West Coast Biomedius
Biomedical Information and Understanding Systems
CELBAN™ OVERVIEW
Adopted from Canadian English Language Assessment Services (CELAS) Centre
CELBAN™ Speaking Assessment:
• The speaking assessment includes an oral interview and two role plays.
• Two assessors carry out the assessment.
• The speaking assessment is tape recorded for future reference if needed by
assessors to verify score.
• The speaking assessment includes two role plays in which the candidate is
asked to interact with the "patient" (one of the assessors) by asking questions to
obtain information, and to give instructions and offer explanations.
• In addition, the candidate will be asked to answer questions to demonstrate their
ability to narrate, describe, summarize, synthesize, state and support opinion,
and advise.
• Criteria for scoring speaking tasks is based on CLB descriptors:
General use of English language
Intelligibility
Organization
Fluency
Use of cohesive devices
Adequacy of vocabulary for purpose
Grammar
Use of strategies
Speaking tasks demonstrated
• Scores are assigned as CLB levels.
• Total time: 30 minutes
Please note: Feedback on strengths and weaknesses in speaking is provided on the score report that is mailed to the candidate.
CELBAN™ Listening Assessment:
• There are five video scenarios (in various settings including hospital, home, clinic, and
medical office).
• There are four audio scenarios (phone calls and shift-to-shift reports).
• Scenarios include interactions between nurses and patients, family members, and other
professionals.
• Question format: multiple choice (some in chart format)
• Time: 60 minutes
CELBAN™ Reading Assessment:
• The reading assessment includes two sections: skimming and scanning (10 minutes)
reading comprehension (40 minutes)
• Text includes various formats such as charts, patient notes, manuals, and information
texts related to health issues.
• Question format: short answer questions (skimming and scanning)
multiple choice questions (reading comprehension), including a cloze exercise*
• Scores are assigned as CLB levels.
• Time: 60 minutes
CELBAN™ Writing Assessment:
• The writing assessment includes two sections: form-filling (10 minutes): Candidate
views a video scenario and fills in a form based on that scenario. Report writing (20
minutes): Candidate writes a narrative report based on information provided.
• Criteria for scoring writing tasks is based on CLB descriptors:
Criteria for form-filling:
conventions of form filling (spelling, legibility, point form)
necessary information included (main points & supporting details)
Criteria for report writing:
effectiveness
grammar
discourse/fluency
vocabulary for purpose/content
• Scores are assigned as CLB levels.
• Time: 45 minutes