When do you take the Language test?

2018-12-07T07:47:59-05:00

After you are enlisted and go for your BCT and AIT. I wonder when would you take the language proficiency test and get the proficiency bonus for it too? What's the standards/requirements for passing ? Thank you

Response by SGM Jeff Mccloud made Dec 7 at 2018 8:32 AM

2018-12-07T08:32:44-05:00

If you enlist for a language dependent MOS, you will take the test at the end of language training and every year after that.
If you are enlisting for any other MOS and just want to get paid for a language, then you schedule yourself for a test after you arrive at your first unit after AIT.
The standard for pay is a minimum of 2/2 score in listening and reading tests in a language eligible for pay, 2/2 is roughly the equivalent to a 6th to 8th grade reading proficiency in that language.
https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Foreign%20Language%20Proficiency%20Bonus
To receive the bonus you must submit the DA 330 with your qualifying language score to your unit, they generate a language pay order with that and submit it.
The score and order are valid for 12 months, you must test every year to retain the proficiency and bonus.

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Response by CSM Chuck Stafford made Dec 7 at 2018 10:24 AM

2018-12-07T10:24:31-05:00

I was in today's MOS parlance a 35N with a language -- I took my language test at MEPS and chose my language there prior to Basic. After completion of the language school, the proficiency test is administered annually. I've seen a couple of your threads tangential to this subject and I would agree; 35Ns are the top of the food chain and offer a wide variety of opportunities while active duty and post-Army. I caveat that by saying I am willfully biased. Good luck on the language test and your potential career.