W9124J20R0015 Atch 12 ACES Test Control Officer Handbook 8 May 20.pdf

Department of the Army Headquarters, U.S. Army Human Resources Command

Army Continuing Education Services

Army Personnel Testing

Army, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve

Army Personnel Testing 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue Department 410

Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401 September 2014

Test Control Officer Handbook September 2014

W9124J20R0015 Attachment 12

Army Personnel Testing Test Control Officer Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to aid Test Control Officers (TCO) in the administration of the Army Personnel Testing (APT) program. This handbook is to be used in conjunction with AR 611‐5, AR 11‐6, referenced regulations, and various test administration manuals.

The APT Resources Website at https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/APT%20Resources is a one-stop resource for all information pertinent to Army Personnel Testing. Users are directed to see this website for most up to date information on Army Personnel Testing, including current issues and example memoranda.

Direct any questions regarding this handbook to the APT program office at usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil COM 502‐613‐8599, DSN 983‐8599.

Information in the handbook may also be accessed on the Army Continuing

Education System (ACES): https://www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/apt%20resources https://www.hrc.army.mil/TAGD/APT%20Resources mailto:%20usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil mailto:%20usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil https://www.hrc.army.mil/tagd/apt%20resources

Table of Contents

Section 1

1.1. APT Test Control Officer (TCO), Interim Test Control Officer (ITCO), Assistant Test Control Officer

(ATCO) and Test Examiner (TE) Responsibilities

1.2 APT TCO, ATCO and TE Appointment Procedures

1.2.1 APT New Personnel

1.3 Test Account ID

1.3.1 Determining your Test Account ID

1.3.2 Correct Format

1.3.3 Use of Answer Sheets

1.4 Test Control Officer Certification Tests

1.4.1 TCO Basic Test

1.4.2 TCO DFLP Test

1.5 APT Messages

1.6 Ordering APT Test Materials

1.6.1 Create an Order

1.6.2 Submit Testing Material Orders to the APT Distribution Center

1.7 Receiving Controlled Test Material

1.8 Management Control Checklist for AR 611‐5

1.9 Maintaining Standing Operating Procedures (SOP)

1.10 Closing an APT Test Account

Section 2

2.1 Security of Test Materials

2.2 Disposition of Current Test Materials

2.2.1 Maintaining Currency of Test Materials

2.2.2 Transfer of Test Material

2.2.3 Current Test Materials that are Damaged

2.3 Mailing Controlled Test Materials

2.4 Test Inventory

2.4.1 Quarterly Inventories

2.4.2 Quarterly Reconciliation of Inventories

2.5 Destruction of Test Materials

2.6 APT Compromise Policy

2.7 Cheating Incidents

2.7.1 Cheating Behaviors

2.7.2 Procedures to Report Cheating

2.7.3 Procedures to Prevent Cheating

Section 3

3.1 General Eligibility Guidelines for APT

3.1.1 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Cadets

3.1.2 U.S. Military Academy Cadets

3.1.3 Enlistment Testing

3.1.4 Overseas Enlistment and Student Testing

3.2 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

3.3 ASVAB in Spanish

3.4 APT Retesting Policy

3.4.1 SIFT

3.4.2 AFCT

3.4.3 DLAB

3.4.4 DLPT/DLRPT

3.5 Testing of Sister Service members

3.5.1 Marine Corps

3.5.2 Air Force

3.5.3 Navy

3.5.4 Coast Guard

3.6 Army Warrant Officer Applicants

3.6.1 Marine Corps

3.6.2 Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force

3.7 Testing DoD Civilians and DoD Contractors

Section 4

4.1 Army Analysis Aptitude Test (AAAT)

4.2 Officer Selection Battery

4.3 Officer Leadership Board

4.4 Driver Testing Batteries

4.5 Typing and Dictation Test

Section 5

5.1 Army Personnel Testing Environment

5.2 Prohibited Items

5.3 Testing Irregularity

5.4 Test Administration Statement

5.4.1 Test Administration Statement Overview

5.4.2 Test Administration Statement Verbatim Instruction

5.5 Examinee Responsibilities

5.6 Army Personnel Testing Administration Guidelines

Section 6

6.1 Structured Interview

6.2 Assessment of Individual Motivation (AIM)

6.3 Auditory Perception (AP) Test (Rescinded June 2013)

6.4 Selection Instrument for Flight Instruction (SIFT)

6.5 Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)

Section 7

7.1 Language Testing

7.2 Web-based Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)

7.3 Web‐Based Language Testing

7.4 Linguist Knowledge Network

7.5 Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)

7.6 DLPT Content Inquiry

7.7 Reporting and Distribution of DLRPT and DLPT I, II, III, IV, and V Scores

7.8 Completion of the DA Form 330

7.9 Disposition of the DA Form 330

7.10 Foreign Language Proficiency Bonus

7.11 ACE Recommended Credit

Section 8

8.1 English Comprehension Language Testing (ECL)

8.2 Basic Math and Science Test

8.3 Test of Adult Basic Education

8.4 U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Non‐Resident Course

8.5 United States Army Europe (USAREUR) Driver Testing

Appendix

Appendix A: Acronyms

Appendix B: References

Appendix C: Points of Contact

Appendix D: Language Identification Codes

Appendix E: Foreign Language Proficiency Ratings and Data Codes

Appendix F: Web Site Index

Table of Figures

Figure 1, Section 1-1 Sample TCO Appointment Memorandum

Figure 2, Section 1-2 Sample Test Examiner Appointment Memorandum

Figure 3, Section 1-3 Sample APT Account Verification Memorandum

Figure 4, Section 1-4 Sample Test Site Closure Memorandum

Figure 5, Section 2-1 APT Mail Procedures Poster

Figure 6, Section 3-1 Sample Exception to Policy Request, SIFT

Figure 7, Section 3-2 Sample Exception to Policy Request, AFCT

Figure 8, Section 3-3 Sample Exception to Policy Request, DLAB

Figure 9, Section 3‐4 Sample Exception to Policy Request, DLPT or Oral Proficiency

