Language qualifications vary depending on the purpose and context, including courses, tests, and special qualifications for teaching or translating. Native speakers may have different qualifications than foreign language learners, and dead languages may require lower fluency levels. Demonstrating aptitude can be valuable in some cases.
There are many different types of qualifications for almost every language. In some contexts, demonstrated fluency or records of having attended a class may be the only available qualifications. Special language qualifications may include the ability to teach, translate or interpret in a language. Countries often offer different qualifications for native speakers than they do for foreign language learners. Depending on why someone wants to qualify, the test may not be necessary.
Taking courses and earning a degree in a language is a common type of qualification. When a language is not common enough to be associated with specific tests and grading procedures, courses may be the only qualification available. This type of skill representation can be reinforced by grades and demonstrated work in the language. When studying dead or dying languages, the level of fluency needed to be considered a valuable expert can be much lower than in living languages.
Test programs make up some of the most common language qualifications and there may be multiple tests available for a language. For example, there is a French language exam associated with the French Ministry of Education, but there is also an AP French exam as well as a French SAT II. In this case, only language qualifications associated with the French education system can be used to avoid language entrance exams for French universities, but AP French exams can provide credit for college at an American university. Qualifications are usually specific to a purpose or objective in this way.
Many test programs differentiate between native speakers and foreign language learners. For example, Japan has a Foreign Language Proficiency Test, but also tests for native speakers in subjects like kanji and other specific topics. Although a foreign language learner can pass a test for a native speaker, they are typically not expected to excel in the same areas as a native speaker. Foreign language tests tend to have an oral component that native speaker tests lack, as native speakers generally have no problem expressing ideas in speech.
Special language qualifications may be required for jobs such as teaching or translating a language. It is common for these tests to be preceded by extensive educational requirements and sometimes a diploma. There are often competing qualifications for language teachers, and the qualification considered most credible may depend on the field in which a person wants to work. In some circumstances, however, demonstrating aptitude in a language can be more valuable than any institutionally sanctioned qualification.
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