The ECL (English Comprehension Level) test is the primary instrument used for measuring the English language reading and listening proficiency of IMSs scheduled to attend IMET- or FMS-funded training and of international participants in certain US-sponsored exercises. The ECL may also be used as a criterion in the recruitment of US military personnel who are not native speakers of English, or in the determination of their eligibility for commissioning, attending specific courses or holding certain jobs.
The ECL is also used for US military personnel who are non-native speakers of English, as a prerequisite qualification for entry into the military services. This testing is generally conducted by Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS).
In addition to testing done at the DLIELC, the ECL is also administered in approximately 120 overseas sites, and over 100 sites in the U.S. At off-campus sites the ECL is administered in one of two versions: paper/pencil or online computer-delivered. These tests consist of 100 multiple-choice items, take about 75 minutes to administer, and are scored on a scale of 0 to 100.
To take a Sample ECL Test, access the ECL Demo link and follow the instructions provided.
Since June 1999, a computer-adaptive (CAT) version of the ECL has been in use only at the resident DLI campus. The CAT ECL is essentially an individualized test, reducing the average test time to about 25 minutes. Like the other versions, CAT ECL scores are reported on a scale of 0 to 100. And because no two students get exactly the same test, the CAT ECL has the added advantage of practically eliminating the issue of test compromise.
The overall ECL testing program is controlled by DLIELC. The ECL may be obtained from and administered only by authorized ECL Test Control Officers employed by the US Government.
For more information, contact the DLIELC Test and Measurement Branch at DLI.Testing@us.af.mil.
1. What does the ECL Test test?
It tests listening and reading comprehension in English; it does not test speaking or writing ability.
2. Who can obtain ECL tests?
Only designated US Government representatives who have an official requirement to obtain the tests. They are usually US Military or State Department personnel, or US citizens who are associated with them.
3. What is the difference between the ECL and the ALCPT?
Both are multiple choice tests of listening and reading. They are constructed using the same test design, but different items. The major difference is in degree of control; as noted above, the ECL can only be handled by US citizens who are employees of the US Government.
4. How long is an ECL score valid?
It’s valid for 105 days.
5. Why only 105 days?
If a person takes the test and achieves his/her required score, but then stops studying English, his/her language ability may deteriorate over time.
6. How long does it take to take the test?
It takes a little more than an hour.
7. What is the CAT ECL?
DLIELC has developed a computer adaptive version of the ECL that shortens testing time and reduces test compromise.
8. How does the CAT ECL compare to a paper-and-pencil ECL?
When the CAT ECL was validated at DLIELC, the correlation with the paper-and-pencil ECL was .93.
9. Are some versions of the ECL test easier than others?
No, the ECL forms are mathematically equated through a statistical process called Rasch analysis.
10. Why can’t students take the ECL as often as they want?
Regulations specify that the ECL can be administered to a student only once a month. More frequent administrations to the same person may reveal seesawing scores that result in frustration, or improved scores that reflect test-wiseness rather than an actual increase in proficiency. This activity may also lead to compromise from overuse of tests.
These downloads will require Adobe Acrobat Reader and an Audio Player.
1. Blank Answer Sheet, DLIELC Form 6748a. Please print the answer sheet.
2. Sample ECL Test book. This sample test should be printed before proceeding to the next download.
3. Listening ECL Test. Use this download to begin the Sample ECL Test.