Frequently asked questions

Our translation agency based in Vilnius is part of the global Skrivanek network. We are amongst 50 leading language service providers in the world. This is why our services correspond with the strictest ISO quality standards. You can be assured that our translation services, performed in Vilnius and in other Lithuanian cities, and our language courses operate in accordance with international standards.

The experts of our team will make sure that the texts stay coherent and persuasive, and that their original meaning is preserved. Moreover, quality language teaching services are guaranteed by the lecturers of our team who are experts in their field and have acquired the necessary education and large amounts of experience.

The Skrivanek translation agency has branches in 17 different countries, so the translations we perform are recognised worldwide.

2. What type of services do you provide?

We provide a variety of online language services. They include translation, interpretation, editing, localisation, formatting, and copywriting services, as well as, foreign language courses, language audit, creative writing workshops, and debate clubs with native speakers.

Interpretation services are performed during conferences, seminars, courses, business meetings, or court proceedings. We work with specialised texts/topics, and those of generic nature.

3. DOES YOUR TRANSLATION AGENCY OFFER SERVICES FOR NATURAL PERSONS?

Even though the majority of orders we receive come from legal entities, Skrivanek is happy to work with natural persons as well. The translations certified by a notary or by our agency’s stamp are amongst the most popular services provided to natural persons. Language courses are also high on the popularity spectrum. Online translations for natural persons are fast, convenient, reliable, and always on time.

4. WHERE IS THE SKRIVANEK TRANSLATION AGENCY LOCATED?

Skrivanek translation agency is located at Švitrigailos St. 11B, Vilnius. The majority of our services can be provided online, so if you cannot come to our office in person, we suggest simply contacting us.

5. WHAT KIND OF SERVICES DOES THE SKRIVANEK TRANSLATION AGENCY PROVIDE?

The Skrivanek translation agency provides a wide range of services for natural persons and legal entities. Our interpretation services are beneficial during conferences, business meetings, and business presentations. They can be provided both in-person as well as remotely. Written translation services provided to companies are always adjusted to fit the client‘s business model. Translated documents can be certified by a notary.

The Skrivanek translation agency also offers individual and group language courses for independent learners and company employees alike. Courses are constructed around the specific needs of the client. This way, courses can be aligned with your business needs or can be geared towards identified areas of improvement in a student‘s language journey. If you plan on taking courses to improve your foreign language skills, we can offer you tests that evaluate your language skill level. This helps evaluate your skills in a more detailed manner, and thus help you choose the complexity of the language courses if you decide to participate in the
We also offer services such as text layout construction, editing, text creation for websites, and the ciphering of visual and audio content. Other options for communication-related decisions for your business are also available.

6. DOES THE SKRIVANEK TRANSLATION AGENCY OFFER TRIAL TRANSLATIONS?

Yes, our agency offers trial translations per client’s request. Most frequently, a trial translation is relevant to clients that plan on ordering translation services for large quantities of material or to those wanting to compare the works of different translators. When you request a trial translation, it is carried out by multiple translators, and after receiving the work, the client can choose the translator whose services they want to use. Although the Skrivanek translation agency only cooperates with highly qualified translators, each of them has their own specific work style. For this reason, a trial translation is a great opportunity to identify the expert who best suits the client’s needs and expectations.

7. HOW CAN ONLINE TRANSLATION SERVICES BE MORE BENEFICIAL?

Practically all of the services provided by our translation agency can be performed both remotely and in person, by coming to our office. The best option for you may vary, depending on your situation and your specific needs. More often than not, online translation services are used when coming to our office is not an option. Sending the text that needs to be translated and receiving a completed version – without even leaving the house or office – is convenient and beneficial. This way, one can save the time and money which would have been spent travelling to and from the office to submit documents. Moreover, translation services performed remotely can help guarantee that you receive the translated texts faster. There are instances when, due to a lack of time, the client comes to pick up a translated document a few days after it is completed. When ordering online services, however, the completed work is sent to the client immediately, using the contacts they specified.

8. HOW ARE THE TRANSLATION SERVICES FOR COMPANIES DIFFERENT FROM THE ONES FOR NATURAL PERSONS?

Amongst our clients, you can find companies that use our services regularly as well as natural persons. In all cases, orders are of equal importance to us. When it comes to companies, translation services are usually needed during conferences, seminars, and other business-related events. In cases like these, interpretation services are usually required. The translation of websites, product and operations descriptions, flyers and brochures are also relevant to companies. When completing orders such as these, our translators focus on the client’s particular niche, using specific terms and localising translated texts if the client requests it.

