DLPT (Defense Language Proficiency Test)

  • Administered by: U.S. Department of Defense (Defense Language Institute).
  • Purpose: Evaluates reading and listening proficiency (not speaking or writing).
  • Format: Multiple-choice, computer-based exam.
  • Scoring: On the ILR scale (Interagency Language Roundtable), from 0 (No proficiency) to 5 (Native/Functionally Equivalent).
  • Use Cases:
    • Mainly for military, government agencies, and contractors.
    • Determines pay incentives and job eligibility for linguists.
  • Arabic-Specific Notes: Versions exist for MSA and some dialects (Egyptian, Levantine, Iraqi).