Cambridge Assessment English, a department of UK-based Cambridge University, showcased its Linguaskill, an online AI-based business English test at the recently held HRSE, the Middle East’s largest HR show in Dubai, UAE.

The solution is already being used by big names such as Air France and by banks across Europe, Russia and Egypt.  

Linguaskill has come along at a time when research continually shows that English is a key skill for organisations that want to operate globally, and demand for employees with good English language skills is growing rapidly.

This is because an increasing number of organisations are realising that good English language skills are essential for fostering international commercial relationships with colleagues, customers, partners and global organisations across the world.

Linguaskill is a quick and convenient online test that has been designed to help organisations check the English levels of individuals and groups of candidates, for recruitment, employees promotion or training purposes. It was developed by experts in learning and assessment. It uses latest cutting-edge artificial intelligence, to provide fast, accurate assessment of language skills across all four skills – listening, speaking, reading and writing.
 
Nassim Abu-Ershaed, regional commercial head at Cambridge Assessment English said: “Recruiting people with the right skills they need for success remains a challenge for HR professionals all over the world.

“Linguaskill is a great way of ensuring employees have the English skills they need to do their jobs. The test can be used at the point of recruitment to check English language levels or for existing employees to measure their progress as part of their professional development. It tests the key English language skills needed in line with international standards and is fast becoming a widely-used tool for HR professionals all over the world.”

Linguaskill provides results within 48 hours in line with the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), which is the international standard for describing language ability. The test can be administered at any time and at any venue – all that is needed is a computer, an internet connection, a microphone and a set of headphones.

Sue Tory, head of Adult and Higher Education at Cambridge Assessment English gave a keynote on ‘Leveraging the power of AI for effective talent recruitment, development and performance.’

At Cambridge Assessment English our experts are constantly looking into new ways of delivering solutions. AI is starting to make a positive impact in the education and assessment sector with examples such as virtual classrooms and adaptive employability assessments,” said Tory.

“We can now measure learners’ performance in ways we have never previously been able to do, provide greater access to education and create more personalised learning opportunities. AI can also support effective testing. We recently showcased Linguaskill at the Middle East’s largest HR show in Dubai.

“This is a new online English test that can be used by organisations and it’s powered by AI. It uses an AI auto-marker we have developed in collaboration with colleagues across the University of Cambridge which delivers benefits such as fast and accurate results which are trusted for important decision making. When we develop these types of assessments we start from the question of what is best for our customers – for learners, educators and businesses – and develop it from there,” Tory explained.

“I’m really excited that we have the opportunity to help deliver on these opportunities in the GCC region by enhancing companies’ ability to communicate effectively in the global language,” she added.

“Studies show that some of the biggest reported skills gaps are related to communication skills, and Linguaskill offers a really clever solution to this global challenge. It helps make recruiting people with the right English language skills easier.

“It can be used at the point of recruitment to check English language levels or for existing employees to measure their progress as part of their professional development. It tests the key English language skills in line with international standards and is fast becoming a widely used tool for HR professionals all over the world. Linguaskill can also be used for testing the English language level of university students,” Tory concluded. – TradeArabia News Service