In order to design a test of second-language ability, it is necessary to have a strong theoretical understanding of the construct being measured—usually communicative competence. In more technical terms, language tests are operationalizations of theoretical notions about what it means to know a language. We have applied linguists with the right assessment background, and we can design and construct valid language tests for you.

We can provide a full range of item writing services. We can develop items to your specifications, including training the item-writers, working with them to create items, reviewing them, piloting them and analyzing the results, and all the necessary organization that goes along with this. Or if you do not have specifications written, we would be happy to help you develop them, and then create your items.

Testing has a strong technical side, and not everyone in education has access to the necessary technical expertise. Of course, technical advice is an integral part of most services we offer—test development and validation, for example, both have a strong technical component. But there are certain technical tasks that we can carry out on a per task basis: item analysis, test-data analysis, item pool design, scaling, and standard setting are examples.

Although the technical manual will usually provide evidence for the validity of the test, such evidence is usually gathered during the test development process. For high-stakes tests, this work needs to be supplemented by additional studies to ensure that in actual use the test is functioning as it was designed to function. And having this work carried out by independent researchers—such as Lidget Green—has obvious advantages

Most tests need to be accompanied by manuals of various sorts, and writing these requires a blend of professional skills. We can write these manuals—such as Examiners’ Manuals and Technical Manuals, to the most exacting professional standards.

We offer training in two areas: all areas of assessment, with particular emphasis on second-language testing, and second-language listening comprehension. Such training can range from short talks to full multi-day workshops.

Both educational and employment testing is in the process of migrating to the World Wide Web. The advantages of online delivery are considerable: reduced costs, and tremendous economies of scale. At Lidget Green we have a very robust online test delivery engine. We can take your current assessment and convert it to web delivery; we can then host the test for you. This gives users instant access on demand, anytime, anywhere.

We offer a full range of consulting services. Whether you need general advice on your particular testing situation, need help to evaluate current tests, are considering developing new tests, or are involved in an assessment project of some kind, the benefits of independent and objective expert advice are obvious. Feel free to contact us—and please remember, we don't charge for the first consultation. Perhaps a little free advice is all you need!