Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 5039
proficiency exams
9/11/2017 at 2:54 PM
They do take exams for language proficiency, at least at the federal level.
Heck, I identified as a native English speaker and had to take a basic proficiency exam anyway as part of my hiring. I also had to take exams to be certified for French. Plus, I had interviews in both languages.
The biggest issue isn't proficiency as much as accent. If you're not used to some accents, they can be difficult to understand. I have trouble with certain ones especially on the phone, to this day. I rarely have trouble being understood, however.
Ironically, one of the ones I have the most trouble with is rural Newfoundland!!! (which, by the way, are native English speakers)