Natural persons usually use our document translation services. Documents translated into a foreign language by the Skrivanek translation agency can be certified by the agency’s stamp or by a notary.

Invoices and work reports for our services can be issued for both companies and natural persons.

9. WHAT LANGUAGES ARE AVAILABLE FOR YOUR TRANSLATION SERVICES?

The Skrivanek translation agency works with more than a hundred language combinations. The most popular translation services we provide involve English, German, Russian and French. In our team, you can also find translators working with languages that are requested less frequently, such as Arabic, Slovenian, Greek, Hebrew, and Turkish. Due to this, even in the most exceptional cases, we are ready to provide you with the highest quality translation services.

10. HOW MUCH DO SKRIVANEK TRANSLATION AGENCY’S SERVICES COST?

The price for translation services is different in every individual case. When you submit a request along with the text you want to be translated, we send you a price offer in return. We begin work when we receive your confirmation on the price offer and the deadlines we sent you.

The cost of written translation services depends mostly on the quantity of the translation, i.e. the wordcount of the original text. The pricing may also depend on such aspects as the language combination, the use of additional services (such as layout organisation, formatting, etc.) and the deadlines (when ordering a fast translation). In any case, the Skrivanek translation agency always strives to offer the best conditions to our clients and operates according to competitive price principles.

The prices of written translation services are mostly influenced by such aspects as the type of service (consecutive, process translations, interpretation services performed online), the translation’s timeframe, the specifics of the task, and the language combination. When providing synchronous interpretation services, the Skrivanek translation agency takes care of the necessary equipment, so the price of these services includes the cost of renting it out.

11. DO YOU HAVE TO PAY ADDITIONAL FEES FOR FAST TRANSLATION SERVICES?

Just like any other speedy service, fast translation services include additional fees. It must be noted, however, that the cost of quick translations of short texts does not increase. Quick translation services are a great option for when you need a document or any other short-length translation to be completed as soon as possible. If you want to receive your translation faster, we also recommend using our online translation services. This way, not only will you receive the order faster but immediately after its completion, and you won’t need to waste any time picking it up.

12. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR AN ONLINE TRANSLATION TO BE COMPLETED?

All online translations are completed in accordance with the agreed-upon deadlines. Short translations (under 500 words) can usually be completed within the same business day. Longer translations can take a few days or weeks, depending on their volume. When translating texts that are of exceptionally large quantity, we can submit the translated document to the client in separate parts, as per their request. Regarding long-term cooperation, when providing online translation services, we could agree upon a fixed quantity of orders/texts to be translated/completed during one day or one week, for example. In instances such as these, the client will receive an exact number of texts by the agreed-upon date. In any case, all deadlines and timeframes are discussed with the client prior to starting the translation process, and we strive to provide you with the best option to meet your needs and expectations. We also offer fast translation services for speedy translation tasks performed online.

13. HOW CAN I ORDER A WRITTEN TRANSLATION?

If you want to order a translation, or to get information on how much the translation of a specific document would cost you, you can contact us. We suggest you fill out this form, send us an email or give us a call. We would be glad to answer all of your questions and calculate the price of written translation or interpretation services, or the price of any other service we provide.

14. HOW MUCH DO WRITTEN TRANSLATION SERVICES COST?

We will provide you with information on the price prior to starting the translation process, and it will be calculated in detail – we will even tell you the price for a single word. Submit a request and we will let you know quickly how much our services are going to cost you. Prices are calculated while taking into consideration the word count, the language combination, and other aspects such as formatting, layout, and localisation services.

15. WHAT KIND OF DOCUMENT FORMATS DO YOU ACCEPT?

We work with all document formats. We operate with such formats as .inx, .indd and pdf. We will also have no issue translating your company’s website, or text in any other format.

16. IS EVALUATING THE PRICE OF A WRITTEN TRANSLATION FREE OF CHARGE?

The evaluation of how much this service will cost according to the submitted document is free. We can calculate the price of 1 page or of the whole file.

