Exam Information
The bilingual examination is designed to replicate as closely as possible the types of operational tasks that an individual might face on deployment in the field.
Qualifications should be seen as an indication of an individual's ability to perform in that language, not as a document of what the candidate knows.
The main focus of the exam is information retrieval.
This means processing information in one language (either a written text, a radio broadcast, or through conversation with someone who speaks it) and giving relevant information back in English to a third party, so that they can make an appropriate decision.
For this reason the examination focuses on texts and scenarios that are directly relevant to the experience of military personnel.
NATO STANAG
Levels of language competence for NATO members are described by Standard Language Profile (SLP) descriptors. The SLP descriptor is a 4-digit code that describes language proficiency in the 4 principal skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing). The SLP descriptors are laid down in a NATO document called NATO STANAG (STANdardisation AGreement) 6001. The document was originally produced in 1976 and has been subsequently updated.
STANAG 6001 Language Proficiency Levels (Version 3)
To download information regarding SLPs, click on the links below:SLP 1110 Survival Examination
SLP 2222 Functional Examination
SLP 3333 Advanced Certificate Examination
SLP 3333 Language Proficiency
SLP 4444 Language Proficiency