Army Personnel Testing (APT)

Overview

APT encompasses standardized tests used to determine eligibility for specialized training and to support the Army's personnel selection and classification process, including language proficiency testing (Reference: AR 611-5).

What Tests Can I Take?

Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)

Soldiers who need to improve their original ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery) score may be administered the AFCT via the online iCAT. The iCAT replaces the paper-based version of the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT). Soldiers may not be given the AFCT earlier than six months after the date of their MEPS ASVAB exam. The AFCT must be administered in its entirety.

  • AFCT Retests. There is no limit on how many times a Soldier can retake the AFCT but may not take the AFCT any earlier than six months from the previous AFCT.
  • Exceptions to Policy (ETPs). All ETPs for ARNG Soldiers MUST be processed through the Soldier's State Education Office to NGB. Contact your Education Office for a current copy of the ETP sample memo.
  • Retests earlier than six months after the previous test require an approved ETP.
  • ETP requests must include the number of times the Soldier has taken the AFCT, the dates of the tests and the General Technical (GT) scores obtained. Further, requests must document the preparations the Soldier has to taken to improve his or her scores. The AFCT may not be used as a practice test.
  • The new scores obtained upon completion of the AFCT will replace your previous ASVAB/AFCT; no exceptions.
  • AFCT Preparation Course. The Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) is designed to help Soldiers prepare for the AFCT. This course is self-paced and customized based on your answers on a pre-assessment. Lessons utilize interactive exercises such as drag-and-drop matching, video game-style multiple choice, and dynamic flash cards. Quizzes and practice problem sets also help students gauge their mastery of the material. Lessons include the following areas: reading comprehension, math, and vocabulary. The OASC is available to all ARNG Soldiers.

Basic Skills Education Program (BSEP)

The ARNG Basic Skills and Education Program (BSEP) course is a one week intensive course, conducted at the Professional Education Center (PEC) on Camp Robinson in Little Rock, AR.  The course provides Soldiers with training on basic math and English to help improve their lines scores on the AFCT to qualify for OCS or another MOS. Soldiers who are AGR, ADOS, or M-Day/traditional drilling are eligible to attend.  To enroll in a course, Soldiers must obtain an ATRRS reservation through their state ATRRS Manager. Interested Soldiers should contact their State Education Office.

FY27 Course dates are as follows:

  1. 18-24 Oct 26
  2. 13-19 Dec 26
  3. 03-09 Jan 27
  4. 18-24 Apr 27
  5. 25-31 Jul 27
  6. 22-28 Aug 27

Selection Instrument Flight Training (SIFT)

The SIFT is a computer-based test battery that was developed using industry-standard scientific methods to predict the success of students in aviation training programs. The complete test battery is used as a primary selection instrument for the Army aviation program. Applicants for the aviation program must have attained appropriate qualifying score(s) on the SIFT prior to selection for the Initial Entry Rotary Wing (IERW) program.

Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)

The DLPT is a computer-based battery of foreign language tests produced by the Defense Language Institute (DLI) and used by the DoD to document foreign language proficiency of Service members.

Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)

This test is used to determine language aptitude for Soldiers applying for language training and certain MOS such as Special Forces and military intelligence career management fields. The DLAB score range is 12 - 164. Examinees with a DLAB score of 95 or above are not eligible to re-test

Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

The OPI is an interview given electronically by a Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center approved interviewer. This test is given when there is no DLPT available in a given language and the language is on the strategic language list eligible for FLPB. Soldiers who have a justifiable military reason for measuring speaking proficiency may also take OPIs. The OPI cannot be taken in place of the DLPT for FLPB purposes.

How Do I Qualify?

Be an active drilling member of the Army National Guard (ARNG) with a valid Common Access Card (CAC).

What Are The Benefits of These Tests?

AFCT: Raise GT/Line Scores to reclass MOS or qualify for Officer Candidate School.

SIFT: Qualify for Aviation School.

DLPT/DLAB/OPI: Qualify for Foreign Language Billets and Proficiency Bonuses.

How Do I Apply?

Application for APT is through your local State Education Office or Army Education Center.