FAQ
CLS is for any missionary who does not speak English and who did not receive English language training at an MTC.
The audio DVD provides a model of spoken English to help missionaries improve their pronunciation. The disc corresponds to the modules in books 1 and 2.
If neither missionary speaks English, the audio DVD will be an important study resource. Additionally, district meetings and zone conferences offer missionaries a chance to practice speaking with and asking questions of native English speakers.
Please refer to page 1 of the OPIc Instructions booklet. A link to the booklet is found on the Implementing CLS page under the heading “Download and Read the OPIc Instructions.”
Please refer to pages 3–5 of the OPIc Instructions booklet. A link to the booklet is found on the Implementing CLS page under the heading “Download and Read the OPIc Instructions.”
Please refer to pages 1–2 of the OPIc Instructions booklet. A link to the booklet is found on the Implementing CLS page under the heading “Download and Read the OPIc Instructions.”
Please refer to pages 6–7 of the OPIc Instructions booklet. A link to the booklet is found on the Implementing CLS page under the heading “Download and Read the OPIc Instructions.”
Please refer to pages 8–9 of the OPIc Instructions booklet. A link to the booklet is found on the Implementing CLS page under the heading “Download and Read the OPIc Instructions.” Certificates are usually available to print within 48 hours of a missionary completing the test.
Language study happens during the time identified by Preach My Gospel for language study. If only one companion is learning the mission language, the language study time should be divided to accommodate the needs of both missionaries.
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Diligently complete every activity within each module.
- Practice speaking English at every appropriate opportunity, including:
- In the apartment.
- In meetings and conferences, as appropriate.
- Between appointments.
- In interviews and weekly emails to the mission president, as appropriate.
- Find motivation for diligently studying the program, such as:
- Writing a résumé and applying for work after the mission.
- Applying to and attending school after the mission.
- Being able to understand the prophet’s voice without an interpreter.
- Thoroughly complete all activities on the final preparation sheet.
Because of the cost associated with each test, the OPIc may be taken only once unless the missionary experienced technical difficulties while testing.
Missionaries have up to one year after returning home to complete the modules and take the OPIc exam. The exam should be scheduled and taken at the mission office nearest the missionary’s home.
Missionaries are eligible to take the test after they have:
- Completed all 25 modules in books 1 and 2.
- Completed all module exams in books 1 and 2.
- Received a score of 30 or more on each module exam and a cumulative score of 750 or more.
- Completed the entire basic grammar text.
- Mastered the usage and pronunciation of the 53 common verbs (in the book 1 appendix) and the vocabulary (in the book 2 appendix).
Ideally, the OPIc should be taken after the missionary has had sufficient time to practice and review the final preparation sheet.
Order materials through Church Distribution Services using these item numbers:
- 10975: Companionship Language Study: Book 1, Basic Grammar, and Audio Practice DVD
- 10939: Companionship Language Study: Book 2
- 10955: Career English
To see the available languages for each book, click the symbol below the picture for that listing.
Book 2 should be distributed to missionaries after they have completed book 1. Since the completion of book 3 is not required to take the OPIc exam, book 3 can be distributed to missionaries who request it, after they have completed book 2. It can also be given to missionaries just prior to leaving the mission.
The mission president ensures that missionaries have adequate time each day for language study. He encourages the missionaries to participate in the program, and he assigns someone to be the mission proctor. This is typically an office secretary or senior couple.
The mission president’s wife should not feel obligated to administer the CLS program, but she may participate if she desires and as she is assigned by the mission president. She can be a powerful influence for motivating missionaries to be diligent in their English studies.
The proctor’s main responsibilities are ensuring the distribution of all CLS materials for the mission, registering missionaries for the OPIc exam, administering the exam, and printing certificates for missionaries who have successfully completed the exam.
No. BYU requires that all incoming students take and perform proficiently on the TOEFL exam. But the OPIc does fulfill the English requirement for the BYU–Pathway program.