proficiency

Everyday

1. A high level of skill or ability in something. tree →
2. A test or badge showing that you have reached a certain level: «a swimming proficiency badge». tree →

In the lessons

In school: «reading proficiency», «proficiency in maths». Scouts and Guides earn proficiency badges; cyclists may take a «cycling proficiency» test (UK). Exams of English test language proficiency. Phrases: «proficiency in», «a proficiency test», «level of proficiency».

Examples

• She showed great proficiency in French. tree →
• I passed my cycling proficiency test at school. tree →
• The swimming club gives proficiency badges. tree →
• Proficiency in reading helps with every subject. tree →
• His proficiency on the violin grew with practice. tree →
• The test measures your proficiency in English. tree →

Note

Uncountable: «great proficiency», not «a proficiency» (except «a proficiency test/badge»). Adjective «proficient (in/at)». Preposition: «proficiency in» something. Formal; everyday words are «skill» or «ability».