DOCUMENT TRANSLATION – ANSWERS

1. DOES THE SKRIVANEK TRANSLATION AGENCY PROVIDE NOTARIAL DOCUMENT CERTIFICATION?

We certainly do. The Skrivanek translation agency can arrange for a document to be certified by a notary. In cases like these, the only thing the customer has to do is submit the original document. Our translator will submit the translated version of the document to a notary who will certify either the translator’s signature or both the signature and the copy of the document. We will take care of proper document presentation as well, i.e. we will bind the completed translation.

More often than not, notarial document certification is required when submitting documents to Lithuania’s state institutions or to state institutions in any other country. For this reason, being well versed when it comes to the current requirements and translating in a professional and efficient manner are the most important criteria. The Skrivanek translation agency fulfils these criteria to the fullest extent.

2. DO YOU OFFER ONLINE DOCUMENT TRANSLATIONS?

This is definitely an option. To accommodate you, we also offer online translation services. When you order this type of translation service, all you have to do is submit the documents you need to be translated in any format, e.g., pdf, word, .inx, etc. Short translations that you would like to be performed online may even be completed within one business day. We are also quite flexible when it comes to interpretation services and can offer them to be performed remotely as well. In cases like these, the assigned interpreter connects to you using one of the available online platforms at a specified time and performs the translation while remotely attending your conference or meeting. Online translations of a variety of documents can be done online when notarial certification is not required. When notarial certification is needed, you may submit your original documents to our office located in Vilnius.

3. HOW MUCH DOES THE TRANSLATION AND CERTIFICATION OF A DOCUMENT COST?

The price of a confirmed translation depends on the language selected, the timeframe in which you want it to be completed, its length, and the document type. The cost of one translated page can vary depending on the specialisation of the text. For these reasons, every document you want to be translated and certified is priced individually.

The cost of one A4 format page depends on many factors, such as the number of symbols, the amount of handwritten text, and the font size.

4. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A DOCUMENT TO BE TRANSLATED?

The timeframe for the completion of a translation in any language of choice depends on your needs and expectations. It is also influenced by whether or not you are interested in notary certifications or certifications by the translation agency. Perhaps you are simply looking for professionals who will translate the text flawlessly into any given language?

It does not matter if it’s the translation of a construction certificate or a graduation/birth certificate and whether the translation is to or from Lithuanian – we will adapt your document to any of the offered 100 language combinations.

5. HOW CAN I ORDER A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION?

If you wish to order a translation, or receive information on the pricing of a certified translation – simply contact us. We suggest you fill out the form that is located in the contacts section, send us an email or give us a call. We will be glad to answer all of your questions, inform you about the pricing of translation, interpretation services, and assigned translators, and provide you with any other pricing information you require.

THE NEWEST TRANSLATION TECHNOLOGIES – ANSWERS

1. ARE THE TRANSLATION SERVICES PERFORMED MANUALLY?

Yes, our translation agency operates by using real translators who translate manually. Moreover, all translations are target language oriented. This means that the specific terminology of different sectors is used, that translations are not merely word by word, and text is presented in the most natural-sounding version of the target language possible.

The only exception when translation services are not performed manually is when machine translation services are provided for companies. As opposed to manual translations performed by a translator, these translations are completed automatically, i.e., they are computer-generated, and produced using specialised programs. Our agency uses the NMT (neural machine translation) system which is granted a patent by Skrivanek, and helps translate even very specific texts of large quantity in a very short amount of time. When you want automatically translated texts to be more well-rounded and to be prepared for publishing, we recommend using our post-machine translation editing services.

2. WHAT KIND OF TECHNOLOGIES ARE USED IN THE TRANSLATION PROCESS?

Skrivanek translators use the newest CAT (Computer-Assisted Translation Tool) programs. Using these tools helps guarantee that the terminology used is consistent, and it helps shorten the translation and localisation processes. As these advantages make the translation process quicker, the online translations performed using these tools are even more affordable. Translation memory programs collect repetitive terms and scan even those formats that are non-standard. By doing this, they make the translator’s job easier and guarantee better final results.

We also utilize NMT, a tool for neural machine translation, for which Skrivanek holds a patent. These online machine translations are usually ordered when translating texts of large quantity that have no restrictions in terms of their style or text flow. The translations done using an NML tool can be reviewed and edited and can be fully prepared for publishing.

3. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF TRANSLATION MEMORY PROGRAMS?

