How do you schedule a DLPT exam? Also is there a DLPT for Kirghiz / Kyrgyz?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:29:45 -0500

How do I schedule a DLPT?

I am thinking of studying a language in order to get the Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus. The latest Strategic Language List I could find (dated 13 November 2019) mentions Kirghiz as an "Emerging Language Authorized for all PMOS/Branches.

However, I cannot find any documentation on how to schedule and take a DLPT, once I have learned a language. The documentation regarding Kirghiz language proficiency is even more limited. My fear of that I will take the time to study something and then be unable to capitalize on my success.

Can anyone provide insight, documentation or at least some advice on how to schedule a DLPT once proficiency in a language? Offhandedly if anyone knows if there is even a test for Kirghiz I would like to know that as well. Thanks!!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 23 at 2022 5:52 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 17:52:28 -0500

I would ask superiors and if that fails go to the organization that gives out language tests. I don't about the utility of Kirghiz in regard to the army. I found the test pretty difficult and failed miserably. In the test they start making up words and you have to understand and track them. Taking the test does not mean you will automatically be afforded a chance to learn another language as most people fail the initial test.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jan 23 at 2022 6:11 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Sun, 23 Jan 2022 18:11:18 -0500

I took the one for German in the early 1980s, I went thru the BN Training NCO.
Probably not the same today.

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Jan 24 at 2022 5:09 PM

SSgt Thomas L. — Mon, 24 Jan 2022 17:09:53 -0500

For a FLPB you need to talk to personnel. https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Language%20Proficiency%20Bonus

HRC Homepage

Response by SSgt Thomas L. made Jan 25 at 2022 12:53 PM

SSgt Thomas L. — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 12:53:34 -0500

So I think I misread this at first. Are you planning on learning Kyrgyz or do you already speak it? I'm sure there's an incentive for Kyrgyz speakers, given we have a base in Kyrgyzstan. However would you be learning it just so you can get the language bonus?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 25 at 2022 1:08 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 25 Jan 2022 13:08:18 -0500

DLPTs are scheduled at a military education and testing center, it's a DOD test so you can take it at any branch education center.

You aren't going to get paid for a language unless you're a 2/2 speaker and reader, that means you are functionally fluent in the language. To give you an idea of what that means, people who attend the Defense Language School for a year, eight hours a day, fully immersed in the language with no English spoken in the classroom, are only expected to reach a 2/2 after 12-15 months in the course. Studying an obscure language for 1-2 years might not be worth the investment in time