Language learning aptitude test?

September 28, 2007 5:56 PM

Is it possible for a civilian to take the Defense Language Aptitude Battery, which tests your ability to learn languages? Or is there a similar test available to civilians?

I'm very interested in languages and have learned bits of quite a few. I just heard, today, about the Defense Language Aptitude Battery, which tests your ability to learn languages, and I'm very curious to see how I stack up. (I've already taken the "CTI Challenge", but it's only 10 questions). Apparently it's only administered to military, however.

Is there any way for me to get my hands on a copy (even an old copy) of the test without enlisting? Or does anyone know of some other freely accessible test that does the same thing? Please note that I'm not interested in being tested on my knowledge of any specific languages, but on my ability to learn languages in general. Thanks!

posted by thumpasor to education (5 comments total)

Several other possibilities discussed here.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 5:59 PM on September 28, 2007

Here's one online.
posted by monju_bosatsu at 6:00 PM on September 28, 2007 [3 favorites]

You can probably take it by going to a recruiting station and telling them that you are thinking about joining the Army and becoming a linguist. They do quite a lot of testing before you actually commit to join. Just don't sign anything.
posted by procrastination at 7:28 PM on September 28, 2007

If I recall correct, many of the language specific institutes like the Instituto Cervantes (for Spanish), Alliance francaise (for French), Goethe Institut (for German), etc. offer proficiency exams for their respective languages.
posted by champthom at 9:22 PM on September 28, 2007

Part of the test was administered via tape when I took it. So it's not like you can pike up a copy somewhere.

If you are really interested in it, just go to your local AF recruiter and tell him you are interested in becoming a linguist. They will bus you to MEPS, and put you up in a hotel room for the night. You don't actually sign any paperwork until you have taken the tests.
posted by bigmusic at 9:54 PM on September 28, 2007