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ALCPT Handbook
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 April
2013

American Language
Course Placement Test
HANDBOOK
Defense Language Institute
English Language Center
Joint Base San Antonio, Lackland, TX  

PREFACE

This April 2013 edition of the  American Language Course Placement Test Handbook 
(ALCPT Handbook) contains current information about the test and its uses, as well as
updated guidelines for test security, administration, scoring, and interpretation of the
 ALCPT. It supersedes the previously published ALCPT Handbook, August 2011 edition.


This handbook is intended as a collection of best practices  employed at language testing
programs of excellence. The record-keeping forms in the appendix are provided as
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resources to facilitate best practices in a testing program administration.

DLIELC CONTACTS

Mailing address
For questions about Contact
Ph /F /E il
 For questions about Contact
Phone/Fax/Email
DLIELC/LEAT
2235 Andrews Ave
•   Language testing: ALCPT,

ECL, and OPI Test &

JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-
5259 Search 
  Test security Measurement
• Comm. Phone: (210) 671-4889
Branch
•   Approval of ALCPT sale Comm. Fax: (210) 671-0211
(DLIELC/LEAT)
DSN: (312) 473-4889
•   Arranging Telephonic OPIs
DSN Fax: (312) 473-0211
Email: DLI.Testing@us.af.mil
OPI Email: OPI@us.af.mil

Download Now •   In-country (nonresident)

English Language Training
Programs (ELTPs)
DLIELC/LEN
2235 Andrews Ave
JBSA Lackland, TX 78236-

•   ELTP development consulting Nonresident 5259
(ALC materials, ALCPT Programs
purchase after LEAT approval, Division Comm. Phone: (210) 671-3783
site surveys, etc.) (DLIELC/LEN) Comm. Fax: (210) 671-5362
•   DLIELC advisors/instructors DSN: (312) 473-3783
for overseas assignments DSN Fax: (312) 473-5362
(MTTs) Email: LEN@us.af.mil

i 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE ...................................................................................................................................................... i 

DLIELC CONTACTS ................................................................................................................................ i 

CHAPTER 1. TEST DESCRIPTION ............................................................................................... 1 

 A. PURPOSE ..................................................................................................................... 1
B. CONTENT DESCRIPTION .............................................................................................. 1
C. FORMAT ......................................................................................................................2
D. TEST FORMS & K ITS ....................................................................................................2

CHAPTER 2. TEST SECURITY BEST PRACTICES .............................................................. 3  

 A. A PPOINTMENT OF TEST CONTROL OFFICER   .................................................................3
B. PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TEST M ATERIALS ....................................................................3
C. PREVENTION OF TEST COMPROMISE ........................................................................... 4
D. PROCEDURES FOR LOST OR COMPROMISED ALCPTS .................................................... 5

CHAPTER 3. TEST ADMINISTRATION BEST PRACTICES .......................................... 6  

 A. TESTING F ACILITIES ................................................................................................... 6
B.  A DMINISTRATIVE SECURITY   ....................................................................................... 6
C. TEST A DMINISTRATION PROCEDURES ......................................................................... 8
D. CONTINUITY BOOK  .................................................................................................... 11

CHAPTER 4. TEST SCORING BEST PRACTICES ..............................................................12 

 A. DOUBLE M ARKS ........................................................................................................ 12
B. USING THE SCORING K EY  .......................................................................................... 12
C. SCORING SECURITY  ................................................................................................... 12

CHAPTER 5. TEST SCORES AND PROGRAMING BEST PRACTICES  .................. 14 

 A. PLACEMENT .............................................................................................................. 14
B. PROGRAM SIZE CONSIDERATIONS .............................................................................. 14
C. MIDPOINT PROGRESS ................................................................................................ 15
D. GRADUATION R EQUIREMENT .................................................................................... 15
E. R ELATIONSHIP OF ALCPT AND ECL SCORES  ............................................................. 16

ii 

CHAPTER 6. OBTAINING THE ALCPT ...................................................................................17 

STEP 1.  DLIELC/LEAT  - A PPROVAL ................................................................................. 17
STEP 2.  DLIELC/LEN  - PURCHASE .................................................................................. 17

 APPENDICES .......................................................................................................................................... 18 

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CHAPTER 1
TEST DESCRIPTION

 A. PURPOSE 
The American Language Course Placement Test (ALCPT) is developed by the Defense
Language Institute, English Language Center (DLIELC) for military and government
English Language Training Programs around the world. It is designed to measure English
ability levels through listening and reading. ALCPTs are not   used for ECL practice or
training, promotion or bonus systems, etc. ALCPTs are intended to be used for the
following purposes only :

1.  place students in an American Language Course (ALC) program;

2.  evaluate student progress midway  and at the end  of an ALC program;
 
3. screen candidates for readiness to take the English Comprehension Level (ECL)
test1  (with limited administrations per candidate –see Chapter 5);
4.  evaluate the English language abilities of local personnel working for, or being
considered for positions with, the military.