Higher quality translations and a more consistent terminology;
It saves time when working with large projects;
The translation of repetitive text costs less;
The terminology used across all orders is consistent;
Translating non-standard format files is easier (e.g. HTML, XML, SGML, Adobe FrameMaker, Adobe PageMaker, QuarkXpress, etc.)
The original format is preserved.

4. WHEN IS IT USEFUL TO USE TRANSLATION MEMORY PROGRAMS?

The benefits of using translation memory programs for completing translation projects can be experienced by the client, the translator, and even by the translation agency. First of all, when collaborating with the customer, the preparation of terminology is simplified. Secondly, due to the constantly growing memory base, the translations with similar or identical fragments that were translated previously can be used in future projects. This allows even greater text cohesion. Lastly, translation memory programs serve to save time and money.

5. HOW IS THE COST FOR TRANSLATIONS PERFORMED USING CAT TOOLS CALCULATED?

If the process of the project involves the use of CAT tools, the price of the translation is calculated accordingly. This is done by performing an analysis of the original files. An analysis like this is done by taking into account the pre-existing translation memory, or creating a new memory, when this is our first time performing a project of a specific type, or working with a specific client. The analysis allows us to discern the repetitions in the text and compare how similar they are to the content stored in the database. Moreover, this process includes analysing all sentences and not individual words. The result provides us with the statistics of a file or multiple files. These statistics tell us the number of repetitions, and completely/partially similar sentences.

6. What qualifies as a repetition in a computer-aided translation?

Sentences that repeat themselves more than twice in the same document or in a collection of documents are considered repetitions. So, if a sentence has already been translated, translating it again will not be necessary – the program will automatically provide it, and the translator will only have to verify it. The biggest advantages can be experienced when texts involving a lot of repetitions are being translated – texts such as manuals, procedures, contracts, and flyers. However, it is important to consider not only the repetitiveness of identical sentences but also the ones that show only slight differences yet appear relatively frequently. In cases like these, the program suggests a sentence that the translator has to alter to fit the original version. The CAT program’s database, or translation memory is used throughout the whole process. It is filled with entries added by the translator, the editor, other individuals involved in the process, and, of course, by the clients themselves. We want to point out once again that repetitions and similar sentences help shorten the project’s completion time, help make the terminology more consistent and lower the price of a translation.

7. WHAT KINDS OF DOCUMENTS CAN BE TRANSLATED USING CAT TOOLS?

In terms of the documents that are usually translated using programs based on translation memory technology, they are usually standard technical texts related to law or finances, e.g., reports, manuals and specifications. However, restrictions essentially don’t exist, especially when the client knows that they will be ordering a large number of similar documents to be translated in the future. Computer-aided translation is a great option that can be applied to practically any area. In the right hands, CAT tools may prove themselves to be very beneficial in the processes of translation and website adaptation as they are adjusted to work with *.xml or *.html formats.

8. WHICH CAT TOOLS ARE MOST FREQUENTLY USED IN TRANSLATIONS?

The most popular CAT tools are the following:
Trados Studio, Across, DéjàVu, memoQ, Star Transit, Swordfish and Wordfast.

FORMATTING SERVICES (DTP) – ANSWERS

1. HOW ARE THE PRICES FOR DTP SERVICES CALCULATED?

The price of a DTP service depends on the language, the length, the format of the document, and the timeframe within which you want the project to be completed. The price of 1 page might be influenced by the file’s graphic format as well. Thus, the cost of DTP services is calculated individually for each project. The price for DTP services for a page with an A4 format is influenced by a variety of things, such as the number of stamps, the amount of handwritten text, and font size.

2. HOW DO I ORDER DTP SERVICES?

If you want to order a DTP service and receive a cost estimate, you can contact us. We suggest filling out a form, sending us an email, or giving us a call. We will be glad to answer all of your questions.

3. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR A DTP SERVICE TO BE PERFORMED?

The timeframe in which a DTP service is performed depends on your needs and expectations. Other aspects may influence the completion time as well, such as the language combination, the length of the text, its graphic layout, or its format.

4. IS THE PRICE EVALUATION FOR DTP SERVICES FREE?

The calculation of how much a DTP service will cost is free and is done by analysing the original document sent to us. We can tell you how much the graphic processing of one page will cost as well as the price of the whole file.

INTERPRETATION – ANSWERS

1. HOW MUCH DO INTERPRETATION SERVICES COST?

The pricing of interpretation services depends on the target language, the type of service used, the theme and specialisation, the location where the translation takes place, and the terminology. The cost of interpretation services for a specific language combination can also depend on the additional services required, e.g., if any equipment used for interpreting is being rented.

