<P> In an OPI, the test - taker is interviewed by a certified ACTFL tester, who guides the conversation to explore the abilities and limits of the individual's oral target language abilities . During the course of the interview, the interviewee is guided to engage in a variety of tasks such as describing, narrating, and hypothesizing . The interview is recorded and scored by the interviewer as well as a second certified tester using the following scale: Superior, Advanced High, Advanced Mid, Advanced Low, Intermediate High, Intermediate Mid, Intermediate Low, Novice High, Novice Mid, Novice Low . </P> <P> The levels of ACTFL's scale can be conceived as an inverse triangle, with the "Superior" rating at the top representing a wide range of skill in linguistic structures, vocabulary, and fluency . The Novice Low category forms the bottom point of the triangle, showing little functional knowledge of the language . Each progressive category represents broader skills and depth of knowledge . While one can progress relatively quickly through the Novice levels, progress is much slower through the upper ratings . </P> <P> OPI is generally used for native speakers of English, but it was adopted in South Korea after the computer version was developed by the Korean computer company Credu . In September 2009, 40,000 people applied to take the test in South Korea . </P> <P> Oral Proficiency Interview - computer (OPI - c) is a computerized test of English - usage skills developed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and Language Testing International (LTI). It is a computer - based version of the OPI . OPI - c is a kind of test business interview . The one - hour test is a series of recorded questions which are assessed by computer . The test scores have seven levels . The evaluations are done by ACTFL professionals in the United States . </P>

American council on the teaching of foreign languages (actfl) oral proficiency interview