Figure 10, Section 3‐5 Army Eligibility Requirements

Figure 11, Section 3‐6 Army Retesting Requirements

Figure 12, Section 3-7 All Services DLAB/ DLPT Eligibility Requirements

Figure 13, Section 3‐8 Sample Marine Corps Exception to Policy Retest of AFCT Request

Figure 14, Section 3.6.2 Sample Request for ASVAB Conversion Memorandum

Figure 15, Section 3‐7 Sample Memorandum for Requesting DLPT Testing of DoD Civilians

**All figures are available for download from the ACES Extranet.

Section 1

General Policies and Procedures

1.1. APT Test Control Officer (TCO), Interim Test Control Officer (ITCO), Assistant Test Control Officer (ATCO) and Test Examiner (TE) Responsibilities

The TCOs are responsible for the oversight of the APT account. This includes ensuring the proper safeguard of test materials and that administration guidelines are followed IAW AR

611‐5. Test examiners fall under the direction of the TCO, ITCO, or the ATCO.

The TCOs who coordinate APT testing at sub sites are responsible for oversight, inventory, and all testing that occurs at that sub site.

Each APT account is assigned a test account identifier (Test Account ID). This ID shall be included on all correspondence with the APT Program Office. See Section 1.3, Test Account

ID.

Due to possible conflicts of interest, linguists, spouses of linguists, Command Program Language

Managers (CPLMs), language instructors, basic skills instructors, recruiters, or retention NCOs cannot be appointed as a TCO, ATCO, ITCO, or test examiner.

TCO/ATCO/ITCO and test examiners are not eligible to take any APT exam until one year following the expiration of their appointments.

Contractors (including retired military personnel) are not eligible to serve as a TCO or ITCO.

However, they may be appointed as ATCOs or test examiners. Contractors who are also members of the ARNG or Reserves cannot serve as the TCO or ITCO for their contract position.

The TCOs must ensure that their account information is current. Submit updates whenever there is a change in contact information. Per Memorandum of Agreement between the APT

Program and the Directorate of Logistics Washington (DOL‐W) Distribution and Operations

Facility, the APT Program will handle all test account updates. The DA Form 12‐R shall no longer be used to update account information. See Figure 3, Section 1-3 Sample APT Account

Verification Memorandum, for a sample memorandum that can be scanned or faxed to the APT

Program Coordinator. TCOs can view what is currently in the APT files on the ACES Extranet

(see Appendix C: Points of Contact).

The TCOs must perform a quarterly physical inventory of APT materials and maintain records of the inventory for two years.

The TCOs must reconcile their inventory quarterly using a listing provided by the APT Program

Office and submit the signed and completed reconciliation to the APT Distribution Center. See

Section 2.4, Test Inventory, for additional requirements.

Whenever there is a change in TCOs, ATCOs, ITCOs and/or test examiners, an inventory must also be performed by both the incoming and outgoing parties, transferring the responsibility of test security. The outgoing party will not have access to test material upon completion of the inventory. A copy of the changeover inventory must be maintained for a minimum of two years.

Do not submit a copy to the APT Program Office, unless requested by this office to do so.

Test materials shall be accounted for at all times. TCO must take proper precautions as specified in AR 611‐5 and this handbook to ensure proper handling of test material to include mailing answer sheets.

Each test site must maintain and follow an SOP as specified in AR 611‐5. Site Managers must ensure that the testing staff is trained and held accountable for policies IAW SOP.

If the TCO or ATCO will be out of the office for any period of time, it is their responsibility to ensure remaining test staff has access to all APT regulations, messages, and resources.

Failure to submit/update TCO information, maintain proper inventory and security of test materials, or maintain an SOP may result in closure of the delinquent test site.

APT New Personnel:

1.2 APT TCO, ATCO and TE Appointment Procedures

All TCOs, ITCOs, ATCOs, and TEs are appointed and relieved in writing. Appointment orders must include appointee's SSN (SSN needed if doing language testing, otherwise last four), AKO ID, test site address, Test Account ID, telephone number (commercial and/or

DSN), email address, and fax number (see Figure 1, Section 1-1 Sample TCO Appointment

Memorandum and Figure 2, Section 1-2 Sample Test Examiner Appointment Memorandum for sample memorandums). Email scanned copies (preferable), fax, or mail copies of official appointment orders to the APT Program Office:

a. Fax: COMM (502) 613‐4565

b. Email: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil

c. Mail: Education Division (AHRC‐PDE‐P)

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

1600 Spearhead Division Avenue

Fort Knox, KY 40122

Also follow the additional distribution instructions shown on the sample memorandum, Figure 1, Section 1-1 Sample TCO Appointment Memorandum, Sample TCO, ITCO or ATCO

Appointment Memorandum. If you have any questions regarding your account, contact the

APT Program Office (see Appendix C: Points of Contact).