2. HOW DO I ORDER INTERPRETATION SERVICES?

To order interpretation services, or to receive pricing information, you can contact us. We suggest filling out a form, sending us an email or giving us a call. We will be glad to answer all of your questions and provide you with the specific pricing of the interpretation services you are interested in.

NEURAL MACHINE TRANSLATION (NMT) – ANSWERS

1. HOW FAST IS NEURAL MACHINE TRANSLATION (NMT)?

The system translates 1,200 words per second, which corresponds with 5 standard pages. However, additional time is required for preparing and finishing up the project.

2. IS NEURAL MACHINE TRANSLATION (NMT) REALLY WHAT I NEED?

The fastest and most convenient way of finding out if NMT is the best option for you is contacting our experts who will provide you with detailed information on the subject. It is common practice to use machine translation with no editing for some projects and a full service package that includes manual translation and editing services for others. There are a few aspects to consider that could help you choose the right service for you: what is the target audience; is simply conveying the meaning of the text enough; what is the purpose of the translation; do I need someone who could provide me with the best quality translation. If all you want is to grasp the general meaning of the text, we suggest you choose NMT. If a result that matches a translation performed by a human being is what you need, we can use NMT and post-editing services.

3. What language combinations can be chosen FOR machine translation?

– from Lithuanian to English, Russian or German
– from English to Lithuanian, Russian, German, Polish, Latvian, French, Spanish or Italian

4. HOW DOES THE TRANSLATION PERFORMED USING CAT TOOLS DIFFER FROM MACHINE TRANSLATION?

Machine translation (MT) and computer-assisted translation (CAT) are two different ways of translating text. Machine translation is a translation that is generated by a computer. Computer-assisted translation is when a human being translates using specialised equipment.

5. HOW MUCH DOES NEURAL MACHINE TRANSLATION (NMT) COST?

The cost depends on the timeframe in which you want it to be completed, the file format, the word count, the topic, and all of the additional services that you might require. Every order is evaluated individually.

LANGUAGE SCHOOL – ANSWERS

1. DO YOU OFFER REMOTE LANGUAGE COURSES?

Yes, the language courses can be organised both in-person and online. The timetable and the intensity of the course are chosen while taking the student’s needs, language skill level, desired results, and busyness level into consideration. The classes are held online, using Zoom. Online language courses provide you with equal opportunities as in-person classes, meaning you will be able to ask the teacher questions, participate in practice tasks, etc. All of the course material can be accessed online, so the students can do some extra studying whenever they want. The language courses are held individually or in small groups so that enough attention can be given to every single student.

2. CAN YOUR LANGUAGE COURSES BE ADAPTED TO FIT ADVANCED SPEAKERS?

Yes, our language courses can be oriented towards advanced foreign language users. In every individual case, the skills of a person planning to participate in language courses are assessed, and the course program is constructed to fit their current knowledge. The language skill levels can be evaluated when wanting to choose language courses in an even more accurate manner.

The foreign language courses organised by us are categorised according to levels (A1 to C2) and can be focused on specific fields. For example, those who want to improve their business language skills can choose foreign language courses specifically oriented towards business language. Our list of professional specifications or fields include law, finances, management, etc.

3. HOW ARE LANGUAGE COURSES FOR EMPLOYEES BENEFICIAL?

Company higher-ups often choose language courses for their employees as an investment that pays off, or as a simple way that helps improve their company’s results. The first reason why language courses for companies are beneficial is that the improved employee language skills directly influence the efficiency and the results of their work. Proficient language use is especially important to companies that are in constant collaboration with foreign partners. In cases like these, good foreign language skills not only guarantee clear and fluent communication but also improve the way the company is perceived. Language skills play an even more important role and are even more beneficial when the course program is focused on a specific business field. When the employees have high business language skills it improves their work efficiency and adds value to the company in an obvious and effective manner.

4. HOW MUCH DO INDIVIDUAL LANGUAGE COURSES COST?

Individual language courses consist of a study program that was designed specifically for you, so the price differs in every individual case. The price of individual courses depends on the number of classes and their intensity. Short-term individual foreign language courses are a great option for those who want to reach specific goals fast. When you choose this type of course only a few classes are needed to improve specific foreign language skills. For example, you can use this when preparing for a business presentation, a business meeting with foreign partners, etc. In any case, we always try to offer the client the best study conditions for the best price.

