Currently, teachers of primary, secondary, and high schools in Vietnam, whether teaching foreign languages or not, are required to have a foreign language certificate. Below is the 6-level foreign language proficiency framework used for teachers at all levels.
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6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework for Teachers in Vietnam (Illustrative Image)
1. What is the 6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework?
Specifically, according to the 6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework for Vietnam promulgated under Circular 01/2014/TT-BGDDT, the 6-level Foreign Language Competency for Vietnam, applicable to foreign language training programs, foreign language training institutions, and foreign language learners in the national education system, is divided into 3 levels (Elementary, Intermediate, and Advanced) and 6 tiers (from Level 1 to Level 6 corresponding to levels A1 to C2 in CEFR). Specifically:
| 6-level Foreign Language Competency Framework | CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference) | Description | |
| Elementary | Level 1 | A1 | Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and basic phrases aimed at satisfying concrete needs. Can introduce oneself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where one lives, people one knows, and things one has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help. |
| Level 2 | A2 | Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. Can describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment, and matters in areas of immediate need. | |
| Intermediate | Level 3 | B1 | Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can deal with most situations likely to arise whilst traveling in an area where the language is spoken. Can produce simple connected text on topics that are familiar or of personal interest. Can describe experiences and events, dreams, hopes, and ambitions and briefly give reasons and explanations for opinions and plans. |
| Level 4 | B2 | Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization. Can interact with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with native speakers quite possible without strain for either party. Can produce clear, detailed text on a wide range of subjects and explain a viewpoint on a topical issue giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options. | |
| Advanced | Level 5 | C1 | Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts and recognize implicit meaning. Can express ideas fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic, and professional purposes. Can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organizational patterns, connectors, and cohesive devices. |
| Level 6 | C2 | Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation. Can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in more complex situations. | |
2. Foreign Language Proficiency Standards for Primary School Teachers in Vietnam
According to Joint Circular 21/2015/TTLT-BGDDT-BNV on codes, standards, and titles of public primary school teachers, the foreign language proficiency standards for different levels of primary school teachers are as follows:
| Teaching Position | Teacher Rank and Corresponding Foreign Language Certificate | ||
| Rank II | Rank III | Rank IV | |
| For primary school teachers not teaching foreign languages | - Certificate A2 (Level 2); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages. |
- Certificate A2 (Level 2); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages. |
- Certificate A1 (Level 1); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages. |
| For primary school teachers teaching foreign languages | Certificate A2 (required for the second language) | Certificate A2 (required for the second language) | Certificate A1 (required for the second language) |
3. Foreign Language Proficiency Standards for Secondary School Teachers in Vietnam
According to Joint Circular 22/2015/TTLT-BGDDT-BNV on codes, standards, and titles of public secondary school teachers, the foreign language proficiency standards for different levels of secondary school teachers are as follows:
| Teaching Position | Teacher Rank and Corresponding Foreign Language Certificate | ||
| Rank I | Rank II | Rank III | |
| For secondary school teachers not teaching foreign languages | - Certificate B1 (Level 3); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
- Certificate A2 (Level 2); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
- Certificate A1 (Level 1); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
| For secondary school teachers teaching foreign languages | - Certificate B1 (required for the second language) | - Certificate A2 (required for the second language) | - Certificate A1 (required for the second language) |
4. Foreign Language Proficiency Standards for High School Teachers in Vietnam
According to Joint Circular 23/2015/TTLT-BGDDT-BNV on codes, standards, and titles of public high school teachers, the foreign language proficiency standards for different levels of high school teachers are as follows:
| Teaching Position | Teacher Rank and Corresponding Foreign Language Certificate | ||
| Rank I | Rank II | Rank III | |
| For high school teachers not teaching foreign languages | - Certificate B1 (Level 3); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
- Certificate A2 (Level 2); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
- Certificate A2 (Level 2); - Ethnic language certificate for positions requiring the use of ethnic languages |
| For high school teachers teaching foreign languages | - Certificate B1 (required for the second language) | - Certificate A2 (required for the second language) | - Certificate A2 (required for the second language) |
Thus, it can be seen that the requirement for foreign language certificates for teachers at different levels, in general, and for each teaching rank, in particular, varies according to the unified 6-level competency framework nationwide. Teachers and students aspiring to become teachers need to be aware of the mandatory foreign language certification requirements to achieve their aspirations.
Le Vy
- Key word:
- foreign language
- Vietnam