All TCOs, ITCOs, ATCOs, and TEs (except those at MEPS) must read and submit the online APT Duties and Security Awareness Briefing. http://www.hrc.army.mil/

If you have trouble accessing the page listed above or any of the required TCO exams, you can also visit the following page to download the DoD Root Certificates:

http://dodpki.c3pki.chamb.disa.mil/rootca.html

All APT TCOs, ITCOs, ATCOs, and TEs (except those assigned at MEPS) must take and pass the online APT TCO Basic Test. Before administering any Defense Foreign

Language Proficiency (DFLP) exams, examiners must also take and pass the online DFLP

Test. See Section 1.4, Test Control Officer Certification Tests.

New personnel must take and pass the exam NLT 30 days after appointment as TCO, ITCO, ATCO, or TE.

Appointment orders are required for every TCO, ITCO or ATCO assigned to an APT test site prior to ordering test materials from the APT Distribution Center, Fort Knox, KY

40122-5401.

1.2.1 APT New Personnel

When someone is to be assigned the duties of Test Control Officer (TCO), Alternate TCO (ATCO), or Test Examiner (TE) for an APT test account, all the following actions need to be taken in order:

mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil http://www.hrc.army.mil/ http://dodpki.c3pki.chamb.disa.mil/rootca.html

New Personnel will access the Duties and Security Awareness Briefing through the Army Learning

Management System (ALMS).

Registering for the APTTCO Course:

Log into ALMS by navigating to https://www.us.army.mil and logging in (AKO User

Name/Password). If accessing ALMS from AKO home page you will now see navigation headers (Home, My Account, Favorites, Quick Links and Self Service) on your homepage within

AKO.

Select “My Education” from the “Self Service” drop down menu.

You will see an ALMS logo which you can click on, or you can click the link “Access the

ALMS” underneath the logo.

You are now logged into the ALMS. You are on your homepage. Click the “Catalog Search” button.

On the “Training Catalog” page click on the “Advanced Search” link. Type “TCO Security

Awareness Briefing” (Must complete in order: 1 st TCO Security Awareness Briefing, 2 nd

TCO Basic Test, 3 rd

TCO DFLP Test (if test site administers language test) into the title entry field and then click on “Search Training Catalog”

You will now see the course listed below in the “Learning Offerings and Course Iterations”.

Click on “Register”

You will now see a “Create Order” screen with your selection and enclosed materials. The course includes the Brief, the Basic Test and the DFLPT.

Click “Continue Registration”.

You will now see a “Registration Confirmation” screen. You can launch your course by clicking

“Launch Content”.

If you do not launch your content at this moment and decide to come back at a later date, you can launch it by going to your homepage. There you will find a “Current Enrollments” button showing your registered courses with the option to launch them directly from there.

Once you have closed the course, your completion will reflect on your transcript.

If you attempt but do not pass any portion of the required course content, the content will still move into your “Detailed Training Record”. In order to re-launch the course content, click on the “Detailed Training Records” button on the ALMS Homepage to re-launch the course content.

Certificate of Completion

If you would like to print a certificate of completion, do the following:

On the ALMS Homepage, click on the “Detailed Training Records” button.

You will now see all of the courses that have been completed and transferred to your My

Detailed Training Records.

Under “Completion Status” / “Course Iteration Name “, you have the option to print a certificate of completion.

Once the brief has been read, New Personnel must submit Appointment Orders using one of the following formats linked below. Information requested in the sample memoranda is mandatory. All information is required to ensure personnel are granted proper authorization to Army Personnel https://www.cts.lms.army.mil/ javascript:void('sort_packageName')

Tests.

TCO or ATCO (see Appointment Orders template or sample memorandum) TE

Submit appointment orders by fax, scan and email, or mail (use only one method):

Fax: (502) 613-4565 or DSN 983-4565

Scan and email to: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil

Mail: Education Division (AHRC-PDE/APT)

U.S. Army Human Resources Command

1600 Spearhead Division Avenue Department 410

Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401

The following references are available by clicking the links below, although each account should have their own copies:

AR 611-5, Army Personnel Selection And Classification Testing

AR 11-6, Army Foreign Language Program (if account conducts language testing)

Test Control Officer Handbook

Additionally, newly appointed testing personnel should read the account's local Standard Operating

Procedures, and the administration manuals located in your inventory for all the tests the account administers.

New personnel must take the online TCO Certification Tests which are also available through

ALMS. Everyone takes the Basic Test, and anyone who administers any of the Defense Foreign

Language Program tests needs to take the DFLP Test. A 90% or better is required to pass the TCO

Certification Tests. Upon passing the tests, print the certificate for your records, but DO NOT send a copy to the APT Office at HRC.

Note: You will not be able to access the Certification Exams without viewing the Duties and

Security Awareness Briefing.

In addition to the ALMS TCO Certification Tests, if the new personnel will administer the web-based DLPT then they need to take the online web-based DLPT training and test hosted by the

Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC). https://learning.dmdc.osd.mil https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/education/Docs/Template-AppointmentOrders.doc https://www.hrc.army.mil/site/education/Docs/Template-AppointmentOrders.pdf https://www.hrc.army.mil/LoginRedirect.aspx?redirect=https%3a//www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/active/education/extranet/aptdocs/te_orderssample.doc mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r611_5.pdf http://www.apd.army.mil/pdffiles/r11_6.pdf https://www.hrc.army.mil/LoginRedirect.aspx?redirect=https%3a//www.hrc.army.mil/site/protect/active/education/extranet/tcohb.htm https://learning.dmdc.osd.mil/

Figure 1, Section 1-1 Sample TCO Appointment Memorandum

[Command Letterhead]

[Office Symbol] [Date]

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Appointment of Test Control Officer (TCO) for the Army Personnel Testing (APT) Program, [Test

Account ID]

1. Effective immediately, [FULL NAME], [RANK], [SSN], [DSN & COM PHONE], [AKO ID], [EMAIL

ADDRESS] is assigned the additional duty of TCO [or ATCO] for APT replacing [NAME], [RANK], [SSN].