5. LECTURERS – WHO ARE THEY?

All lecturers working for the Skrivanek language school are experts of their field and have a passion for languages. The specialists helping you improve your language skills have a degree in philology and at least 5 years of work experience. The whole learning process is based on a unique EFFECTO method, created by Skrivanek. This method helps learn a foreign language in a more effective way. Per client’s request, English courses can be taught by native speakers from the UK, or the US.

6. WILL I RECEIVE A CERTIFICATE AFTER COMPLETING THE COURSE?

Yes. The courses are identical to traditional classes. It does not matter if you were learning Russian, Italian, or English – you will receive a certificate confirming that you completed your online course successfully.

7. HOW DOES THE COURSE PLAN LOOK LIKE?

The program and the plan of a language course are constructed according to your needs, During the first class we analyse and assess your current language skills in detail, and discuss what you want your courses to be focused on.

8. I HAVE NEVER TRIED LEARNING LANGUAGES ONLINE. HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS METHOD WILL WORK FOR ME?

The Skrivanek language school lets you try out online language courses, free of charge. The first class will cost you nothing, and then you can decide if online courses are something you want. Only then an agreement is signed. There are no charges prior to you signing the agreement.

9. WHAT IS CEFR?

CEFR, or the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, is a language skill assessment system. This system was established by the European Council in order to provide consistency throughout all EU countries in regards to educational and cultural questions related to the learning of foreign languages. This promotes transparency and cooperation when learning and teaching modern languages in Europe.

You can find more information here.

10. DO YOU OFFER LANGUAGE LEARNING SERVICES FOR CHILDREN?

The foreign language courses offered by Skrivanek are for adults only.

FOCUS AUDIT SYSTEM – ANSWERS

1. HOW ARE THE LANGUAGE SKILL LEVELS ASSESSED?

Specialised tests are used to assess foreign language skill levels. They include different questions and exercises of varying difficulty levels. A modern FOCUS audit system, created by Skrivanek is used. The person taking the test only needs to answer the provided questions, and the results are calculated by reviewing the answers. Depending on the client’s needs the test can be detailed, including the assessment of grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking skills. The answers are assessed by the system and by a linguist conducting the audit. In the latter case, test results include recommendations and comments by a language expert. Skrivanek assesses language skills of such languages as German, Russian, and English. Language audit can also be performed for languages that are a bit rarer. The tests are assessed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERF) and can effectively evaluate language skills ranging from A1 to C1.

2. WHO WOULD BENEFIT FROM A LANGUAGE SKILL ASSESSMENT?

A language skill assessment can be beneficial for independent learners, and legal entities alike. One of the most common reasons for needing the test is wanting to participate in language courses. In this case, the language audit helps assess language skills in more detail, and select courses accordingly. Business-related reasons are also relevant. For example, one might need his language skills to be assessed when planning on expanding one’s business and wanting to communicate with business partners in a more efficient manner. When it comes to companies, an audit to assess one’s English skills is often needed. The employees of many companies and organisations use this language daily to communicate with customers and vendors, so business owners use our service for assessing language skills in order to evaluate the language competencies of current and future employees.

3. IS THE LANGUAGE AUDIT CONDUCTED ONLINE?

Yes, the audit is conducted online. After receiving a request for an assessment of a preferred language, we contact you for more information and select a test that best suits your needs. After a questionnaire is made available to the client, the test-taker or a company team can take the test when it is convenient for them. A completed test is automatically sent to a Skrivanek coordinator. After the answers are reviewed, a detailed analysis, including a language skill level and recommendations/comments made by the expert conducting the audit, is sent to the client. The language skill audit of such languages as English, Russian, German, and any other 30 available languages, is performed online, based on the same principle.

4. WHAT LANGUAGES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE AUDIT?

Even though the most popular languages to undergo language skill assessment are German, French, and English, the need for testing the skills of other languages also arises quite often. Skrivanek offers language audit services for more than 30 languages. The list of languages includes French, Italian, Spanish, Polish, Latvian, Finish, Swedish, and languages that are a bit rarer, such as Hebrew, Bosnian, Arabic, etc. In some cases, the tests can focus on a detailed assessment of language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, and speaking skills. A free language skill test for English and German is available on the Skrivanek website. However, we would like to note that the automatic assessment of standardised tests is not as detailed and extensive as the one performed by a language expert.

