English Language Certification in the Recruitment Processes of the Republic of North Macedonia

The English language plays a crucial role in the business world and considerably influences employment opportunities and job positions. The capacity to effectively use the English language is required to become and remain employable. This is especially true for a small economy like the Macedonian one. Thus, the aim of this paper is to provide an understanding of the role of English language certification in the recruitment processes in the R.N. Macedonia. Our research objectives are to examine the practices of Macedonian recruitment agencies with regard to the assessment of knowledge of the English language of candidates in the recruitment process. The research conducted is based on the qualitative method and provides a qualitative descriptive analysis of primary and secondary data such as relevant laws and bylaws regarding employment and career advancement in the public sector, namely public administration in Macedonia, with regard to the eligibility criteria for employment and promotion in the public sector in reference to the knowledge of the English language. The primary sources that enable us to provide answers to the main research questions regarding the role of international certification in the English language in the recruitment process in Macedonia and the practices of the recruitment agencies in the Macedonia with regard to English language testing and verification of the knowledge of the English language of candidates, are the data gathered through a survey conducted with recruiters from four recruitment agencies from the country. The gathered data indicate that formal international language certification plays a crucial role and is indispensable for employment and promotion in the public sector. However, in the private sector, the role of these certifications is considerably smaller and they are rarely required. Nevertheless, the knowledge of the English language is very important for acquiring employment in both the private and the public sector