2. Authority: AR 611‐5, Personnel Selection and Classification Testing.

3. Purpose: To administer the APT program IAW AR 611‐5; AR 11‐6, Army Foreign Language Program;

test administration manuals; and directives from the APT Program Office.

4. Period: Until officially relieved or released from appointment or assignment. Orders will be provided when the person appointed above has been rescinded.

5. Special Instructions: To secure, properly safeguard, and correctly administer all APT tests IAW AR

611‐5, and in particular:

a. Conduct an immediate physical inventory upon assumption of duties, and once a quarter; to ensure that all items on the previous inventory are present or documented as destroyed, and that all tests are current. Submit said inventory to the APT Program Office for reconciliation when directed.

b. Properly secure all APT material when not in use; and when out for inventory, scoring, or testing;

ensure that it is never left unattended.

c. Mail all APT test material, including completed answer sheets, double‐wrapped and properly addressed and marked IAW AR 611‐5 and establish proper organizational mail‐handling procedures to ensure

APT test material is promptly hand delivered to the TCO or ATCO.

d. Ensure that all examinees are eligible for the given test, possess proper authorization documentation, and are tested in a suitable environment.

e. Maintain a current APT SOP.

COMMANDER’S

SIGNATURE DISTRIBUTION:

1 – Education Division (AHRC‐PDE‐P) Attn: APT, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 1600 Spearhead

Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401

1 ‐ Individual Concerned

1 ‐ Personnel File

* Full SSN required if site conducts Web-based testing

Figure 2, Section 1-2 Sample Test Examiner Appointment Memorandum

MEMORANDUM FOR SEE DISTRIBUTION

SUBJECT: Appointment of Test Examiner for the Army Personnel Testing (APT) Program, [Test Account ID]

1. Effective immediately, [FULL NAME], [RANK], [SSN], [DSN & COM PHONE], [AKO ID], [EMAIL

ADDRESS] is appointed an APT Test Examiner replacing [NAME], [RANK], [SSN].

2. Authority: AR 611‐5, Army Personnel Selection and Classification Testing.

3. Purpose: To administer and score the APT tests under the direction of a Test Control Officer IAW AR 611‐ 5; AR 11‐6, Army Foreign Language Program; test administration manuals; and directives from the

APT Program Office.

4. Period: Until officially relieved or released from appointment or assignment. Orders will be provided when person appointed above has been rescinded.

5. Special Instructions: Secure, properly safeguard, and correctly administer all APT tests IAW AR 611‐5, and in particular:

a. Properly secure all APT material when not in use. Maintain security of materials during inventory, scoring, or testing.

b. When preparing APT test material for mailing, ensure package is double‐wrapped, properly addressed and marked IAW AR 611‐5.

c. Ensure that all examinees are eligible for the given test, have proper authorization documentation, and are tested in a suitable environment and condition.

d. Serve as a witness during test destruction and test inventory when required.

COMMANDER’S SIGNATURE

DISTRIBUTION:

1 – Education Division (AHRC‐PDE‐P) Attn: APT, U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 1600 Spearhead

Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401.

1 ‐ Individual Concerned

1 ‐ Personnel File

* Full SSN Required If site requires web-based testing

Figure 3, Section 1-3 Sample APT Account Verification Memorandum

[Office Symbol] (611) [Date]

MEMORANDUM FOR Education Division (AHRC‐PDE‐P) ATTN: APT, U.S. Army Human Resources

Command, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401.

SUBJECT: Information Verification of Army Personnel Test (APT) Account, [Test Account ID]

1. Test Control Officer (TCO): [Name], [Rank], [SSN], [AKO ID]

2. Alternate TCO: [Name], [Rank], [SSN], [AKO ID] (List all ATCOs for the account if more than one)

3. Test Account Site Physical Address: [Address used for delivery companies such as FedEx and UPS.

This always includes a complete street address and suite or room number.]

4. Test Account Postal Address: [Address used for the US Postal Service (USPS). This can be a Post Office

Box. Be sure to include attention lines, and do not use abbreviations.]

5. Test Account personnel may receive packages using the following delivery methods: [List all that apply:

FedEx, UPS, USPS Registered Mail]

6. Test Account Site Email Address: [Generic email address for account or email addresses for both TCO and

ATCO(s).]

7. Test Account Site DSN & COM Phone Numbers:

8. Test Account Site DSN & COM FAX Numbers:

9. Test Account Sub site Information: [If your account has sub sites, include unit, ATCO names, mailing address and contact information for each.]

10. TCO and ATCO orders are enclosed. [If your account has sub sites ATCO orders must be submitted for each location]

11. POC this memo is [Name], [phone number].

COMMAND SIGNATURE

1.3 Test Account ID

The Test Account ID is the unique identifier used by APT to identify the test account. It is critical that all testing personnel at each site know what the Test Account ID is and that it be listed in the local SOP. It should not be confused with other testing IDs used by DANTES or

Mobile Examining Team (MET) Sites (overseas test sites).

Every site and sub‐site that permanently stores test material or serves as a permanent location for

Web testing will have its own test account ID to ensure proper accountability, oversight and tracking of issues.

It is important that test accounts use the correct ID for several reasons. One, when responding to surveys and the incorrect Test Account ID is used, automation systems will not recognize the appropriate Test Account ID given as a valid ID. Two, the Test Account ID is used to identify the origin of answer sheets. Three, the correct ID is necessary to retrieve account information.

