Global Scale
FICE – Frèam Iomraidh Cumanta Eòrpach offers a series of general proficiency assessments and qualifications for adult learners as well as fluent or semi-fluent speakers of Gaelic. FICE assessments allow candidates to evaluate their language skills in the four main ability areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing, from beginner to advanced levels. These assessments will also be of use to employers looking to ascertain the language skills of current or prospective employees.
This website features a simple online placement test to allow potential candidates to find the level best suited to their current language ability before enrolling in a Gaelic course or deciding to sit a FICE assessment.
The FICE curriculum and assessments are based on the internationally recognised Common European Framework of Reference for Languages – CEFR. This sets an international standard for language ability based on practical ‘can do statements’ for each of the language skills. Language ability is split into six levels A1 to C2. The first four levels – A1, A2, B1 and B2, are known as the learning levels and are covered by the FICE assessments. Beyond these – C1 and C2 cover more advanced professional and academic proficiency which can be obtained by studying a university level course or working through the medium of the language.
The following table gives the main ability statements for the four learning levels:
The table below shows the minimum recommended hours of study required to reach a proficient level at each FICE stage before moving onto the next level. The first four levels A1 – B2 covered by the FICE assessments are the formal ’learning levels’. Learners should have attained functional fluency in the language on completion of these levels, with fluency then being developed further at Higher Education level and through ongoing social, professional or academic use of the language at level C1 and C2.
Inntrigeadh
Entry
→ I can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type.
→ I can introduce myself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details, such as where I live, people I know and things I have.
→ I can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
Tha cù agam. ’S e Ceiteag an t-ainm a th’ oirre. Tha i dà bhliadhna a dh’aois. Tha i a’ fuireach anns an taigh agam. Is toil leam coin. Bha peata agam a-riamh nuair a bha mi òg.
Bunaiteach
Foundation
→ I can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment).
→ I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.
→ I can describe in simple terms aspects of my background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
’S e cù-chaorach a th’ ann an Ceiteag, seòrsa coin a tha uabhasach math air obair a dhèanamh le caoraich. Bidh mi ga toirt leam dhan a h-uile àite. Bheir mi tòrr aire agus gaoil dhi.
Eadar-mheadhanach
Intermediate
→ I can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
→ I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
→ I can produce simple connected text on topics, which are familiar, or of personal interest.
→ I can describe experiences, events, dreams, hopes & ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
Ged a tha Ceiteag toilichte le a beatha, bhiodh e math cù eile fhaighinn a chluicheadh leatha, oir tha i a-staigh leatha fhèin gu tric is math dh’fhaodte beagan aonaranach.
Adhartach
Advanced
→ I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with fluent speakers quite possible without strain for either party.
→I can understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in my field of specialisation.
→ I can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
’S i a’ cheist ge-tà am bu chòir beòthaichean a chumail mar pheataichean? Cluinnear tric mu dhaoine a bhios ag obair bho mhoch gu dubh is iad eu-chomasach cùram ceart a ghabhail riutha.
Speaking Abilities
Inntrigeadh
Entry
→ I can interact in a simple way provided the other person is prepared to repeat or rephrase things at a slower rate of speech and help me formulate what I’m trying to say.
→ I can ask and answer simple questions in areas of immediate need or on very familiar topics.
→ I can use simple phrases and sentences to describe where I live and people I know.
Bunaiteach
Foundation
→ I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities.
→ I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.
→ I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job.
Eadar-mheadhanach
Intermediate
→ I can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst travelling in an area where the language is spoken.
→ I can enter unprepared into conversation on topics that are familiar, of personal interest or pertinent to everyday life (e.g. family, hobbies, work, travel and current events).
→ I can connect phrases in a simple way in order to describe experiences and events, my dreams, hopes and ambitions.
→ I can briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans.
→ I can narrate a story or relate the plot of a book or film and describe my reactions.
Adhartach
Advanced
→ I can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with fluent speakers quite possible.
→ I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.
→ I can present clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to my field of interest.
→ I can explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options.
Listening Abilities
Inntrigeadh
Entry
→ I can recognise familiar words and very basic phrases concerning myself, my family and immediate concrete surroundings when people speak slowly and clearly.
Bunaiteach
Foundation
→ I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment).
→ I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.
Eadar-mheadhanach
Intermediate
→I can understand the main points
of clear standard speech on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc.
→ I can understand the main point
of many radio or TV programmes on current affairs or topics of personal or professional interest when the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
Adhartach
Advanced
→ I can understand extended speech and lectures and follow even complex lines of argument provided the topic is reasonably familiar.
→ I can understand most TV news and current affairs programmes.
→ I can understand the majority of films in standard dialect.
Reading Abilities
Inntrigeadh
Entry
→ I can understand familiar names, words and very simple sentences, for example on notices and posters or in catalogues.
Bunaiteach
Foundation
→ I can read very short, simple texts.
→ I can find specific, predictable
information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables.
→ I can understand short simple personal letters.
Eadar-mheadhanach
Intermediate
→ I can understand texts that consist mainly of high frequency everyday or job-related language.
→ I can understand the description of events, feelings and wishes in personal letters.
Adhartach
Advanced
→ I can read articles and reports concerned with contemporary problems in which the writers adopt particular attitudes or viewpoints.
→ I can understand contemporary literary prose.
Writing Abilities
Inntrigeadh
Entry
→ I can write a short, simple postcard, for example sending holiday greetings.
→ I can fill in forms with personal details, for example entering my name, nationality and address on a hotel registration form.
Bunaiteach
Foundation
→ I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs.
→ I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.
Eadar-mheadhanach
Intermediate
→ I can write simple connected text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.
→ I can write personal letters describing experiences and impressions.
Adhartach
Advanced
→ I can write clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects related to my interests.
→ I can write an essay or report, passing on information or giving reasons in support of or against a particular point of view.
→ I can write letters highlighting the personal significance of events and experiences.
