The Defense Language Institute (or DLI) is a Department of Defense (DoD) education and research organization that offers linguistic and cultural curriculum to the DoD and other federal agencies. Many times, on contracts requiring linguists, a Defense Language Proficiency Test, or DLPT, of a level III or higher is required.
The National Security Agency (NSA) and other alphabet agencies also have their own suitability guidelines, internal hiring requirements, and assessments.
One ClearanceJobsBlog subscriber was preparing for an NSA language test:
Has anyone taken an NSA proctored language test? It will take 8 hours, apparently. I wonder why so long…
The DLPT covers certain languages. One background investigator notes that “if you were testing in maybe Lithuanian or Armenian or something, they would need to dig up some other test.”
It’s critical to note that each agency has its own standard (for example, the State Department doesn’t use the DLPT, they have their own tests). While others on the thread say that they will schedule you for 8AM-4PM, testing may only take 3 hours for listening and reading – basically, prepare for the worst but hope for the best.
NSA HIRING PROCESS
The process of applying to the NSA can be lengthy, tiring, or discouraging. It’s good to be prepared for the various stages of the process, including language and technical assessments. After initially submitting your application, the basic hiring procedure is:
- Recruiting or HR interviews where your resume and skills will be evaluated but NSA HR.
- Interviews and assessments, where you will meet with hiring managers who are generally experts in your area. After testing, a conditional job offer (CJO) may be extended.
- Security and psych exams – this is the longest leg in the process, which consists of the security clearance review. You will complete your SF-86 or eQIP, sit with background investigators, and most importantly keep in touch with your security contact. This is the waiting game.
- Final approval or adjudication means you passed through the security clearance process!
- At this point, a final or firm job offer (FJO) is extended, and you can start your career with the NSA.