The Test Account ID must be included in all messages (email and voice mail) to HRC APT, as well as on any transmittal documentation when mailing controlled test material.

1.3.1 Determining your Test Account ID

Always confirm the Test Account ID by checking your appointment orders, or contacting the APT

Office usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil

1.3.2 Correct Format

The format for the Test Account ID is a capital T followed by four digits. Never use extra letters, spaces, or dashes when writing the Test Account ID. Avoid the use of the letter O in place of zero.

Examples

Wrong Format Correct Format Explanation

TO134 T0134 Use the numeral 0 not the letter O.

T‐1256 T1256 There are no dashes in Test Account IDs.

TCO156 T0156 Test Account IDs do not start with TCO.

T 1563 T1563 There are no spaces in Test Account IDs.

T157 T0157 Test Account IDs always have four digits after the T.

1263 T1263 Test Account IDs always starts with a capital T.

1.3.3 Use of Answer Sheets

The Test Account ID is used on APT answer sheets that are scanned into systems to identify which

Test Account administered the test. Unfortunately, some older answer sheets do not allow for the full five characters of the Test Account ID, but all new answer sheets do. Additionally, the Test

Account ID field maybe referred to by another name.

mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil

AFCT (DD Form 1304‐AFCT‐AS) – Due to connectivity issues, these forms may only be used by select down-range sites that have received an exception to policy from the APT Program

Manager. Enter the Test Account ID in block 8, Test Site, on page 1. There is an extra column in block 8, so it will be necessary to add an extra zero after the T and before the four digits of your test account ID. For example, if the test account ID were T1234 enter T01234 in block 8.

AFAST (DA Form 6257‐1) – Effective 1 January 2013, these forms are no longer authorized for use. AFAST answer sheets are no longer forwarded to ARI for scanning and archiving.

1.4 Test Control Officer Certification Tests

All personnel serving as APT TCOs, ITCOs, ATCOs, or TEs (except those at a MEPS) must pass the online APT TCO Basic Test, and if they administer any DFLP exams, the online DFLP Test, to serve in those positions. New personnel must pass the tests NLT than 30 days after appointment as TCO, ITCO, ATCO, or TE.

Personnel must have an AKO ID to access the tests. Personnel who have not yet obtained an AKO

ID should contact their local command or support personnel. The APT Program Office cannot assist with obtaining an AKO ID.

Personnel may refer to specific references (open book) while taking the tests. To pass each test, 90% of the questions must be answered correctly. Retests may be taken until a passing score is attained, but not more than three times per day. Questions which are answered incorrectly will not be revealed. Those who do not pass must retake the entire test. Those who pass will be shown the questions which were answered correctly. Nearly all of the answers will be found in the references.

Only a few questions require reasoning.

If you do not complete each test in one hour, your session will time out and all answers will be lost.

The best way to take the test is to print out the questions and sit down with the references. Once you have determined all of the answers, log on, and enter the answers and submit the test. Personnel should print their answers before submitting them. Once the test has been passed, print a certificate of completion. If you have trouble accessing the tests, see the link provided on page 1‐3.

The APT Program Office has access to all results and can verify the test form and score.

1.4.1 TCO Basic Test

To prepare for the Basic Test, personnel should review the following references:

AR 611‐5, Personnel Selection and Classification Testing, 5 February 2008

APT TCO Handbook

APT Messages (See Section 1.5)

Take the Basic Test by going to: https://www.us.army.mil. Type APT Resources in the Search block and click on Search. Enter your AKO ID and password or CAC. Select item 3 APT Test

Control Officer Certification Program and follow the instructions. Review Security Awareness https://www.cts.lms.army.mil/

Briefing by selecting item 5 on the previous screen.

1.4.2 TCO DFLP Test

To prepare for the DFLP Test, personnel should review the above references plus AR 11‐6, Army

Foreign Language Program, 31 August 2009.

Take the DFLP Test (if site administers DFLP exams) by going to the web address and entering

AKO ID and password: https://www.us.army.mil

1.5 APT Messages

APT messages are prepared periodically in order to inform testing personnel of procedural changes and when to field or discontinue APT exams. It is important that TCOs ensure correct email addresses have been provided to the APT Coordinator at: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil. This will ensure that TCOs receive all policy and procedural directives.

Messages should be made available to all APT test staff to include TEs. TCOs should maintain a copy (paper or electronic) of messages where all local test staff may access them.

All APT messages are archived on the GoArmyEd web site under ACES Resources. Testing personnel shall check the message on a regular basis to ensure receipt of fielded messages. Users will need an AKO Login and Password or CAC.

Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) messages will post power outages, immediate suspension of test at the DLPT Authorization & Reporting site (On Banner) https://pki.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dlpt/home.do

1.6 Ordering APT Test Materials

All test materials for APT sites are ordered from the APT Distribution Center. MEPS sites order

ASVAB material from the USAP‐DOF.

APT site order requests may be emailed or faxed to the APT Distribution Center.

usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-apt-distro@mail.mil

APT Fax (502) 613-4565

Appointment orders are required for each TCO, ITCO or ATCO prior to ordering test materials from the APT Distribution Center, Fort Knox, KY. Orders will not be filled when requested by TEs.

1.6.1 Create an Order

TCOs may order test materials by mail, fax, or email. When ordering, please ensure the following information is provided:

Test Account ID TCO Name Mailing Address

Correct Nomenclature (or Form No.) of Items https://www.cts.lms.army.mil/ mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil https://pki.dmdc.osd.mil/appj/dlpt/home.do mailto:Usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-apt-distro@mail.mil

Title of Items

Quantity desired of each Item

POC for the order

TCOs needing their Test Account ID or test material information should check the ACES Extranet

(see Appendix C: Points of Contact). Lists of all test accounts and current test material may be found there.

