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ACTFL Launches 2025-26 AAPPL Assessment and Educator Resources

On September 12, 2025, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) announced the launch of the Assessment of Performance toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) for the 2025-26 academic year. This updated assessment includes refreshed content designed to meet the evolving needs of language educators and students. The AAPPL test will be available for order beginning September 15, 2025, through Language Testing International (LTI), ACTFL's exclusive licensee for assessments.

What is the AAPPL?

The AAPPL stands out as the only assessment that comprehensively addresses diverse topics across various modes of communication. It evaluates students' abilities in Interpersonal Listening and Speaking (ILS), Interpersonal Interaction (II), Presentational Writing (PW), Interpretive Reading (IR), Interpretive Listening (IL), and Receptive Comprehension (RC). This broad spectrum allows educators to gauge students' proficiency in a holistic manner, ensuring a well-rounded approach to language learning.

To complement the AAPPL launch, ACTFL has also developed an online course titled Understanding the AAPPL in 30 minutes. This course is tailored for educators administering the AAPPL and aims to enhance their understanding of the assessment's structure and objectives. Participants will receive valuable insights on preparing students for the assessment and will gain access to the ACTFL Classroom Assessment Rubric (ACAR). The online course can be accessed via the secure LTI Client Site.

Language Options and Compliance

The 2025-26 AAPPL will be available in numerous languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Unilingual Spanish. This extensive range reflects ACTFL's commitment to supporting diverse language learners.

Furthermore, the AAPPL adheres to the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) standards. This certification demonstrates ACTFL's dedication to safeguarding students' personally identifiable information (PII), ensuring a secure assessment environment for learners of all ages.

ACTFL’s Commitment to Language Education

Developed by ACTFL and administered by LTI, the AAPPL is designed to supplement classroom-based language instruction effectively. It adheres to the principles outlined in the World-Readiness Standards for Learning Languages, making it a standards-based assessment that aligns with contemporary educational goals. By incorporating tasks that reflect the functions detailed in the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines, the AAPPL provides reliable evaluations of student performance through official ACTFL ratings conducted by certified raters.

For educators seeking detailed information on scoring, reporting, and effective preparation tips for the AAPPL, comprehensive resources are available on the ACTFL website. These resources serve as a valuable tool for educators looking to optimize their students' assessment experiences.

Since its inception in 1967, ACTFL has played a pivotal role in advancing quality language education. With its vision and leadership, ACTFL continues to innovate and provide essential support to language educators across various educational levels, from elementary schools to graduate programs, as well as within government and industry sectors.

As the 2025-26 academic year approaches, the introduction of the updated AAPPL, along with the related resources for educators, signifies ACTFL's ongoing commitment to enhancing language teaching and learning in an increasingly interconnected world.