LANGUAGE TESTING
(CT:FSIH-49; 05-13-2024)
(Office of Origin: FSI)
13 FAH-1 H-231 Updating Test Scores
(CT:FSIH-49; 05-13-2024)
(Uniform State/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Employees Only)
a. The Language Skills Inventory, which is a list of FSI test scores, is the sole source of language information used in making assignments to designated positions. Only scores less than five years old will be considered valid if below S-4/R-4 (see 13 FAH-1 H-212 (c)). The Language Skills Inventory lists each employee's highest score as well as their most recent score. Recent scores, even if they are lower, are valuable in determining how much refresher training might be necessary to bring the officer up to the required level. Therefore, it is to the advantage of officers to present themselves from time to time for retesting in all languages in which they have some proficiency. This will provide the Department and USAID management with the timely language skill information they need in making foreign assignments and to keep the officers competitive for language-designated positions.
b. Retesting is not required in a language in which an employee has previously achieved an FSI-tested proficiency of S-4/R-4 or higher.
c. Normally, tests will be given after six months or 100 hours of intensive language instruction sponsored by the Department.
d. Language testing performed on behalf of the Board of Examiners (GTM/REE/BEX) as part of the hiring process for Foreign Service Personnel yields pass/fail scores based on GTM criteria applied at the time of recruitment. These passing “BEX telephone test” scores are valid for 18 months from the date the test was given and scored.
13 FAH-1 H-232 FSI Tests in the Field
(CT:FSIH-49; 05-13-2024)
(Uniform State/USAID)
(Applies to Foreign Service Employees Only)
a. Official FSI language proficiency tests in the field are authorized by FSI/Washington or by one of its field representatives, in consultation with appropriate authorities at post, when one of the following criteria is met:
(1) A test in the field is demonstrably beneficial to the U.S. Government. For example, when the Department or USAID requires current information for a decision on direct transfer of the candidate to a position in which the language is needed and when information is needed on the current proficiency of an occupant, or a potential occupant, of a language-designated position; or
(2) Postponement of a language test until the employee's next consultation in Washington would result in personal hardship. For example, when removal of language limitation for promotion of a junior officer or lateral entrant or the award of an incentive salary increase is at stake and when an officer is transferred directly out of the language area and wishes to record a possible maximum proficiency.
b. Normally, such tests will not be given less than six months after any previous FSI test in the same language or within six months of anticipated home leave, except when an incentive salary increase (see 3 FAH-1 H-3910) or removal of language limitation for promotion is at stake.
c. FSI tests may be given abroad; in other cases, only upon specific authorization by FSI/Washington (and USAID for USAID employees).
13 FAH-1 H-233 through H-239 unassigned