Discussion Groups / English Usage / December 2007

Yes.

"Sit" is normally used of taking a written test or examination.
The origin of the word is very simple: those been tested or
examined sit at desks or tables to write the answers to the
questions.

In this instance the will almost certainly be both spoken and
written tests. "Sit" will do for both, although in my limited
experience it is not frequently used of an oral test on its own.

There is a longer news report here:
http://www.ireland.com/newspaper/frontpage/2007/1217/1197544026297.html

As you will see it is proposed that 'applicants must demonstrate
"reasonable competence" for communicating in English or Irish'.

According to the constitution of the Republic of Ireland Irish
is the official languge of the state with English as the second
official language.

In practice, English isspoken by a large majority, with Irish
used by a small proportion of the population.

Because of the constitutional status of Irish it has to be
included as an option in any law imposing language tests on
applicants for citizenship.