Language Tests
What is the Consular Fellows Program Language Test?
Candidates who pass the Consular Fellows Program Test take a language test. Tests are conducted virtually. Candidates who pass continue to the Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment stage.
The Language Screening Test is scored on the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale of zero (no proficiency) to Advanced Proficiency. Presently, all CFP languages require a level 2 score.
| Scores Required on the Language Comprehension Tests* | ||
|---|---|---|
| Language | Test Score | |
| Arabic | 2 | |
| Chinese-Mandarin | 2 | |
| Portuguese | 2 | |
| Spanish | 2 | |
For a description of the language skill levels please visit: http://www.govtilr.org/
While the required score to advance to the Foreign Service Consular Professional Assessment for Spanish and Portuguese candidates is IRL Level 2, there is hiring preference for candidates who can score at Level 3 or higher.
What is the format of the Consular Fellows Test
The test is administered in a single session lasting approximately one hour.
A two-person testing team administers the test:
- Examiner – Who runs the test and speaks to the examinee in English.
- Tester – Who communicates with the examinee in the language being tested.
The test assesses language proficiency in terms of the ability of the candidate to use the language effectively and appropriately in real-life situations. It does not address when, where, why, or the way in which a speaker has acquired his/her language. It is not an achievement test that assesses a speaker's acquisition of specific aspects of course and curriculum content, nor is it tied to any specific method of instruction. The test does not compare one individual's performance to others, but each individual performance to the assessment criteria. It is comprised of three parts:
- Warm-up – The examinee and tester have a discussion centered on biography, current events, or other topics.
- Discussion prepared and presented by the applicant, from a list of topics presented to the applicant.
- Interview of the tester – on a topic selected by the applicant – summarized back to the testing team in English
Scores on the Consular Fellows Programs Language test are not reviewable. Candidates who do not pass may attempt the exam again in conjunction with a future successful application to the program.
All scores earned before January 1, 2025 will remain with the previously required Speaking (S) and Reading (R) scores. After January 1, 2025 the CFP only requires a (S) or integrated language test score of 2.
The Department of State offers a recruitment incentive bonus to eligible CFP candidates who demonstrate designated language qualifications. The Department determines the language qualifications each fiscal year based on service needs.