For nearly all languages, there are many different types of language qualifications. Demonstrated fluency or records of having taken a class may be the only qualifications available in some situations. The ability to teach, translate, or interpret in a language is one example of a special language qualification. Countries frequently offer native speakers different qualifications than foreign language learners. Testing may or may not be required depending on the reason for qualification.
One common type of qualification is taking courses and earning a degree in a language. Courses may be the only qualification available when a language is not common enough to be associated with specific tests and ranking procedures. Grades and demonstrated work in the language can support this type of skill representation. The level of fluency required to be considered a valuable expert when studying dead or dying languages may be much lower than when studying living languages.
Some of the most common language qualifications are testing programs, and a language may have multiple tests available. For example, the French Ministry of Education offers a language exam in French, but there is also a French AP exam and a French SAT II exam. Only language qualifications associated with the French educational system can be used to avoid language entrance exams for French universities in this case, but French AP exams can be used to earn college credit at an American university. In this way, qualifications are frequently specific to a purpose or a goal.
Many testing programs distinguish between native speakers and learners of a foreign language. Japan, for example, offers a Foreign Language Proficiency Test as well as tests for native speakers on kanji and other topics. While a foreign language learner may pass a native speaker’s test, he or she is rarely expected to excel in the same areas as a native speaker. Foreign language tests often include an oral component that native speaker tests do not, as native speakers have little difficulty expressing themselves verbally.
For jobs such as teaching or translating a language, special language qualifications may be required. These tests are frequently preceded by extensive educational requirements and, in some cases, a degree. For language teachers, there are frequently competing qualifications, and the most reliable qualification may vary depending on the area in which a person wishes to work. In some cases, however, demonstrating language proficiency may be more valuable than any institutionally recognized credential.