The Certificate of Proficiency with Certification to Teach Samoan Language is offered only by the Samoan Studies Institute and it is specifically for teachers and Samoan language practitioners who are currently employed inthe field of education and or related areas. Imperative to this process, candidates wishing to acquire this certification must at least, hold an Associate's degree or higher. Moreover, the Certificate of Proficiency with Certification to Teach Samoan Language offers content knowledge of Samoan language but not the methodologies of teaching the language.

An important requirement of this whole process is the Samoan Studies Institute's Placement Test, as well as the Comprehensive Test slated for the exit course in the certificate program. The results of the ASCC-SST Samoan Language Placement Test, will determine the options of completing this certificate program. On the other hand, the placement test will set a baseline on language use or knowledge. This placement test is mandatory and its results cannot be challenged. A minimum of 20 credits from the core requirements can be acquired from this certificate program. Conversely, 32 credits will be acquired upon completion. Once completed, school teachers and Samoan language practitioners will increase their ability to deliver instructions, and are confident to communicate using the Samoan language.

ASCC-SSI Samoan Language Placement Test:

• All candidates wishing to enroll in this certification program must sit the placement test, regardless of any past credentials.
• Pass with an A, the student will proceed to SAM 151/151L Freshman SamoanlFreshman Samoan Laboratory,
• Pass with a B, the student will enroll in SAM 111 Introduction to Samoan Language.
• Below B, the student cannot register for the certificate program.
• However, if you pass the placement test and have already taken SAM 151/1S1L, then you can proceed to the 200 level courses (note: assessment of your SAM 1511151L grade must be better than C-).
• Exception: If the student is a graduate of the Associate of Arts degree in Samoan Studies, an evaluation of his or her Samoan courses will be carefully assessed. If successful, then access is granted to take SAM 299 Samoan Language Exit Course for the Certification Program.

The placement test raw score or overall total is 140. The following is a simple format of the three sections comprised within this exam:

• 100 points for multiple choice questions
• 25 points for the essay writing portion
• 15 points for comprehension and short answers

Length of Completion to Receive the Certificate of Proficiency to Teach samoan Language

This is an intensive program of one year with a minimum of 810 contact hours to 945 contact hours. The preferred language of instruction will always be in Samoan.