Considerations Regarding OPI Testing

The OPI is a highly specialized method of testing to ascertain the English proficiency level of candidates in the areas of interactive listening and speaking. Each candidate’s performance is highly individualized, and the full-time English language specialists who serve as examiners must complete extensive training in application of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) standards to be able to conduct and rate the interviews. Due to these factors, the OPI is a labor-intensive and costly test method. Military departments or commands incorporating any OPI requirements into their program/training guidance must first coordinate with DLIELC to ensure that the requirements are appropriate and that DLIELC resources can support them. Because of its unique nature, the OPI test is not intended to be used for general diagnostic testing or for assessing progress within a course of study or training. Its primary uses are as a final evaluation upon completion of English language training, and as proof of qualification for entry into a program or course (e.g., MASL) that requires a certain level of oral proficiency for successful execution (and where the oral proficiency requirement the course carries has already been reviewed and approved by DLIELC, e.g., pilot training, public affairs courses, EOD, etc.). Ideally, the OPI should be administered only once per candidate, except where a retest has been justified. In all instances, a candidate must meet the corresponding ECL requirement for the target training before being scheduled for the OPI. Thus, for example, a candidate with a target 2/2 OPI should have already met an 85 or higher ECL. If a SET waiver is being requested for a candidate, the candidate must meet the required ECL score in-country (ALCPT score if the country is exempt from ECL testing) before an OPI will be approved. For countries exempt from in-country English language testing, an approved OPI would have to be paid for at the currently applicable rate prior to its being scheduled. A US candidate who is foreign-born or whose primary language was not English, but who attended English-language high school or college courses, is considered similar to a US native speaker and thus not an appropriate candidate for English OPI testing unless there is some indicator that the test is warranted in his/her case.

Pre-OPI Testing Procedures

• Check MASL listing for OPI requirement.
• If OPI is required, ensure candidate is ECL-qualified.

Scheduling the OPI

• Click on this link and fill out the request:OPI Request Form. At the end of the request form, click on Submit.
• DLIELC will confirm the time and date and will assign a code number for the interview.

Test Administration Duties of SAO/TCO

• Positively identify candidate (photo ID) prior to OPI session.
• Utilize a suitable private room as test site:
  • Free of extraneous noise and distractions;
  • Equipped with a comfortable chair and a table or desk with only the telephone for interviewee.
• Remain in test room during OPI session to preclude test compromise (off to the side in order not to distract interviewee or be drawn into the interview).

OPI Testing Procedures

• ECL-qualified candidate arrives before the scheduled time.
• TCO calls DLIELC at 210-671-6885 (DSN 473-6885).
• DLIELC interviewers verify clarity of connection and candidate information (including the DLIELC-designated code number) and make any corrections necessary.
• If there is a bad connection, the interviewers will ask for a re-call.
• Ratings will be e-mailed to the TCO, normally within two US workdays.

Additional OPI Information

• The OPI will be canceled if the call to DLIELC is more than 20 minutes late or if a phone disconnection of the interview lasts for more than 20 minutes.
• The OPI requires 45 to 60 minutes per candidate.
• The TCO maintains an OPI Log, which should include the candidate’s name, rank, date of OPI, rating, and DLIELC-designated code number.
• The OPI is valid for six months.
• Candidates may be re-interviewed after 90 calendar days.
• Upon arrival at DLIELC, IMSs with an OPI requirement will be given an OPI if they have not already taken an in-country telephonic OPI. Those who reached their OPI requirement on the in-country OPI may be given an OPI for statistical purposes during their DLIELC training.

Getting Information Regarding Student Training Programs

• E-mail DLIELC Resident Programs (LEOP) at LEOP@lackland.af.mil.

Additional Contact Information

• NIPRNET address can be found at USGOVT/DOD/AF/ORGANIZATIONS/LACKLAND AFB TX/DLIELC LEO (UC)