Guidelines describe aspects of speech, which characterize speakers at different levels of proficiency. These guidelines were developed in response to a movement in the language teaching community, stressing meaningful communication in the foreign language classroom.

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COPA operational program

Proficiency assessment is one of the research areas pursued by CLA to better serve the growing needs of proficiency-oriented language teaching.  All assessment tools used by CLA are made available to the public so that learners who want their speaking proficiency assessed may obtain an objective evaluation based on testing and linguistics principles. Currently, COPA is available in Cantonese and Putonghua for English speakers, Japanese speakers, and Korean speakers.

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Language proficiency certification

A certificate issued by CLA, with a description of the proficiency level attained by the examinee, will serve as an indication of his/her speaking ability and be used for various purposes (e.g. a supporting document for credit evaluation or proof of language ability for employment).

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Score reporting

Official reports will be sent to examinees two months after the testing date. Two additional reports will be sent free of charge to institutions designated by the examinee at the time of the exam. All subsequent requests to send official reports directly from CLA will be charged HK$50 per copy (please make cheques payable to “The Chinese University of Hong Kong”)

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COPA fees

Application fee: HK$100
Examination fee: HK$900 

 

Current CUHK and CLA students: HK$700

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Application fees will not be refunded once the application is accepted.

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Testing dates available for the public

The test date is scheduled for the 15th of each month, or the following working day if the 15th happens to be on a  weekend or a public holiday.

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Application procedure

Download the application form from the CLA website and return it together with a cheque for the corresponding examination fee amount (payable to “The Chinese University of Hong Kong”).  

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