1.6.2 Submit Testing Material Orders to the APT Distribution Center

Choose only ONE of the following methods to submit your order: TCOs submitting orders by Mail:

Education Division (AHRC‐PDE‐APT)

1600 Spearhead Division Avenue

Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401

TCOs submitting orders by email should send to the following address:

usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-apt-distro@mail.mil

TCOs submitting orders by fax should send to the following: COM 502‐613‐4565. In most cases, orders are processed within 2‐5 business days of receipt. Prior to shipment of the order, the APT

Distribution Center will send a confirmation email to the test site.

Contact the APT Distribution Staff directly to confirm your order before sending a second request.

Direct all questions or problems regarding an order to the APT Program Manager at

COM 502‐613‐8245 or 502‐613‐8596.

mailto:usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-apt-distro@mail.mil

1.7 Receiving Controlled Test Material

Controlled test materials may only be picked up at the installation mailroom by education center or

APT personnel authorized to sign for registered mail. If mail is delivered directly to the office or unit of the APT test account, non‐APT personnel, administrative personnel or individuals responsible for receipt of mail must ensure that packages addressed to “Test Control Officer” are immediately hand carried to the TCO, ITCO, ATCO or TE. If the TCO, ATCO, or TE is not available, administrative personnel shall secure test materials and inform APT personnel that a package has arrived.

Immediately upon receipt of test materials, the TCO, ITCO or ATCO and one other person (does not need to be a TCO, ATCO, or TE) will jointly inventory the contents. If an inventory cannot be conducted immediately upon receipt, packages must be secured by the TCO, ITCO, ATCO or TE until an inventory can be conducted. The timeframe to inventory received test materials cannot exceed 5 business days.

Receipt of inventory will include the following actions:

Check each page of the test booklets to ensure materials are printed clearly and pages are not missing.

Check the front and back of scoring keys to ensure correct form numbers received and, if appropriate, that conversion tables are present.

Listen to compact disks to ensure spoken word agrees with the test title and can be played using audio equipment.

After completing a joint inventory of contents, TCO, ITCO or ATCO, and witness, will immediately sign and return a copy of the packing list either via fax or mail to acknowledge receipt of listed APT material. Failure to do so will result in a suspension of order privileges.

Test materials will be secured in a safe or floor‐type lockable container (See Section 2.1 Security of

Test Materials).

1.8 Management Control Checklist for AR 611‐5

The following is the management control checklist for TCO use in evaluating key controls in the

APT Program.

This checklist is outlined in AR 611- 5, Management Control

Evaluation Checklist:

1. Function. The function covered by this checklist is the APT Program.

2. Purpose. The purpose of this checklist is to assist TCOs and other responsible personnel in evaluating key management controls. It is not intended to cover all controls.

3. Instructions. Answers must be based on the actual testing of key management controls such as document analysis, direct observation, interviewing, sampling, and simulation. Answers that indicate deficiencies must be expanded and corrective action indicated in supporting documentation. It is recommended that these management controls be evaluated each year, but they must be evaluated at least once every five years. Certification that this evaluation has been conducted must be documented on DA Form 11‐2‐R (March 10), Internal Control Evaluation Certification. Previous version of this form (July 94), Management Control Evaluation Certification Statement is obsolete.

4. Test Questions.

A. Are there valid TCO and Alternate TCO (ATCO) appointment orders on file with the APT

Program Office for the Test Account?

B. Has the TCO and/or ATCO verified all contact information on file with the APT Program office within the past 12 months?

C. Are unauthorized personnel (e.g., linguist or person [or spouse of a person] required to take an APT Test) assigned TCO, ATCO or TE duties?

D. Do all testing personnel have access to AR 611‐5, AR 11‐6, TCO Handbook, and APT

Messages?

E. Is there a local APT Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)?

F. Are the following local procedures outlined in the SOP: local administration, instructions for test logs, test security, mailing and receiving procedures, and test staff duties?

G. Are the proper security containers used as outlined in AR 611‐5?

H. Are scoring keys stored in a separate drawer or container from the test booklets and cassettes?

I. Are completed answer sheets secured in a safe/locked container?

J. Is a physical inventory of APT materials performed quarterly?

K. Did the test account’s last quarterly inventory submission to the APT Distribution Center reconcile successfully?

L. Are test materials inventoried and posted to the APT Inventory immediately upon receipt?

M. Are all outgoing packages of test materials and completed answer sheets double‐wrapped, properly marked and addressed, and mailed using certified or registered mail?

N. Do all outgoing packages include transmittal documentation?

O. Are proper procedures followed in securing, transferring, maintaining, and destroying test materials and/or test score reports, including during test administration?

P. Are proper test instructions followed as outlined in manuals for each test?

Q Does testing occur under favorable testing conditions (e.g., well‐lit, quiet testing room with proper separation of examinees)?

R. Are all test eligibility requirements adhered to, including the six month retest policy?

S. Are APT records maintained for a minimum of two years?

5. Comments. Help make this a better tool for evaluating management controls.

Submit comments to: Education Division AHRC‐PDE‐P (ATTN: APT), Email: usarmy.knox.hrc.mbx.tagd-army-personnel-testing@mail.mil

1.9 Maintaining Standing Operating Procedures (SOP)

The SOP contains detailed step‐by‐step instructions to control the daily test center operations developed locally for and by each APT test site. Maintaining an SOP is required by AR 611‐5. It also assists in providing continuity with personnel changeovers at the test site and may be an asset in training test staff and new personnel. SOPs should be easy to read, understand, and follow. Anyone that is not in the testing arena should be able to pick up your SOP and be able to conduct your daily business.