The ALCPT is a U. S. government language test used for these authorized purposes only;
therefore, its sale must be approved by DLIELC Test & Measurement Branch (see Chapter
6 for information on how to obtain the ALCPT).

B. CONTENT DESCRIPTION 
The ALCPT tests English ability through different aspects of grammar, vocabulary,
listening, and reading. Grammar items include comprehension of morphological and
syntactic input, while vocabulary items focus on semantic input. Reading items include
reading comprehension. All ALCPT forms are approximately the same difficulty level, and
contain the same specifications and format.

1  The ECL test is the official instrument used by the U.S. Department of Defense to determine whether the
English level of IMSs considered for assignment to CONUS or overseas schools/training installations is
sufficient to enter training at DLIELC or for direct entry to Military Service courses of instruction. The
ECL is a strictly controlled instrument. Using the ALCPT to determine a candidate’s readiness reduces
exposure to the ECL and helps minimize the possibility of test compromise.

1 


C. FORMAT This document is...
The ALCPT is a 100-item, 4-option, multiple-choice test. The test is divided into 2 parts,
each based on the delivery method. In Part I, 66 items are based on listening passages.
Test-takers listen to audio recordings of English questions, statements, and dialogs, and  Useful  Not useful
then select the correct answer from the test booklet. In Part II, 34 items are delivered in
 writing. Test-takers read English questions, statements, and paragraphs, and then select
the correct answer from the same test booklet.
  Answers are marked on separate answer sheets. Test-takers do not mark the test booklet,
 which allows reuse of the booklets and facilitates scoring. The length of Part I is

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determined by the audio recording (25-30 minutes). Part II lasts 30 minutes. The entire
test takes approximately 75 minutes, including time for reading the directions and
distributing and collecting test materials.

D. TEST FORMS & K ITS

There are currently 40 forms of the ALCPT available for purchase (Forms 66-105), with


new forms developed periodically. Previously available ALCPT forms may still be used. If

Download Now these exams have been kept secure and have been used solely for testing purposes, they
2
should yield reliable English comprehension ability scores.  

Each ALCPT form may be

K IT CONTENT 
purchased individually. Each
form consists of a kit with the Item Quantity
items listed in the adjacent 1.  Test Booklets 25
table. 2.  Audio recording (Compact Disc) 1
3.  Scoring keys 2
4.  ALCPT Handbook, with: 1
Quantities are limited to a •   ALC Placement Guidelines table 1
maximum of 10 forms per •   Memorandum for the Record sample 1
purchase. However, large •   ALCPT Inventory Record sample 1
language programs may be •   ALCPT Test Administration Security 1
Log sample
authorized to purchase more •  ALCPT Test-Taker Roster sample 1
than one kit of the same form. •  ALCPT Approval Request form  1

2 Scores achieved on currently available ALCPTs do not require the use of a conversion table.

2 

CHAPTER 2
TEST SECURITY BEST PRACTICES

This chapter outlines the best security practices of language testing programs of
excellence. Current technology and ease of accessibility through the World Wide Web can
potentially turn a local compromise of an ALCPT into a global phenomenon. The security
practices herein play a critical role in safeguarding the integrity of ALCPTs around the

 world.

 A. A PPOINTMENT OF TEST CONTROL OFFICER  

 A Test Control Officer (TCO) and Alternate Test Control Officer(s) (ATCO), if appropriate,
should be appointed at each facility using the ALCPT TCO/ATCO appointment MFR.
Only these authorized officials should control the ALCPT. (See Appendix A for a sample
TCO/ATCO appointment MFR.)

