Test Control is the official delegate from the Commandant of the Marine Corps to support in-service classification testing for all Marines, Active and Reserve. Test Control is charged with the oversight, inventory control, and safeguarding procedures for all Marine Corps Classification Testing conducted subsequent to initial entry into the service. This includes the Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT), Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT), Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI), and Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB).
The mission of Test Control is to review, propose, and implement policies and procedures for the administration, inventory control, safeguarding, and reporting of the Marine Corps Classification Testing program. In addition, it ensures adherence to orders and regulations through a regular inspection and/or assist visit to all Marine Corps Classification Testing sites.
• AFCT Retest • Language Testing
The AFCT serves in place of the ASVAB for in-service retesting of all DoD enlisted personnel. It may also be taken by commissioned officers seeking to qualify for programs with ASVAB/AFCT requirements. The AFCT is structurally similar to the ASVAB and all scores are measured and interpreted in the same way. The process for Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT) retest and waiver requests has been updated and streamlined. All requests must be submitted electronically through the Navy College Management Information System (NCMIS) by providing the email address of your first O-5 level commander or their designated representative. Upon approval, an electronically signed authorization letter will be generated in your NCMIS request, and you will receive automated email updates throughout the process. You must then coordinate with your installation's Education Center to schedule the test. For waivered retests, the request will be automatically routed to Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) Test Control (MPA) for a final determination after your commander's endorsement, and preparatory requirements are no longer needed. Please be aware that approved authorizations in NCMIS are only valid for 90 days, and no extensions will be granted. If you have any questions, please contact smb_manpower_msab_testing@usmc.mil. For more information please see MARADMIN 250/25.
All waivers for early retest will be considered in accordance with MCO 1230.5C. However, in many cases, early retest waivers are denied without proof of academic progress to improve the score between tests. Some useful sites for academic preparedness toward the AFCT include: DANTES Academics (the complete course) and March2Success (College Readiness Online Course, ACT Online Course, SAT Online Course).
Additionally, college courses in English, math, science, or history are other valuable ways to potentially improve overall AFCT performance.
Please Note: Scores do not become official until published in MCTFS. This update can take up to one month from the test date to populate. Additionally, a Marine that has already attained the basic requirement for an assignment or program requiring a minimum classification test score will not be allowed to retest for the sole purpose of increasing their score.
The Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) is a battery of foreign language tests intended to assess the general language proficiency of native English speakers in a specific foreign language, in the skills of reading and listening. An Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) is sometimes administered to Defense Language Institute students to establish the graduate’s proficiency in speaking following training there, but it is not part of the DLPT.
The Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) is a test used to test an individual’s potential for learning a foreign language and thus determining who may pursue language training. The test does not attempt to gauge a person’s fluency in a given language, but rather to determine their ability to learn a language. The test will give the service member examples of what a selection of words or what a portion of a word means, then asks the test taker to create a specific word from the samples given.
Further information can be found in MCO 1230.5C
Questions regarding Foreign Language Pay Bonuses (FLPB) can be sent to ForeignLanguageProgram@usmc.mil.
DLPT/OPI Extension Request Template (Word Document Download)
DLPT Waiver request to Retest within Six Months (Word Document Download)
DLPT Authorized Test Site Location (Excel Document Download)
The SIFT is a web-based test battery developed using industry-standard scientific methods to predict the success of students in aviation training programs. Eligibility requires that Service members possess a GT score of 110. Documentation, such as a print off of a Marines “TEST” screen from MCTFS, must be provided as evidence to ensure they actually have the required score. This must be verified before the test is administered. To apply, fill out the SIFT request and have your O5 level Commander or higher sign.
Headquarters Marine Corps, Manpower Plans & Policy Division Manpower Analysis Branch (MPA, Testing Control) 3280 Russell Rd Quantico, VA 22134-5103 CONTACT SMB: SMB_Manpower_MSAB_Testing@usmc.mil