Having taken the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), and worked in Defense Language Institute (DLI), I get this question a lot: What is a good DLAB Score?
A good DLAB score is 95 or above. However, a score of 110 or above is best. A 95 is the minimum score to enter DLI, and a score of 110 is the minimum score to enter a Cat IV language which is the highest language category. If you score 110 or above, that means that you can take any language offered at the school. The DLAB score range categorizes scores to determine eligibility for different language categories, with higher scores qualifying individuals for more complex languages.
While those numbers might be useful, the true answer to that question is that it actually depends on your reason for taking the DLAB in the first place. For some, they just need to pass so they can attend DLI.
The basic course duration at DLI varies based on the language's difficulty. However, for others there might be a specific language they want to take, or perhaps a language they want to avoid. An example of a language you might want to avoid is Farsi (a Category III Language). Cat II languages have different score requirements, generally lower than Cat III, making them more accessible. Perhaps, if you pass that language at DLI, you may have to deploy more to a location that speaks Farsi and this isn’t something you want. So, scoring under a Cat III level (105 or above) will ensure you don’t take that language.
Another thing that might affect the answer to that question is whether you are applying for the Olmstead Program of Foreign Area Office Program. The foreign area officer program requires a high DLAB score due to its competitive nature. Because both programs are extremely competitive, the higher your score, the higher your chances of getting accepted to either program. Therefore, I recommend you score at least a 130. According to the Olmstead Program, the average DLAB score of those selected was a 130 and supposedly they select the cream of the crop.
However, if you aren’t applying for these programs or think that these scores are too high, then perhaps a statistical breakdown will help you in choosing your target score. According to a master’s level research study, it was found that in general, those with a 100 and above have a much higher probability to graduate DLI than those below a 100.
On top of that, each individual category language had a significant demarcation line that greatly affected someone’s success probability.
They are as follows:
Category I & II Languages
There is no defining score that delineates a high probability of success except that the higher the score, the higher the probability of graduation. Instead, factors such as habits, educational background, etc played a larger role. Cat II languages generally have higher graduation probabilities compared to more complex languages.
Category III Languages
There is a much higher probability of graduation if their DLAB score was at least a 95 or above. You may be wondering how people with a 95 could get into a Cat III language even though the requirement is 105.
This is because there are always waivers and it's all about the needs of the military therefore if the need is great, sub 105 scores can be accepted into a higher CAT Language program. Cat III languages have specific score requirements that are generally higher than Cat I and II.
Category IV Languages
Those with a 120 or above have a significantly higher probability of graduation than those below a 120. The defense language proficiency test (DLPT) plays a crucial role in assessing language skills for these complex languages.
Final Thoughts
So as you can see, there are multiple measures and statistics to use in developing your personal ideal DLAB score. Practice tests are essential for preparing for the DLAB, helping you become familiar with the format and improve your score. But remember, the higher the better regardless of your choice. The role of the test taker is crucial in achieving a high score, as following guidelines and effective preparation are key.