B. PHYSICAL CONTROL OF TEST M ATERIALS 

 All ALCPT components are controlled test items and must be handled accordingly. This
includes: test booklets, audio recordings (CDs or tapes for earlier forms), scoring keys, and
used answer sheets. The validity of test results depends on proper control and security of
these materials. Controlled items must be:

1.  stored in a locked cabinet when not in use;

2.  accounted for by serial number and inventoried at least annually by the TCO (see
sample inventory form in Appendix B);
3.  logged out and in each time they are used, and the log retained at for least one year
(see sample security log in Appendix C);
4.  handled, transported, and administered only by authorized personnel.

3 

C. PREVENTION OF TEST COMPROMISE 

One of the simplest ways to compromise any test is through inappropriate use.  ALCPTs
are NOT to be administered for practice or training purposes. The entire series
of ALCPT forms can be quickly compromised by administering them too frequently. If the
students and/or instructors become familiar with test items, the tests become

compromised, and results are rendered unreliable. Therefore, compromise can be

prevented by limiting the frequency of ALCPT testing to once upon class entry and again
upon class exit. If a program is six or more months long, a mid-point ALCPT might also
 be administered (see Chapter 5, Part C).

 At OCONUS sites, an effective and efficient approach is to develop and publish a schedule
(e.g., the second Tuesday of each month), so candidates can register and arrange to sit for
the exam. The TCO/ATCO can better track the test-takers and the test forms used, and
reduce multiple test administrations. At CONUS sites, such as MEPS stations or ROTC
sites, testing should be consolidated as much as is feasible.

Other ways to avoid test compromise include:


1.  appropriate use of ALCPTs (see Chapter 1, Part A);
2.  physical test security (see Chapter 2, Parts A and B);
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3.  administrative security (see Chapter 3, Part B);
4.  scoring security (see Chapter 4).

In order to prevent potential compromise, please note: If a contractor loses the original
contract for which DLIELC approved ALCPT use, that contractor is obliged to destroy all
forms of the ALCPT and notify DLIELC (see contact information on page i).
 If ALCPTs have been compromised, DLIELC retains the right to refuse sales of new

 ALCPT forms for a period of up to three years.

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4 

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D. PROCEDURES FOR LOST OR COMPROMISED ALCPTS 

To preserve the global integrity of the ALCPT, it is necessary for TCOs to alert

DLIELC/LEAT of the loss or possible compromise of ALCPTs, in part or whole, or of any

of its components and to investigate such compromise immediately. The procedures are:

1.  IMMEDIATE ACTIONS 

a.  The TCO stops all testing with the test form(s) in question at once.
 b.  The TCO alerts DLIELC/LEAT of the situation by email or fax (see contact
information on page i), and includes a summary of the compromise with any
known details. The summary should also include:
i.  test information (for example, ALCPT form 56: booklets 19 and 22
missing, score key missing, etc.),
ii.  date (or probable date) of loss or compromise,
iii.   verification that all testing with the form in question has been stopped.
c.  Compromised ALCPT forms are withdrawn and not used for a period of one
 year.

2.  INVESTIGATION 
The TCO conducts an internal investigation and/or arranges for an investigation
 by an outside agency to determine facts concerning loss or compromise.

3.  R ECORDING 
The TCO keeps the complete report of the investigation, including findings and a
statement of corrective action taken, in the user agency’s Continuity Book (see
Chapter 3, Part D).

 Alerting DLIELC/LEAT of actual or potential test compromise enables DLIELC/LEAT to

inform other ALCPT user agencies of potential compromise.

5 

CHAPTER 3

TEST ADMINISTRATION BEST PRACTICES

This chapter outlines the best test administration practices of language testing programs
of excellence.

 A. TESTING F ACILITIES 

Testing rooms need to be well lit, ventilated, and quiet. A sign with a warning, such as
"QUIET, TESTING IN PROGRESS," is placed on the door and in nearby areas to keep noise at a
minimum. Test-takers are positioned far enough from each other to ensure the integrity
and validity of test results.

B. A DMINISTRATIVE SECURITY  
The following administrative steps help ensure the integrity of test results through security
measures.

1.  NUMBERING TEST BOOKLETS 

Each new test booklet is numbered upon receipt to help account for and inventory

materials.

2.  SELECTION OF TEST FORMS 

The TCO uses the same form for tests administered on the same day, and a
different form for tests administered on different days. Doing this minimizes the
likelihood of test compromise by preventing test-takers from discussing items with
each other, and by limiting exposure of any specific ALCPT form.

