Countries and economies are channeling efforts to foster the multiple benefits associated with learning foreign languages. Foreign language skills are increasingly important in curricula around the world and governments are keen to know if their efforts to promote foreign language teaching and learning are effective. Moreover, policy makers need evidence on the most effective policies and teaching approaches and methods used to provide students with the skills they will need in the future – and right now.

To inform and improve the teaching and learning of English as a foreign language, the Foreign Language Assessment will provide:

• International Comparisons
  • Proficiency levels based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages scale
  • Performance results that take into account context factors
• National diagnostics
  • Strengths and weaknesses in the mastery of foreign languages
  • Achievement gaps and variation within the school system
  • Analysis of trends
• Policy and practice lessons
  • Identification of best practices in the teaching and learning of foreign languages in school settings

The PISA Foreign Language Assessment includes a test to assess foreign language proficiency.  PISA 2025 will start with the assessment of English, which is the most commonly taught foreign language in schools around the world, and will focus on three skills: reading, listening and speaking. The coverage of languages and skills may progressively widen in future cycles. The PISA Foreign Language Assessment also includes a set of questionnaire modules for teachers, students, schools, parents, and a system-level questionnaire to collect context and policy-relevant information. The questionnaires will provide contextual information and help explain the results.

Many actors have been involved in the development and implementation of the PISA Foreign Language Assessment, including representatives from governments of countries and economies participating in PISA, researchers, national and international experts, Partners, and the OECD Secretariat. The European Commission follows the development of the assessment closely, has co-funded it and provided technical expertise.  The test was developed under a partnership with Cambridge Assessment English.