Assessment and examinations in Europe
are known, in addition to shared features, to
display quite distinct characteristics, which reflect national/regional
traditions. This is also true of language assessment and language examinations.
In language education, there are also quite distinct patterns concerning the
roles of national examinations and international examinations. In some
countries the international examinations play an important role while in others
they have a more marginal position. With the emergence of several conceptual
tools, developed largely under the aegis of the Council of Europe during the
past few decades (from the Threshold level to the CEFR and the Portfolio),
there is a possibility to obtain increased transparency in assessment,
examinations and certificates, which would promote mutual recognition of
examinations and certificates. CEFR, in particular, offers an unprecedented
opportunity in this respect. However, it cannot be used mechanically but
requires thoughtful and informed application. If properly done, and documented,
the chances of reconciling national assessment practice with CEFR-based
asssessment are promising. This will be explored
in the presentation.