The TCO also alternates the test forms randomly, so that it is impossible to predict
 which test form will be administered at any given testing session.

6 
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3.  INSTRUCTORS’ F AMILIARITY WITH TEST ITEMS 

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Instructors must not become familiar with ALCPT test items. Knowledge of the
test places instructors in the position of either teaching specific information they Search
know to be on the test, or avoiding the subject matter entirely to prevent "teaching
the test." Both of these situations result in test bias, unreliable test scores, and
compromised ALCPTs.

4.  TCO, ATCO(S), AND PROCTOR (S)

The TCO is responsible for ensuring the proper administration of the ALCPT and

Download Now may authorize other persons to be proctors (who assist the TCO/ATCO). In order
to prevent instructors’ familiarity with test items (per Chapter 3, Part B, #3), it is
strongly advised that instructors not be appointed as ATCOs or proctors. There is

one TCO/ATCO or proctor for every 15 test-takers. TCOs/ATCOs (and proctors,
 when available) observe test-takers continuously during the testing period. No one
other than the test-takers and authorized testing personnel is present in the testing
room during the test. When necessary, interpreters may assist test-takers with
preliminary test directions; however, these interpreters must leave the room before
the test begins.

5.  TEST-T AKERS 
Test-takers do not bring anything into the testing room, and they do not leave
until they have finished the test and returned all test materials . If a test-taker
must leave the room before completing the test, that test-taker is not permitted to
return to the test room and finish the test. Instead, the test-taker is scheduled for
retesting with another form of the ALCPT. The TCO/ATCO briefs all test-takers on
this requirement before the test begins (see Chapter 3, Part C, #2).

6.  TEST M ATERIALS 

In the test room(s), the TCO/ATCO gives test-takers an answer sheet, two
sharpened pencils, an eraser, and a test booklet. Test booklets are checked before
(and after) testing to ensure that all pages are intact and that there are no
extraneous marks. The TCO/ATCO also checks photo IDs and assigns seats. Test-
takers are not informed of seat assignments until they report to the test area.

7.  H ANDLING TEST M ATERIALS 

 When testing is completed, the administrator collects all materials and checks all
 booklets to make sure that all are accounted for and that examinees have not
marked the pages.

C. TEST A DMINISTRATION PROCEDURES 

The TCO/ATCO follows these procedures before and during the test.

1.  PROCEDURES BEFORE THE TEST BEGINS 

The TCO/ATCO:
a.  logs out test materials, making sure to complete the test security log
accurately;

 b.  prepares the answer sheets by completing the headers, or has test-takers fill in
the information just before beginning the test (see #2, b, below);

c.  makes sure the CD player is functioning correctly, and checks to ensure the
audio can be heard by all examinees. An audio recording other than that in the
 ALCPT kit is used to conduct this sound check;3 

d.  instructs test-takers not to mark the test booklet in any way, and to mark only

one answer for each question on the answer sheet (see #2, e, below).

2.  PROCEDURES DURING THE TEST 

a.   At the start, the TCO/ATCO says:

Ladies and gentlemen, you are here to take an American
Language Course Placement Test. You must be quiet; do not
talk or communicate in any way during the test. If you must

3 Forsites where cassettes are still used, the TCO/ATCO is careful not to erase the cassette tape when playing
or rewinding.

8 

 
leave the room before finishing the test, I will pick up your test
materials, and you will not be permitted to return to the room
today. You will be scheduled for a retest at a later date. If you
have any questions, raise your hand and I will help you. I will
hand out the answer sheets now .

 b.   At this time, only the answer sheets are distributed to test-takers.

i.  If the headers in the answer sheets have already been filled in, the 
TCO/ATCO says: This document is...
Check that the information on your answer sheet is

correct.
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ii.  If test-takers will be filling in the headers in their answer sheets, the
TCO/ATCO instructs them at this time on how to do so properly. The
TCO/ATCO prepares the exact wording of the instructions to ensure
completeness of all needed information, and checks for accuracy of the
 information filled in by test-takers.

c.  Each test booklet indicates the actual   duration of Parts I and II of the test.
These times do not include the time required for giving instructions or handing
out test materials. It is important that the TCO/ATCO follow the time limits
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carefully.

d.  Before the booklets are distributed, the TCO/ATCO says:

I will now hand you the test booklets. When you receive the

Download Now test booklet, write the number of the booklet on your answer
sheet. Keep the booklets closed until I tell you.

e.  The TCO/ATCO hands a test booklet to each test-taker. After all the test
 booklets are handed out, s/he says: 

The test consists of two parts: ‘Part I - Listening’ and ‘Part II -

Reading.’ Mark one answer, A, B, C, or D for each item on
your answer sheet. Make a heavy, dark mark on the letter.
Make only one mark for each question. If you make a mistake
or an extra mark, erase it completely. Answer each question,
even if you are not sure of the correct answer. Do not mark
the test booklet. Mark only your answer sheet. Now open the
test booklet and listen to the directions.

