Standard Setting
Set Language Standards That Are Clear, Fair, and Defensible
CCLB helps organizations create, review, and apply language standards aligned with the CLB and NCLC. Our work supports consistent decisions in programs, assessments, pathways, and professional contexts.
About Standard Setting
What Is Standard Setting?
Define the Level Required - and the Reason Behind It
Standard setting is the process of deciding what level of language proficiency is required for a specific purpose. This may include entering a program, completing training, moving through a pathway, meeting workplace expectations, or supporting assessment decisions.
CCLB helps organizations make those decisions using a structured, evidence-informed approach grounded in national language standards.
WHEN TO USE IT
When You Need Standard Setting
Use standard setting to define entry and exit levels, review existing requirements, support assessment decisions, and create consistency across programs, locations, or partners.
Define Entry
Requirements
Set appropriate language levels for admission, placement, or participation.
Establish Exit
Levels
Clarify what learners or candidates should be able to do by the end of a program.
Review Existing Requirements
Check whether current language standards are appropriate, consistent, and aligned.
Support Assessment Decisions
Connect assessment results to meaningful decisions and clear standards.
Align Multiple Programs or Sites
Create consistency across departments, locations, regions, or partner organizations.
STANDARD SETTING VALUE
Why It Matters
Better Standards Create Better Systems
Language standards influence how people access programs, services, employment pathways, and professional opportunities. Strong standard setting helps ensure those expectations are understandable, consistent, and connected to real communication needs.
Clearer requirements
Better alignment with CLB/NCLC
More consistent decision-making
Stronger communication with stakeholders
Fairer access for learners and candidates
More confidence in assessment and program policies
OUR APPROACH
A Structured Approach to Setting Standards
Our standard setting process follows a clear, structured approach to define language expectations, understand the context, analyze communication demands, align requirements with CLB/NCLC levels, and document practical recommendations for implementation.
Clarify the
Decision
We identify what the language standard will be used for.
Understand the
Context
We review the program, pathway, occupation, assessment, or policy environment.
Analyze the Language
Demands
We identify the communication skills required for success.
Align With
CLB/NCLC
We connect expectations to appropriate national benchmark levels.
Document the
Standard
We provide clear recommendations and rationale for implementation.
WHO BENEFITS
Who This Helps
Training Providers
Regulatory Bodies
Assessment Organizations
Bridging programs
Institutions
Government Partners
Assessment developers
organizations that need consistent language requirements across programs or pathways.
Start Your Project
Need to Set or Review Language Standards?
CCLB can help you build standards that are clear, practical, and aligned with Canada’s national language frameworks.