A woman wearing a light green t shirt is sitting in front of a laptop computer, she is signing DISCUSSION in NZSL to someone on the computer screen

SLPI FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

NZSL proficiency assessment contributes to the maintenance and promotion of NZSL and the outcomes of the NZSL Strategy. A priority group for this service is adults working with Deaf children in education settings. The Ministry of Education funds assessments for this group. Candidates will be invited to participate in an assessment by their employer.

All interviews are conducted and recorded remotely using video communication platforms. Candidates will be sent instructions before their interview. During the interview, the candidate will be asked about work, family and interests. Each interview is rated by a team of assessors, and candidates are awarded a proficiency level on a stepped rating scale. Assessment results can be used to provide evidence of your proficiency level and support further development of your skills by targeting specific areas of NZSL use, such as grammar or vocabulary.

Your employer will inform you if you are eligible for assessment. Those who are eligible will be informed of assessment periods. An online booking process for interviews will be made available to you.

Results reports can take about 6 weeks from the interview period.

If you are eligible for one of the funded assessments, there is no cost for the assessment itself.