5. ARE LANGUAGE SKILL TESTS RELIABLE?

The language tests are an effective and reliable way of assessing foreign language skills. The system of specialised tests is used not only in Lithuania but also worldwide. First, the reliability of these tests is based on the fact that the answers are reviewed by expert linguists of the preferred language. For example, English audits are coordinated by experienced experts of the English language, who not only know the language well but are well aware of the European system for assessing language skills. In the process of calculating points received on the test, a clear assessment system is applied, so the language skill level is evaluated with special accuracy. It is worth noting that the reliability of test results also depends on the integrity of the test-taker. There is a possibility of guessing the correct answer, however, when wanting the test to be 100% reliable it is recommended to answer questions with honesty.

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO ASSESS LANGUAGE SKILLS?

The Skrivanek foreign language test is comprised of taking the test and assessing the results. At the very beginning, the expectations of a future test-taker regarding the assessment of language skills are discussed (do they prefer a detailed test, or only grammar and speaking skills to be assessed?). Then, a test that corresponds with their wants and needs is provided. A complete language test is comprised of 50 grammar questions, 50 questions related to vocabulary, 50 to text comprehension, 10 speaking exercises, and one writing exercise. Usually, it takes around 3 hours to complete the test. After receiving the test, usually within the same day, our experts start the evaluation process. After reviewing the answers, conclusions and recommendations are prepared, and the skill level is identified. These results are then sent out using the provided contacts. Normally, the assessment of the test is performed within two business days.

7. WHAT MAKES THE FOCUS AUDIT SYSTEM DIFFERENT?

FOCUS is an innovative audit system created by our company, which turns assessing language skills into a fast, precise, accurate, and result-oriented process. This system is special due to professionally assessing language skills online, and providing the results and conclusions within 48 hours. A quick assessment process is especially relevant when evaluating the language skills of candidates applying for a job. FOCUS is also special as it focuses on specific needs and goals, rather than on general language skills. In other words, the tests are not the same for everyone, as standardised tests would be, but rather adjusted to fit the needs of your company. The assessment of foreign language skills can also be performed by focusing only on speaking, writing, and reading skills, or on all three at once.

The results provided by the FOCUS audit system are based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, and the additional comments and recommendations provided with the results can be useful when planning to work on improving your language skills in the future.

8. WHAT ARE THE LANGUAGE SKILL LEVELS?

The same language skill evaluation system is applied in all European countries. Language skill assessment is also based on this system. Based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, the language skills are categorised into 3 levels – A, B, and C. Every single one of these levels is divided into two groups, so a full system includes levels A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, and C2. Levels A1 and A2 correspond with beginner skills, when a foreign language can be used to discuss general topics (to introduce yourself, ask questions), and communicate in daily situations. Levels B1 and B2 are assigned to Intermediate users who are able o construct more complex sentences, create consistent narratives related to a variety of topics, and use the language to communicate about topics related to work and profession. Levels C1 and C2 are used to describe advanced users who can use the language freely and do not make any unnecessary pauses even when discussing complex topics.

9. DO YOU GET A CERTIFICATE AFTER COMPLETING THE LANGUAGE TEST?

Yes, after completing the assessment process you will receive a certificate that indicates your language skill level. As the test is conducted in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, it can be translated to a different language and, if needed, submitted to companies and institutions abroad. Apart from the certificate, the test-taker also receives a report including the evaluation of separate skill levels and comments by the audit specialist. These comments and recommendations are especially useful when choosing the best language courses.
More information can be found here.

10. DO YOU OFFER LANGUAGE COURSES THAT ARE BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE LANGUAGE SKILL AUDIT?

Definitely. After the language skill audit is complete, you will receive results including recommendations on how to improve your skill levels. The services our language school provides include language courses of various types (oriented towards a specific field, of various complexity), and forms (online, individual, or group courses). We also offer language courses for those who want to improve their writing/speaking skills. Of course, you can participate in courses without completing a language skill assessment prior to them, however, a language audit is a great help when constructing a course program that corresponds with your specific needs. Moreover, the assessment performed by language experts is much more objective and professional than self-assessment.

Are you in need of language services? Start by submitting a request.

We will send you an offer immediately. After receiving your confirmation, we will begin the process.

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