How governments use Aptis to drive national standards
Governments worldwide face the challenge of upskilling their workforce to remain competitive in a globalised economy. English proficiency is often a cornerstone of these development initiatives, serving as a key enabler for international trade, education, and diplomatic relations. To measure the success of these large-scale programmes, ministries require assessment tools that are accurate, scalable, and cost-effective.
The British Council’s Aptis test has emerged as a strategic solution for public sector bodies. It allows governments to benchmark language levels against international standards and design data-driven training interventions.
Case study: Rwanda Education Board
The most prominent implementation of Aptis in the region occurred in Rwanda. Following the country's strategic shift from a Francophone to an Anglophone education system, the government faced the massive task of retraining its teachers. The Rwanda Education Board needed accurate data to manage this transition and to secure funding.
In partnership with the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID), the British Council used Aptis to establish a baseline of English proficiency among primary and secondary school teachers. The project was unique because it operated under a "Results Based Aid" model. This meant that development funding from the UK to the Government of Rwanda was released based on the measurable improvement of the teachers' language skills.
The test was administered to a representative sample of teachers across the country. To accommodate infrastructure challenges, the British Council used a hybrid delivery model. The speaking component was done via computer, while reading, writing, and listening were conducted using pen and paper.
The results provided the ministry with two key assets:
- A clear picture of the current capacity of the teaching force.
- Verified data that triggered the release of aid payments to support further education development.
Regional partnerships and application
Beyond Rwanda, the British Council works with ministries in countries like Mozambique to strengthen administrative capacity. In Mozambique, where the official language is Portuguese, English is increasingly required for regional trade and cooperation. The British Council partners with government ministries to devise local programmes that meet these specific needs, using assessment tools to identify standards and select staff with the right skills for international engagement.
These partnerships often focus on "train the trainer" models. By auditing the language skills of master trainers or civil service leaders, governments can ensure that their internal development programmes are led by individuals who meet an international standard of proficiency.
Impact on policy
The shift towards standardised testing like Aptis impacts government policy by introducing accountability. When a ministry can see exactly where language gaps exist - for example, if a department has strong reading skills but poor speaking interaction - they can allocate their budget more efficiently.
This move away from general training towards targeted intervention saves public funds. It also provides a transparent metric for recruitment and promotion within the civil service, ensuring that appointments are based on verified competency.