DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
(U) Message From the NSA/CSS Senior Language Authority: Update
on the DLPT 5
FROM: Cheryl Houser
NSA/CSS Senior Language Authority (SLA)
Run Date: 11/02/2006
(U//FOUO) The implementation of the Defense Language Proficiency Test* (DLPT 5) as the new
test of record for cryptologic language proficiency testing and the introduction of required
retesting** for civilian cryptologic language analysts has been difficult and challenging. Both the
new format of the test and the focus on global proficiency have added additional stress in an
already high-paced and stressful environment. The results of these new assessments, though
not unexpected, have not all been as high as we have achieved in the past. We are committed
to ensuring that the assessments truly reflect our Agency's capability in foreign language
proficiency and that our workforce has the tools and assistance it needs to demonstrate this
proficiency.
(U//FOUO) I have asked NSA/CSS Georgia Associate Language Authority
and the
Senior Language Advisor for Arabic
to gather the necessary information to identify
the specific obstacles, difficulties and challenges in adapting to the new testing system and
provide solutions and approaches that will ensure that our language analysts continue to be
recognized and rewarded for the skills and knowledge they bring to the SIGINT disciplines. They
will be focusing on the effects of retesting on the Agency's Arabic language population as a case
study, but the results of their work are expected to have applicability to the experiences of the
other language groups.
(U//FOUO) We will publish regular updates on their work and encourage you to contact them
;
) to share your experiences, concerns and suggestions.
(U) Notes:
*(U//FOUO) For background on the DLPT 5, see the related NSA Daily article of 10/29/04. See
also the DLPT 5 webpage.
**(U//FOUO) See a related Agency-all email of 3/13/06 regarding FLIP and language re-testing.
"(U//FOUO) SIDtoday articles may not be republished or reposted outside NSANet
without the consent of S0121 (DL sid_comms)."
DYNAMIC PAGE -- HIGHEST POSSIBLE CLASSIFICATION IS
TOP SECRET // SI / TK // REL TO USA AUS CAN GBR NZL
DERIVED FROM: NSA/CSSM 1-52, DATED 08 JAN 2007 DECLASSIFY ON: 20320108