The following is a non‐comprehensive list of questions/issues that should be addressed in the local

SOP:

General Information

Test Account ID and list of exams that are administered at your test site.

Layout of test facility, room assignments, etc.

Duties of all testing staff should be outlined.

How TCO/ATCO changeovers are managed (test security, appointment orders, inventory, training, etc.).

How is the management control checklist performed? By whom? Where are copies of the DA

Form 11‐2‐R, Internal Control Evaluation Certification, maintained?

Where are APT messages maintained?

Scheduling Procedures

How is scheduling handled?

Is there a calendar of specific dates with specific exams, or is it based upon requests by

Soldiers?

Who is allowed to set up test schedules?

Eligibility

How is eligibility determined for each examinee? Soldiers are required to submit DA Form

4187, ROTC Cadets must submit memo, testing other service member guidelines, etc.

Local procedures for completing the DA Form 4187.

How are eligibility requirements verified prior to testing Soldiers?

How is communication with Command Language Program Managers (CLPM) maintained?

Will CLPMs be responsible for submission of exception to policy directly to HRC, or should they be routed through the TCO?

Preparation for Test Administration

Test administration guidelines to include test environment.

Who handles gathering the material, preparation, and set‐up for test administration?

How are test logs completed to document removal of materials from the safe?

What type of equipment will be used in the administration of the test?

Are there back‐up systems if there is a problem?

Who is authorized to handle equipment?

Who maintains the testing log of Soldiers and what booklets were used on specific test dates?

Test Administration

Ensure Test Administration Statement is signed by every examinee.

Briefing of examinee responsibilities, see Section 5.4, Test Administration Statement, After Test

Administration

Once test administration is completed, how are test materials gathered from examinees and checked to ensure all materials are present?

Who returns materials to the safe?

Who completes test log returning materials to the safe?

Scoring Procedures

Where are exams to be scored? Is there a designated area?

Who is allowed to score exams?

Who double‐scores exams?

What will be the standard time frame to complete scoring for your test site?

Who is responsible for preparation of score results?

Who is authorized to sign score reports?

Who is responsible for forwarding score reports to Military Personnel Division and ensuring timely entry?

Is there a follow‐up to be performed to ensure scores have been posted? When will that occur?

APT Records

Where are score reports stored?

How are they organized? Test Security

How is test material stored and organized?

Mail Procedures/Mail Security, see Section 2.3.

How are packages with test material received and handled when the TCO and ATCO are absent?

Compromise Policy and Procedures, see Section 2.6.

Who is responsible for receiving and inventorying test materials?

Who is authorized access to test material?

Where is the test log and how is it maintained when test materials are removed from the safe?

How are compromised or suspended materials secured?

Are suspended materials isolated from other materials in files with a note regarding compromise or suspension?

Test Inventory

Who is responsible for ordering test materials and ensuring test site maintains adequate stock of answer sheets.

How/who conducts local quarterly physical inventory?

How are materials for destruction kept separate from other controlled materials?

How is the destruction process accomplished? Is there a witness and a TCO or ATCO signature on all destruction documents?

Optional Additional Information

Has a database, filing system, or spreadsheet been created to track testing?

o How are established agreements/communication with units and Soldiers being managed?

o Are there any unique situations for conditions present at this site?

1.10 Closing an APT Test Account

Test Accounts can close for many reasons, such as base closure, transfer of testing responsibility, or requirement for testing no longer exists. This section only applies to accounts that are closing; not accounts that are being transferred to another organization. The following steps are taken to close a test account:

TCO will send a written memo (See Figure 4, Section 1-4 Sample Test Site Closure Memorandum, Sample Test Site Closure Memorandum) signed by the unit commander to the APT Program

Office (see Appendix C: Points of Contact) requesting account closure. The memo will include reason for closure, date last test administered, and how Soldiers will test once the account is closed. TCOs should make telephonic or email inquiry first to ensure there are no obstacles to account closure.

APT Program Manager will approve or disapprove account closure. Accounts can only close with the approval of the APT Program Manager. Accounts undergoing investigations will not close until the investigation is complete and a response to the report has been made by the

Military Accessions Policy Working Group (MAPWG) or test proponent as appropriate.

Accounts that have recently conducted testing cannot close until measures are in place to ensure

Soldiers can still test elsewhere.

Upon approval to close, the APT Distribution Center will provide TCO with an inventory listing.

TCO will conduct a physical inventory using that listing. Report any discrepancies to the APT

Program Manager. Any discrepancies must be resolved before the account can be closed, to include conducting any necessary investigation.

The TCO will return all test material to the APT Distribution Center using one of the following traceable delivery methods: Registered Mail through the United States Postal Service, UPS, or

Federal Express. DO NOT mail any test material via Certified Mail. See Appendix C: Points of

Contactfor address and Section 2.3, Mailing Controlled Test Materials. Occasionally, the APT

Program Manager will provide alternate disposition instructions for test material.

If the inventory has no discrepancies, the TCO will package all test material IAW AR 611‐5 and

Section 2.3, Mailing Controlled Test Materials, and return to the APT Distribution Center (see

Appendix C). Pack booklets, CDs and scoring keys separately. Items will be packed in both form number and serial number order. Do not pack them all together or pack multiple versions of the same test in the same box. Inner packages will also be placed in outer packages in form number and serial number order. Outer packages will be marked to indicate which box in sequence they are, i.e., 1 of 5.

