Foreign Language Test

[385835]

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Is there a typing portion to the test? I have very rarely used a keyboard in the foreign language that I am proficient in.

 

[krmower]

No. It is 2 parts - reading and listening.

 

[385835]

Thank you krmower. You are an invaluable resource on this board.

 

[Coenobita]

If you don't mind me asking, but why do you need to take a foreign language test?

 

[krmower]

If you don't mind me asking, but why do you need to take a foreign language test?

Extra $100-$300/month bonus pay

 

[RDAtoDDS]

When do you take the test? Once on active duty or before?

 

[krmower]

Do it while on active duty - won't benefit you much while on HPSP and may be difficult to find a location to take it. It can be taken no more than once every 6 months and must be taken once every 12 months to continue to receive the pay. It is taken on a base at the education center.

 

[Tiankum]

Do it while on active duty - won't benefit you much while on HPSP and may be difficult to find a location to take it. It can be taken no more than once every 6 months and must be taken once every 12 months to continue to receive the pay. It is taken on a base at the education center.

Would you consider the test hard? Obviously everyone has a different level of understanding of the languages they know, but if you've lived somewhere with a different language for 2 years, you would think to pass the test no problem right?

 

[krmower]

Would you consider the test hard? Obviously everyone has a different level of understanding of the languages they know, but if you've lived somewhere with a different language for 2 years, you would think to pass the test no problem right?

The tests will vary by language. There are also different versions of the tests. Some languages use the newer version DLPT 5 and some languages use the older version DLPT 4. Some obscure languages are done over the phone. DLPT 4 and DLPT 5 are done on a computer.

I can only comment on the language I take which is Thai. Some years I do great and max the test - other years I don't do so hot. Even though the test doesn't change - I vary. When I lived in another country I wasn't as familiar with some of the government terms as I should have been - that plus the fact that I don't use the language much (except when I go to a restaurant) affect me. It's hit and miss for me.

I have had another friend take the Portuguese test (even though he won't get paid for it - it is something he can put on his OER) and he scored well on it taking it for the first time.

 

[Tiankum]

The tests will vary by language. There are also different versions of the tests. Some languages use the newer version DLPT 5 and some languages use the older version DLPT 4. Some obscure languages are done over the phone. DLPT 4 and DLPT 5 are done on a computer.

I can only comment on the language I take which is Thai. Some years I do great and max the test - other years I don't do so hot. Even though the test doesn't change - I vary. When I lived in another country I wasn't as familiar with some of the government terms as I should have been - that plus the fact that I don't use the language much (except when I go to a restaurant) affect me. It's hit and miss for me.

I have had another friend take the Portuguese test (even though he won't get paid for it - it is something he can put on his OER) and he scored well on it taking it for the first time.

Thank you for the Info! One would probably not get paid for Spanish, considering it is so prevalent now, is that about right?

 

[385835]

Au contraire

http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r11_6.pdf

 

[385835]

Spanish is paid at the "A" level, but there are a lot of special considerations. Search for spanish in the PDF and see all of the places it pops up.

For example on page 17: "Only those Soldiers who are in a language dependent MOS/specialty or language-coded billet for Spanish will be paid FLPB for Spanish"

 

[TheRoni]

The rules are always changing for FLPP Pay... each service is different. I posted this in a different thread but I think it is useful nonetheless...

I suggest going to http://gloss.dliflc.edu/Default.aspx This site is put out by the school that the DOD sends its linguists to. You can look at some practice assignments that are pretty accurate in determining your level in the language itself. (It will help you determine if you are knowledgeable enough to get pay. 2 or better in BOTH Listening and Reading ) I am 100% sure that each service handles its FLPP benefits a little differently. Each service has its own list of needed languages. Basically, if you know a language there is a test for it. There are even different tests for Brazilian Portuguese and Portuguese Portuguese. When I was a Chinese Mandarin linguist, I also took other tests (Russian, Chinese Cantonese, Persian Farsi, Chinese Wu, and Italian.) The question is not what tests do they have, but what tests and results will you get paid for. The max pay allowed through the FLPP system is 1000$ a month. I know I was all over the place. But if you want more information just post more in here. Cheers!