The TCO/ATCO then starts the ALCPT audio recording. D o not stop or
r eplay any por tion of it . Audio recordings are played only one time during
the test. Repeating any portion of it will adversely affect the validity and
reliability of the test results.

f.  The TCO/ATCO must be in the testing room at all times during the test
administration. There is no talking permitted during the examination. The

TCO/ATCO listens and watches for any signs of attempted communication

 between test-takers, such as pencil tapping or other movements. The
TCO/ATCO must stop any suspicious behavior, for example, by standing
quietly behind the suspected test-taker. Test-takers must work independently.
 When appropriate, proctors assist the TCO/ATCO perform these tasks.

g.   At the end of the audio portion, the test-takers will hear a voice say, “This is
the end of the Listening part of the test. ”   When Part I is finished, the
TCO/ATCO says:
You may begin Part II now. You have 30 minutes to complete
the test.

The TCO/ATCO also posts the exact completion time in writing: “The test
ends at _____. ” The TCO/ATCO may give the examinees a ten-minute
 warning and a one-minute warning before the end of the test.

10 

 
h.  Test-takers who finish the test early should raise their hands. The TCO/ATCO
collects their testing materials (answer sheet, two sharpened pencils, eraser,
and test booklet), and checks the test booklets before the test-taker leaves. The
test-taker then leaves the room quietly.
i.   When the allotted time is finished, the TCO/ATCO says:
Stop. The test is over. Put your pencils down. Close the test
booklets. Stay in your place until I finish collecting all the test
materials.

 j.  The TCO/ATCO first collects all the test booklets, and then all the answer
sheets, pencils and erasers. When available, proctors assist the TCO/ATCO
perform these tasks. (See Scoring Procedures in Chapter 4.)

D. CONTINUITY BOOK  
 A Continuity Book helps TCOs/ATCOs keep track of duties and test security measures. It
also offers a source of accountability, and gives new TCOs/ATCOs the necessary resources
for the successful and secure continuation of the program. Therefore, Continuity Books of
language testing programs of excellence might include the following:

1.  Latest edition of the ALCPT Handbook

2.  TCO/ATCO MFRs (see a sample form in Appendix A)
3.  Test Inventory (see a sample form in Appendix B)
4.  Test Administration Security Log (see a sample form in Appendix C)
5.  Test Schedules
6.  Test-Taker Roster (see a sample form in Appendix D)
7.   ALCPT Approval Request form (available in Appendix E)

8.   ALCPT communications of importance

9.  Reports of actual or suspected test compromise

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11
  
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CHAPTER 4
Download Now TEST SCORING BEST PRACTICES 
This chapter outlines the best test scoring practices of language testing programs of
excellence.

 A. DOUBLE M ARKS 

The TCO/ATCO visually scans the answer sheets to see if any items have more than one
letter marked. These items are counted wrong.

B. USING THE SCORING K EY

Each ALCPT Form has a unique scoring key. The correct answers must not   be
marked on completed answer sheets. Doing so will create additional answer keys
and increase the potential for test compromise.

The TCO/ATCO places the key over the test-taker answer sheet, making sure that they are
properly aligned, then counts the number of correct responses and records the score on
the answer sheet.

C. SCORING SECURITY  
To help ensure that test security is maintained after testing:

1.  SCORING 
The TCO/ATCO scores  all answer sheets in a secure area with no test-takers
 present .

2.  TEST-T AKER R OSTER  

The TCO maintains a roster of each test administration (see sample roster in
 Appendix D). The roster includes:

12 

 
a.  examinees’
Part A)
 b.  date of test
Chapter 1, P
c.  test form (to
d.  scores (to re
see Chapter

3.   A NSWER SHEETS

Scored answer shee
burning
 

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This chapter outlines the
excellence.

 A. PLACEMENT 

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