Any completed answer sheets on file are not to be returned to the APT Distribution Center.

Destroy all other APT answer sheets IAW AR 611‐5 and Section 2.5, Destruction of Test

Materials, of this handbook.

APT Distribution Center will inventory received packages. All discrepancies will have to be resolved before the account can close. If all test material is accounted for, TCO will be authorized to proceed with account closure.

TCOs will dispose of all other APT records IAW applicable regulations and notify APT Program

Manager that all records have been disposed of.

APT Program Manager will officially close the account and provide an email confirmation to

TCO referencing closure of the account.

Figure 4, Section 1-4 Sample Test Site Closure Memorandum

MEMORANDUM FOR Education Division AHRC‐PDE‐P (Attn: APT), U.S. Army Human Resources Command, 1600 Spearhead Division Avenue, Fort Knox, KY 40122-5401

SUBJECT: Closure of Army Personnel Testing Center Test Account [Test Account ID]

1. Due to the [provide justification: i.e., downsizing of the military population, no requirement for testing] at [site name], Army Personnel Testing will cease operation on [date].

2. Request the deactivation of Test Account Number [acct. #] as of [date], due to the closure of

[complete site address].

3. All current test materials have been returned to the APT Distribution Center. All obsolete materials have been destroyed and destruction certificates forwarded to the APT Distribution Center.

4. Point of Contact. Include telephone and fax number and email address.

COMMANDER’S SIGNATURE

Army Personnel Testing

Section 2

Test Security

2.1 Security of Test Materials

Test components must be accounted for and secured at all times when not in use. When using a container, one of the following containers below is required:

A metal file cabinet equipped with a steel lock bar and three‐combination, dial, or digital padlock.

A metal file cabinet equipped with a built‐in three‐combination lock.

An upright safe or vault.

When test materials, except unused answer sheets, are taken from and returned to the safe, an exact count of the test material will be made. This will be recorded in the "Notes" section of DA Form

5159‐R.

Each time the safe is opened, a record shall be made on SF Form 702.

Test materials, except for blank answer sheets, will be kept in locked rooms or containers when not in transit or in actual use. Test scoring keys will not be stored in the same file drawer as test booklets. Only persons whose duties require use of the test materials will have keys and/or combinations to test storage areas/files.

Blank answer sheets are not controlled material and do not need to be secured. However, once a social security number or a single answer has been recorded on any APT answer sheet, it is considered controlled test material and must be handled accordingly.

APT personnel will ensure "For Official Use Only" is stamped or printed on all test components.

Copying of APT Test Material is not permitted. APT Test Material will not be loaned to anyone that is not an APT TCO or not on TCO orders without the written consent of the APT Program

Manager.

2.2 Disposition of Current Test Materials

2.2.1 Maintaining Currency of Test Materials

It is imperative that all test materials used are current. Obsolete or suspended test materials shall not be used under any circumstances. This ensures that exams are not overexposed or become involved in compromise investigations.

Upon release of a new paper‐based APT exam where no compromise was involved, test sites will have 90 days to order and begin administering the revised versions and to cease usage of the previous versions. Upon release of new online APT exams, test sites will immediately cease using the old version. Once an electronic version APT exam has been released, paper versions are no longer authorized unless otherwise directed by APT Manager.

When an exam is discontinued due to compromise or other reasons by the APT Program Office, a shorter period of time to cease administration of exam may be necessary. The APT Program Office will release a message providing detailed guidance and termination date of previous exam.

2.2.2 Transfer of Test Material

Test material may be permanently transferred to another established APT site only with authorization from the APT Program Office. Temporarily hand‐receipting test material for 90 days or less does not count as transferring test material.

The test account holder who is transferring material to another site must document all materials on a

DA Form 200 and include all items transferred by nomenclature, date, and serial number. Ensure that all materials are mailed IAW AR 611‐5 and Section 2.3, Mailing Controlled Test Materials, of this handbook. In addition, a copy of the transmittal document must be submitted to the APT

Distribution Center (See Appendix C) and include the Test Account IDs for both accounts involved in the transfer.

2.2.3 Current Test Materials that are Damaged

Current test materials that have been damaged due to over usage and wear and tear shall be returned to the APT Distribution Center. TCO shall document all items on a DA Form 200 and state the reason for return. It is the test site’s responsibility to ensure that the items have been received at the

APT Distribution Center.

2.3 Mailing Controlled Test Materials

When mailing controlled test materials (including used answer sheets), personnel will ensure that all items are double‐wrapped.

The inner envelope, which must also be addressed, is stamped with the following:

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

ARMY PERSONNEL TESTING CONTROLLED TEST MATERIAL TO BE OPENED BY

TEST CONTROL OFFICER ONLY

The outer package will not indicate that it contains controlled test material or that it is FOUO.

All test materials that are mailed must be sent using a traceable delivery method such as the following:

Registered mail through the United States Postal Service (Certified mail will not be used)

United Parcel Service (UPS)

FedEx

Airborne Express

Individual courier services cannot be used.

MEPS sites shall follow mailing procedures outlined in USMEPCOM Regulation 611‐1.

Transmittal documentation must be included with all packages. The TCO/ATCO or TE must ensure that complete information is provided on the contents of the package and that a return receipt has been requested.

When mailing materials between test sites, or sub‐sites, it is the sending TCO’s responsibility to ensure receipt of the materials by the receiving party.

Scoring keys must be mailed separately from other test materials. Test booklets, CDs, administration manuals, and blank answer sheets may be packaged together.