FBI language proficiency testing

[Wick]

I took the FBI Phase I test and I thought it was hard. It was probably one of the hardest tests I've taken in my life.

I just took the FBI Language proficiiency test for Spanish this morning and it seemed super easy. Either they're only looking to confirm basic language skills or I'm completely clueless and failed miserably.

The next step would be part two of the Spanish test which is oral. Has anybody here taken that test? What should I expect? I know you can't give details about the test, but any general info. would be greatly appreciated.

[Jenna]

Ohhhh hi Wick! THanks for the super sweet email...shocked it came from u I won't tell anyone though.

[Wick]

It's good to see you out and about again, jenna. I hope all is well. xxoo

There's been a string of bad news coming out in here the last week or so. Hopefully it'll turn around.

Back to the language thing. . . . . anyone . . . .?

[Sides]

According to a FBI recruiter in the midwest it is incredibly difficult to pass the tests that they have set up for you.. He said most were not able to pass it.. Simply taking it in college is not enough he said, and said he even knew of native speakers who had difficulty passing the test.. But, obviously people pass it, so keep your head up.

[tunlrat]

Good luck Wick,
I've heard that some applicants are sometimes tested for the oral phase over the phone with a panel of language speakers. Otherwise, of course, it's done in person. The biggest gripe I know of from pretty much all Federal Govt. language tests is that they're sticklers for formal PROPER language--no shortcuts, slang or things like Spanglish. I've heard even some native speakers have problems at the Border Patrol Academy when going thru their language curriculum. I've heard the DLI at Monterey, Calif. can be like this as well.

BTW, what did Phase I consist of? Is it only the written test? Also, what did you do for the first part of the language phase (the one you said seemed easy).