Defense Language Proficiency Tests
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The Defense Language Proficiency Test (or DLPT) is a battery of foreign language tests produced by the Defense Language Institute and used by the United States Department of Defense(DoD). They are intended to assess the general language proficiency of native English speakers in a specific foreign language, in the skills of reading and listening. A separate test for speaking skills is administered to Defense Language Institute students during and following their training there.
The tests are meant to measure how well a person can function in real-life situations in a foreign language according to well-defined linguistic tasks and assessment criteria. Originally paper tests, they are increasingly delivered by computer.
The tests are used to assess the skill level of civilian and military DoD language analysts. Military linguists are tested once a year in the skills of reading and listening. This yearly testing determines the level of Foreign Language Proficiency Pay that a linguist receives. DLPT scores may also figure into the readiness rating of a military linguist unit.
Scoring for the current (2007) series of tests, called DLPT 5, are, like their predecessors, based on the guidelines of the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR), with the test results stated as levels 0+ through 3 or up to 4 for some languages.
Military and NSA linguists are required to maintain a L2/R2 proficiency. Exams are administered yearly, nominally immediately after language upkeep classes. FLPP does not apply to linguists who do not score higher than the minimum. In order to receive extra pay, they must exceed the minimum in one or more categories without falling below the minimum in either. For example:
| Listening | Reading | FLPP (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | $200 |
| 1 | 2+ | $0 |
| 2 | 2+ | $250 |
| 2+ | 2 | $250 |
| 2+ | 2+ | $300 |
| 2 | 3 | $300 |
| And So Forth | ||
Each service maintains independent FLPP rates. FLPP is awarded in addition to base pay, other pay, and is subject to taxation, except within a war zone.
DLI students, regardless of their course grades, may not graduate without passing the DLPT with the minimum score. They must also pass a series of tests called FLO (Final Learning Objective) Tests, as well as their speaking exam. Graduation requires a 1+ level in speaking, but military linguists are not required to maintain speaking proficiency afterwards save under certain circumstances.
Because of the subjective wording of the distractors (i.e., the "wrong" answers), and the fact that many individuals take versions of the test numerous times and acquire a feel for its peculiarities while others lack that advantage, the status of the DLPT 4 as a proficiency test was controversial. This is why the DLPT 5 was instated, with random questions each time, and realistic sound clips/news articles, the DLPT 5 provides a more accurate idea of how proficient the test taker is.
DLPT 5 was initially slated to be a computer-based test, but during that version's infancy, it was proctored much like the previous exams, using scantron sheets, taped media, and test booklets. DLPT 5 was taken in conjunction with DLPT 4 during the trial stage of that version, and has since usurped it as the standard test, although some versions, such as those given to linguists in the field, abroad, or in other extraordinary situations, are still paper tests, while the CONUS facilities which house linguists use the computer proctored exams.
DLI also proctors an exam created in the PRC for foreigners intending to visit, work, or study in China, known as the HSK (Hányŭ Shŭipīng Kăoshì, 汉语水平考试/漢語水平考試). On occasion, a student who passes the HSK, but does not pass the DLPT, is allowed to graduate.
