SLE Quick Reference
The Second Language Evaluation (SLE) is the federal government's French proficiency test for bilingual positions. Three separate tests: reading, writing, and oral interaction: each graded A, B, or C.
The three tests
Administered by the Public Service Commission (PSC). Each test is graded independently — your job posting tells you what profile you need.
Compréhension de l'écrit
Multiple choice
What you'll see
Government memos, briefing notes, policies, and reports
Strategy
Read the question first, then scan the text for the relevant section. Eliminate wrong options before committing.
Expression écrite
Two parts: editing + production
What you'll see
Part A: edit a document for errors · Part B: write a memo, email, or briefing note from scratch
Strategy
Read the Part B scenario carefully: your role, your recipient, your purpose. Use formal register throughout. Plan before you write.
Interaction orale
Live assessment with a trained evaluator
What you'll see
Tasks: monologue on a topic, role play (workplace scenario), interactive discussion
Strategy
Clarity matters more than perfection. Acknowledge different perspectives, develop your ideas, and maintain your position when challenged.
Levels A, B, C
Each test is graded on the same three-level scale.
Can communicate in familiar, concrete situations. Understands short, simple administrative texts. The lowest passing level.
Examples: Short routine memos, basic instructions, straightforward policies
Can understand and produce most government texts and workplace conversations. The most common requirement.
Examples: Briefing notes, reports, professional emails, routine workplace discussions
Full professional proficiency. Handles complex, abstract, and specialized texts and conversations with ease.
Examples: Complex policy documents, nuanced debate, technical reports, strategic discussions
Language profiles
The profile in a job posting is a three-letter code in the order: Reading / Writing / Oral Interaction.
Most common bilingual position requirement. Intermediate in all three tests.
Typical roles: Administrative positions, analysts, project officers
C in reading, B in writing, C in oral interaction. Higher requirement for supervisory roles.
Typical roles: Team leaders, managers, directors
Advanced in all three tests. Required for senior and specialized roles.
Typical roles: Senior policy advisors, translation roles, senior leadership
French is the employee's first language or proficiency is already confirmed. No SLE required.
Typical roles: Native French speakers or previously tested employees
Government writing phrases
Essential formulas for the SLE writing test (Part B). Examiners reward appropriate register: these phrases signal professional government French.
Formal opening
- Suite à notre échange du [date], je vous informe que…
- Je vous écris afin de vous informer de…
- En réponse à votre demande du [date], je vous transmets…
Adding a point
- De plus, il importe de souligner que…
- Par ailleurs, il convient de noter que…
- En outre, nous souhaitons vous informer que…
Drawing a conclusion
- Par conséquent, nous recommandons que…
- Ainsi, il est proposé de…
- À la lumière de ce qui précède, nous suggérons…
Formal closing
- Je demeure à votre disposition pour tout renseignement complémentaire.
- Dans l'attente de votre réponse, je vous prie d'agréer mes salutations distinguées.
- Veuillez agréer l'expression de mes sentiments les meilleurs.
Want the full interactive course?
The French for Canadian Tests course covers the SLE in depth: format, levels, reading strategies, writing and oral preparation.