Applying for a Language Certification Exam
A candidate inquires about the requirements, registration process, and preparation resources for a professional language certification exam (e.g., ATA certification, NAATI accreditation) at a language institute.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
inquire
To inquire means to ask for information about something, often formally. Use it when seeking details, like 'I want to inquire about a job.'
eligibility
Eligibility refers to whether someone qualifies for something, like an exam or job. It's useful in formal contexts, such as 'Check the eligibility requirements first.'
requirements
Requirements are the necessary conditions or qualifications needed for something. Common in applications, e.g., 'What are the requirements for this course?'
professional experience
Professional experience means work-related skills and time spent in a job field. It's key for resumes or certifications, like 'I have five years of professional experience.'
registration
Registration is the process of signing up for an event, course, or exam. Often online, as in 'Complete the online registration form.'
lead time
Lead time is the period of time needed before an event starts, like preparation time. Useful for planning, e.g., 'The lead time for the exam is two months.'
preparation resources
Preparation resources are materials or tools to help study for a test. Practical for learning, such as 'Use these preparation resources to get ready.'
comprehensive
Comprehensive means complete and covering all aspects. Use it to describe thorough courses, like 'This is a comprehensive guide to the exam.'
pitfalls
Pitfalls are common mistakes or dangers to avoid. Helpful in advice, e.g., 'Watch out for these pitfalls in translation work.'
brochure
A brochure is a small printed booklet with information, like ads for courses. Request one when needing details, such as 'Can I have a brochure?'
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
I'm here to inquire about the professional language certification exams you offer.
This polite opening sentence introduces your purpose when visiting a service. It's useful for starting inquiries; note the structure 'I'm here to [verb] about [topic]' for formal requests.
What specific information are you looking for today?
This question helps clarify a customer's needs in service settings. It's practical for customer service; uses 'what specific [noun]' to narrow down details, encouraging precise responses.
Could you tell me about the eligibility requirements?
A polite way to ask for details on qualifications. Great for applications; the modal 'could you' softens requests, and it's a common pattern for seeking information: 'Could you tell me about...?'
There isn't a strict degree requirement, but professional experience is highly recommended.
This explains conditions without mandating them. Useful for giving advice; contrasts ideas with 'but' and uses 'highly recommended' to suggest strongly without requiring.
Yes, nearly the entire registration process is online through the ATA website.
This confirms a process and describes it. Helpful for guiding registrations; 'nearly the entire' means almost all, a useful phrase for approximations in explanations.
We recommend registering at least two to three months in advance.
Advice on timing for events. Practical for planning; 'at least [time] in advance' is a common expression for preparation periods, using 'recommend' for suggestions.
Do you offer any preparation resources or workshops here at the institute?
Asks about available help for studying. Essential for learners; uses 'do you offer' for services, and 'any' with plural nouns like resources to inquire broadly.
That sounds perfect! Could I get a brochure or more information on the prep course?
Shows enthusiasm and requests materials. Useful for positive responses; 'that sounds perfect' expresses approval, followed by a polite request with 'could I get'.
Is there anything else I can assist you with today?
A closing question in service dialogues to check for more needs. Standard in customer service; polite and open-ended, using 'is there anything else' to invite further questions.