ACTFL OPIc explained: how your self-assessment limits your rating, and what differs in South Korea
The ACTFL OPIc is a speaking test delivered by computer. An avatar asks the questions and your answers are recorded for rating. The version run by Language Testing International (LTI) takes under 40 minutes. South Korea's version is run separately and differs, as set out below.
The choice that matters happens before the first question. Your self-assessment decides which of five forms you get, and each form limits the ratings you can receive. The forms below are from LTI, which calls itself ACTFL's exclusive licensee. The Korean section is from the official Korean site, opic.co.kr. Both were read on 5 November 2026.
The five forms and what each can award
These are LTI's published ranges. Its page says you cannot be given a rating above or below the range of the form you selected.
- Form 1Novice Low to Intermediate LowTargets Novice Low to Novice High
- Form 2Novice Low to Intermediate HighTargets Novice High to Intermediate Mid
- Form 3Novice Low to Advanced LowTargets Intermediate Mid to Advanced Low
- Form 4Intermediate High to Advanced HighTargets Advanced Low and Advanced Mid
- Form 5Advanced Low to SuperiorTargets Advanced High and Superior
Why the self-assessment is a real decision
Before the test you read five descriptions of how well a person can speak, and pick the one that fits. That pick generates your form.
Our reading: modesty has a price. If you need Advanced Mid and choose the description that leads to Form 3, the highest rating that form can award is Advanced Low. Find out which rating you need first, then read the five descriptions with that in mind. But do not overreach either: the higher forms target higher levels, and your answers are rated against what you actually show.
The background survey and the questions
You also fill in a survey about your work, school, home, activities and interests. The program draws its questions from that pool of topics at random, so two people with the same answers still get different tests.
Our reading: tick topics you can really talk about, because those are the ones you will be asked about.
The interview opens the same way: "Let's start the interview now. Tell me something about yourself." It works as a warm-up. Have an answer ready.
Listening is not scored separately, but you have to understand the questions to answer them, so it still counts in practice.
In South Korea, the OPIc works differently
If you are taking it in Korea, go by the Korean site, which is run by Multicampus. These are the points that differ from LTI's description.
A second difficulty choice. After about 7 questions you choose easier, similar or harder questions for the second session, and the number of questions changes with your choice. The total is 12 to 15 questions.
Grades stop at Advanced Low. The Korean scale runs Novice Low to Advanced Low, and splits Intermediate Mid into IM1, IM2 and IM3.
English is machine-scored. The site says English answers are scored automatically, with human quality checks. Other languages are not covered by that line.
The test is at a centre: about 100 centres in 25 regions, with ID required. Results come 5 days after the test, and some dates are earlier.
The rest: 84,000 won including VAT. 40 minutes of test, about 60 with the orientation. Each question can be heard twice and answers have no time limit. Seven languages: English, Chinese, Russian, Spanish, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese.
What we do not know: the Korean pages we read do not repeat LTI's table of forms and ranges, so we cannot say the same limits apply there. Korean candidates should ask their centre or teacher how the self-assessment and the second choice affect the rating.
Rating, proctoring and price
Three scales are available: ACTFL (Novice to Superior), ILR (0 to 3) and CEFR (A1 to C2). Check which one the institution asking for your result wants.
Two kinds of rating: a commercial OPIc has one certified rater. An official OPIc has at least two raters working independently, and their ratings must agree before it is released. Ask which your employer or university needs.
Individuals order through LTI and test by remote proctoring, on a computer with a webcam, headset and microphone. Organisations can proctor on site or remotely.
Price: individuals see prices on LTI's certification pages, and organisations ask for a quote.
Languages: the page lists Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Pashto, Persian Farsi, Brazilian and European Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese, with a note that availability is for commercial and government customers only. If you are ordering as an individual, check your language first.
Mistakes worth avoiding
Choosing a low self-assessment to be safe.
Checking which rating you need first, then which form can award it.
LTI says you cannot be rated above the range of your form.
Ticking survey topics at random.
Ticking topics you can really talk about.
The program draws its questions from the topics your survey opens up.
Ordering the wrong kind of OPIc.
Asking whether the institution needs an official rating, and on which scale.
Commercial and official OPIcs are rated differently, and three scales are available.
Questions
How long is the OPIc?
Under 40 minutes, according to LTI. In South Korea, the official site says 40 minutes, or about 60 with the orientation.
Can the OPIc give me a rating above my self-assessment?
Only within your form's range. Form 3, for example, can award up to Advanced Low, and LTI says you cannot be rated above or below your form's range.
What is the difference between the OPI and the OPIc?
The OPI is a live, scheduled interview. The OPIc is delivered by computer through an avatar, at a time that suits the candidate and the proctor.
Who rates the OPIc?
On LTI's version, ACTFL-certified raters: one for a commercial OPIc, and at least two working independently for an official one. In South Korea, English is machine-scored with human quality checks.
How much does the OPIc cost in Korea?
84,000 won including VAT, according to the official Korean site.
Which scale does the OPIc use?
It can be rated on the ACTFL scale, the ILR scale (0 to 3) or the CEFR (A1 to C2).
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