What Is The Difference Between DLAB And DLPT?
The DLPT measures one's proficiency in a specific foreign language. The DLAB measures one's ability to learn foreign languages.
The DLPT requires a lot of vocab “bottom up” to pass the lower levels; but for the higher levels, it requires “top down” recognition of contexts and “patterns of speech”. Students and linguists who have to translate every word do not do as well on the test as those who understand contextually.
Higher Level Passages and Lower Level Skills:
What does the DLPT consist of?
The DLPT is used to determine proficiency in a foreign language according to well- defined linguistic tasks and assessment criteria. The DLPT 5 (a computer-based test) is now the only test in use for languages of interest to the Coast Guard. For most languages, there are two parts: a reading and a listening part.
Language proficiency ratings for the lower-level tests range from 0 to 5 ...
What is a DLAB test?
The Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) is a standardized government test, approximately two hours in length, used to determine the natural ability of armed services members to learn a foreign language.
Defense Language Aptitude Battery - Moody FSS
DLI students, regardless of their course grades, may not graduate without achieving an L2/R2 on the DLPT. They must also pass a series of tests called FLO (Final Learning Objective) Tests, as well as achieve a minimum of 1+ on the OPI.
Defense Language Proficiency Tests - Wikipedia