Tests - Brisbane Evidence-Based Language Test

The Brisbane Evidence-Based Language Test

The Brisbane Evidence-Based Language Test (Brisbane EBLT) is a free reliable and valid language test for speech pathologists. The test is available in five different versions. All tests have been developed based on Evidence-Based Principles and have undergone analysis of their validity (diagnostic accuracy), inter-rater reliability, intra-rater reliability and internal consistency.

Please note the Brisbane EBLT and all associated materials and resources are for use by health professionals only.

Administration and Scoring Guidelines

The Brisbane EBLT does not have a user’s manual. All information required to use and administer the Brisbane EBLT is contained on the test forms themselves and the Administration and Scoring Guidelines form below.

Brisbane EBLT test forms contain all question-specific administration and scoring information. Overall scoring guidelines are provided on the Administration and Scoring Guidelines form. Brisbane EBLT users are encouraged to read over and become familiar with the administration and scoring guidelines prior to using the test. The same Administration and Scoring Guidelines apply to all five versions of the Brisbane EBLT

Verbal Fluency Subtest Maximum Scores of /45 and /35

The scores of /45 for animals and /35 for /f/ words are maximum scores and not cut-off scores indicating impaired/non-impaired language. These maximum scores were selected with the specific intention that they will not be achieved by any patient.

The selection of these maximum scores was guided by the Brisbane EBLT psychometric dataset (n=100 patients) where the highest patient score achieved for animals was 38 and 29 for /f/ words. These higher maximum scores (45 and 35) are therefore comfortably over what any patient achieved. If the maximum scores were lower (e.g. 25), and a patient could name 28 animals, they would be awarded 25 and 3 animal scores would essentially be ‘lost’.

The verbal fluency cut-off scores (indicating impaired/non-impaired language) have been frequently requested. A separate analysis of these verbal fluency subtests is currently being prepared for publication. An announcement will be made on this website when this data has been published and these cut-offs are available.

DOWNLOAD Brisbane EBLT Administration and Scoring Guidelines

Selecting Which Test to Use

The Brisbane EBLT is available in five different versions. Tests should be selected at the discretion of the treating clinician. Each test examines language functioning across the modalities including verbal expression, auditory comprehension, actions/gesture and reading and writing.

All Brisbane EBLT test forms are suitable for printing in black and white and all five versions of the test can be downloaded below by clicking the blue download buttons.

Brisbane EBLT - Complete Test

The Brisbane EBLT Complete Test is the full version of the assessment and takes approximately 45 minutes to administer. This assessment provides an overview of language functioning across the severity spectrum from severe/global to high level language abilities. This test requires two each of the following everyday objects: cup, spoon, knife and pen.

Complete Test

*Please note the stimulus item the ‘Cookie Theft Picture’ ¹ (black and white version) is required for the Complete Test (and Standard + High Level Tests below). This stimulus item is NOT included within the test form. Brisbane EBLT users are required to use their own copy of this picture [freely available online]. No other additional stimulus items are required.*

Short Versions of the Brisbane EBLT

The Complete Test is also split into four Short Tests (approx 15 – 25 min in length). These Short Tests each focus on assessing a particular severity level (profound/severe, moderate or mild/high level language deficits) and are more suited for everyday acute hospital use. The short tests are available for download below.

Foundation Tests

Foundation Test with Objects

Foundation Level Tests examine severe language impairment and are available in two versions. The Foundation Test with Objects takes approx 20 min to administer and requires 2 each of the following objects: cup, spoon, knife and pen.

Foundation Test

The above Foundation test assesses severe language impairment without requiring any objects. This test takes approx 15 min to administer.

Standard Test

Standard Level Test

The Standard Level Test is the equivalent of the informal language measures currently used in acute stroke practice. This test examines moderate level language functioning and takes approximately 15 – 20 minutes to administer.

*’Cookie Theft’ ¹ picture stimulus item required.*

High Level Test

The High Level Test assesses subtle or mild language deficits. This test assess complex level language functioning across the modalities. This test takes approximately 20 – 25 minutes to administer.

*’Cookie Theft’ ¹ picture stimulus item required.*

1. (also within test form) Goodglass, H., Kaplan, E., & Barresi, B. (2001). Boston Diagnostic Aphasia Examination (3rd ed.). Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2. (within test form): Yorkston, K. M. & Beukelman, D. R. (1980). An analysis of connected speech samples of aphasic and normal speakers, Journal of Speech and Hearing Disorders, 45,1, 27-36