STANAG 6001 Edition 5, Language Proficiency Levels, is the NATO agreed standard for language curriculum, test development, and for recording and reporting Standardized Language Profiles (SLPs).

Therefore, each NATO country has developed its own national test based om the STANAG 6001.

Depending on the exam score, a soldier is given the corresponding level certificate according to STANAG 6001. That procedure is exercised only in case of a requesting person being assigned to multinational organizations. In Italy soldiers are tested through the JFLT (Joint Forces Language Test). In this particular test, an examinee is given a standard test with multiple tasks (e.g. 60 points in reading part), yet all of them must be taken regardless of the level of proficiency you aspire to. All the tasks are organized according to the level of difficulty and your final certificate depends on how far they have gone. The more questions they answer, the higher the SLP level awarded on their certificate.

Despite the different approaches to language certification, the levels of linguistic competence are defined in the same way. The American Department of Defense (DoD), however, deviates from this rule. DoD recognizes 6 levels of “regional proficiency skills.” The difference between NATO-agreed and American basic levels of proficiency is shown in the table below.

The Standardization Agreement (STANAG) is an international military standard created by NATO, which regulates how armed forces from different countries work together. 

STANAG 6001 is an English language proficiency scale that measures the skill level associated with Listening, Speaking, Reading and Writing.

NATO STANDARDIZATION EXAM PREPARATION COURSES FOR MILITARY PERSONNEL

Exam Preparation Course (EPC)

The EPC is a NATO STANDARDIZATION AGREEMENT course and addresses the following NATO training requirements:

• Develop language assessment and validation tools 

Course Description

The EPC is the foundation course for military professionals whose language proficiency will be tested to NATO standards. 

EPC participants become familiar with the STANAG 6001 descriptors and practice proficiency mock tests in the skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing for levels 1-4. Participants learn the proficiency test taking process in order to produce samples and fulfill tasks according to NATO test specifications; selecting passages and texts; writing, moderating and revising items and trialling tests.  Fundamentals of grammar, lexicon, culture, cohesion, etc. are provided.  

Final Learning Outcome

Participants will acquire competency in the taking of language proficiency tests based on the NATO STANAG 6001 standards.

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

• demonstrate an understanding of language testing terms and concepts
• identify the Content, Tasks, and Accuracy statements in the STANAG 6001 descriptors for listening, speaking, reading and writing, Levels 1-4
• draft appropriate authentic written texts for STANAG 6001 test items for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
• produce authentic spoken texts for STANAG 6001 test items for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4
• practice reading and listening multiple choice test items for levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 IAW STANAG 6001 and BILC best practices

Duration: 3/6/9 months with biweekly meetings

Eligibility:  Military or civilian professionals who are members or future members of their country’s armed forces. Attendance is limited to one person per course.