Prepare for your DLAB
Listen for patterns, learn unfamiliar grammar and decode a new picture language. Build each skill in a short drill, then bring them together in timed practice.
View your results and progress6 short drills · Recorded listening tasks · Saved review
Learn a new picture language
Each word part keeps the same meaning. Labels follow this order: fill, shape, then a number ending if there are two objects.
nu-rim
sa-rim
nu-lok
sa-lok-en
Which label describes these objects?
Compare the circles: nu- means solid, and sa- means hollow.
Original introductory example. These invented words and rules are not from the official DLAB.
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Choose a short practice drill
Learn the instructions, work on one skill and review the reasoning behind each answer. Listening drills use original recordings. Use headphones and check your sound before starting.
Word stress
Listen to invented words and identify a different stress pattern.
Noun rules
Use new word order and noun endings while listening to the answer choices.
Adjective rules
Place descriptive words correctly and apply the stated agreement rules.
Verb rules
Connect verb forms to the correct subject, tense or sentence condition.
Combined rules
Keep several grammar rules active and distinguish closely matched recordings.
Visual language inference
Infer how picture features map to word parts, then apply the pattern to a new picture.
Practice all six sections
Take 84 original questions across word stress, noun rules, adjective rules, verb rules, combined rules and visual inference. Timed responses add pressure, with explanations held until you finish.
One DLAB pass covers full practice and every drill replay. If your account includes free first attempts, you can try each short drill once. The full sitting is our practice format, not an official DLAB replica.
Listen, then check the rules
Hear the English question and answer choices once while the invented rules and vocabulary remain available. Review the recordings and transcripts afterward to find exactly where a choice breaks a rule.
Learn a listening methodKnow what to practice next
See accuracy and completion by skill, with saved answers and explanations. Use the mistakes to choose your next drill; practice percentages do not convert to official DLAB scores.
Understand your resultsTry a visual language example
Work out what each word part means, then apply the pattern. This introductory example is free without an account and does not use a drill attempt.
Learn a new picture language
Each word part keeps the same meaning. Labels follow this order: fill, shape, then a number ending if there are two objects.
nu-rim
sa-rim
nu-lok
sa-lok-en
Which label describes these objects?
Original introductory example. These invented words and rules are not from the official DLAB.
Start with the DLAB study guide
Review grammar terms, work through examples and make a preparation plan. Find current official guidance on the assessment, appointment and service-specific requirements.
Read the DLAB study guideCheck your military entry route
The DLAB measures language-learning aptitude. Your service and program determine whether you need it, the required result and any alternative qualification route.
Department of the Air Force
Current testing guidance covers online delivery, headset requirements and administration. See Attachment 7 for the DLAB.
Read official guidanceMarine Corps test guidance
Its test-control guidance distinguishes language-learning aptitude from proficiency and describes learning from supplied word examples.
Read official guidanceNavy CTI applicants
Current Cryptologic Technician Interpretive guidance includes different qualification routes. Check the requirements that apply to your application.
Read official guidanceCommon questions
What does the DLAB measure?
The Defense Language Aptitude Battery assesses aptitude for learning a foreign language. It is different from the Defense Language Proficiency Test, which assesses ability in a language you already know. Our original practice focuses on listening, learning unfamiliar rules and inferring visual language patterns.
Do I need to know another language?
You do not need to learn a particular foreign language for this practice. The exercises introduce their own invented words and rules. Knowing what a subject, object, verb and adjective do can help you understand the instructions, but you apply the rules you are given rather than the grammar of a real language.
How long is the actual DLAB?
The current Department of the Air Force testing manual says to allow about 85 minutes to administer the DLAB. That is an administration estimate, not a published blueprint for every section or question. Follow your appointment instructions for arrival, breaks, equipment and the time you need to reserve.
Does this practice reproduce the actual test?
No. These are independently written listening and visual language exercises. The invented language, questions, recordings, controls and practice timings are ours. We do not use official test items or claim that a practice percentage converts to an official DLAB score.
Which practice attempts are free?
If your account includes free first attempts, you can try each short drill once. One DLAB pass covers drill replays and full practice. Some accounts require a pass before scored practice. The public worked example and study guide are free without an account.
What score do I need?
Eligibility depends on your service, program, role and current entry route. Confirm the requirement with your recruiter or education office. Practice results here show accuracy, completion and areas to work on; they are not an official DLAB result, language category or selection prediction.
Does every military linguist applicant take the DLAB?
No. Requirements and alternative qualification routes vary. For example, current Navy CTI guidance describes both DLAB and qualifying ASVAB routes. Check the current requirements for the specific job rather than assuming every service or program uses the same route.
Can I retake the DLAB?
Retest rules and exceptions are service-specific. Current Army guidance generally requires 180 days between attempts and permits no more than two in 12 months; the Department of the Air Force has its own limits and approval process. Confirm the policy with your test office before booking another attempt.
Original independent preparation. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department of Defense, DLIFLC or any military service. No official questions, score conversion or qualification guarantee.