Workshop 1: From CEFR Descriptors to Task Design: Making Construct-Driven Decisions         

People in assessment often use the CEFR but feel uncertain about how to translate broad descriptors into actual test tasks, especially in productive skills. This session gives them a systematic way of going from the CEFR to practical design choices. The core focus is on how to interpret CEFR descriptors (including the Companion Volume) for receptive and productive skills and convert them into test tasks that operationalise the level consistently.

Please note that in combining Workshop 1 with Workshop 2, participants get a coherent journey from: Construct → Task → Rating → Standard setting, however it is possible to attend only one workshop without feeling lost.

Workshop 2: Applying the CEFR to Rating and Standard Setting: Practical Calibration and Judgement Exercises. This complements Workshop 1 but can also stand alone. It focuses on the use of the CEFR in rating, benchmarking, and standard setting, which has a practical but not statistical approach. The core focus is using the CEFR as a framework for rating productive skills, standard‑setting judgements, and ensuring consistency across raters and tasks. 

Does this require require any specific software?

This course does not require any specific software, but it is a paper-free ‘green’ workshop, and all material will be delivered/shared online. You will need your own laptop.

Who is the tutor?

The course  will be presented by Jane Lloyd (Cambridge University Press and Assessment).  Jane is Senior Research Manager at Cambridge English. Her main responsibilities are leading on standard setting for Cambridge exams, working on large-scale educational reform projects with ministries and NGOs, and working for ALTE. Her work for ALTE is to support other national language test providers. This includes: statistical analysis of items, analysis of rater performance, research into exam and language use at regional and national level, courses and training in assessment, preparation for audits, and training for item writers, test designers and raters. Jane has a degree in Linguistics, a DELTA, an MA in Linguistics and TESOL, and an MA in Language Testing.  She is currently studying for a PhD in Language Testing at CRELLA. 

When is the next course?

The date for the next workshop is 11 November 2026.

How can I register?

Register for the next workshop here.

Expression of Interest

If you would like to express your interest in this course, or any other ALTE course, please click here.

Can several people from the same organisation join this course?

For group bookings, ALTE advises to book a maximum of three places per organisation.

How can I pay?

Full payment is required on registration. We strongly recommend that payment is made online using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express. However, if it is not possible to pay with a credit/debit card when registering, please contact the ALTE Services Unit (servicesunit@alte.org) to request an invoice with bank transfer payment instructions.

Course Terms and Conditions

1. Attendance

• Participants must attend at least 80% of course to receive a Certificate of Completion.
• Attendance will be recorded for each session.
• Those who do not meet the attendance requirement will not be eligible for the certificate.
• Missed sessions may be made up in a later edition of the course, subject to availability and the organiser’s approval.

• Each course registration is valid for one individual participant only.

• Registrations may not be shared, transferred, or used by multiple participants, unless agreed with ALTE.

• Group viewing (for example, several people attending from the same organisation in a meeting room or via a shared connection) is not permitted unless explicitly agreed in writing with ALTE.

2. Recordings and Course Materials

• Recording, copying or sharing any part of the live sessions is not permitted.
• All course materials, including slides, recordings and handouts, are the property of the course organiser and are provided for personal educational use only.
• Materials may not be shared, reproduced or distributed without permission.

3. Technology and Course Changes

• Participants are responsible for ensuring they have a reliable internet connection and appropriate technology to join the sessions.
• The course organiser may make reasonable changes to the schedule, content or tutors if necessary, and will communicate any updates in advance.

4. Agreement

By enrolling on and participating in this course, you confirm that you have read and agree to these Terms and Conditions.