Practice for the ECL and ALCPT, right in your browser.
2,095 multiple-choice questions in grammar, vocabulary, idioms and phrasal verbs, each with its explanation. Hear every question in American English, take timed practice tests, and get your own mistakes back until you master them.
Free, no sign-up. Your progress is saved in this browser.
What you can practice
Every question has four choices and one correct answer, with a short explanation of the rule behind it.
Grammar
Tenses, conditionals, modals, the passive, reported speech, prepositions and word order.
1,045questionsPractice grammarVocabulary
Words in context, American usage and the military terms used in training.
754questionsPractice vocabularyIdioms and phrasal verbs
Everyday American idioms and the phrasal verbs that learners mix up.
226questionsPractice idiomsPractice tests
Timed tests of 20, 40, 60 or 100 questions from the whole bank, and a 70-question module test.
100questions at mostTake a timed testReference
An idioms library with meanings and examples, and gap-fill drills with answer keys.
115idioms explainedRead the idioms
Learn the rules, then practice
Short lessons with colored tables, examples you can listen to, and a quick check at the end of each one. Translate any word into your own language as you read.
How a practice session works
Choose a set
A quick test of 10 questions, one grammar topic, or a timed practice test with 30 seconds per question by default.
Answer, then read why
You see straight away whether you were right, with the explanation. Listen reads the question and its four choices in American English.
Your mistakes come back
Each wrong answer goes into your mistake box. Every correct answer sends it further away (one day, then three, then seven) and the fourth one clears it.
Take the trainer offline
The free Android app has the same questions and works where a website cannot:
- No internet needed, on the bus, on base or in the field.
- Auto mode reads each question and its four choices for you.
- Your mistake box and favourites are always in your pocket.
For Android phones and tablets (Android 7.0 or newer).
Scan with your Android phone to open the app on Google Play.
Guides for test day
- The ECL test explained
What the English Comprehension Level (ECL) test measures, how it is built and scored, and how long a result stays valid.
- ALCPT and ECL compared
The ALCPT and the ECL both measure listening and reading, but they do different jobs. Purpose, format and scores of each test, side by side.
- A four-week study plan
A realistic four-week ECL study plan: 20 to 40 minutes a day of grammar, vocabulary, listening and timed practice, built around your own mistakes.
- Listening practice
Practical ways to train your ear for American English before the ECL or ALCPT: listen first, learn the sounds of fast speech, practice numbers and military time.
Questions people ask
Is this the official ECL test?
No. The ECL and the ALCPT are produced and controlled by the Defense Language Institute English Language Center (DLIELC). This site is an independent practice tool. Every question here is original, written to practice the grammar, vocabulary and idioms that the tests rely on.
Is it free?
Yes. The site is free and paid for by advertising. You do not need an account.
Where is my progress saved?
In your browser, on this computer. Clearing your browsing data erases it. In the trainer, Settings > My data lets you export a backup and import it in another browser.
Can I practice listening?
Yes. The Listen button reads each question and its choices with your browser's American English voice. Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge have the best voices. See how to practice listening.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes, in any phone browser. On Android, the free app is easier to use on a small screen and works without internet.
What score do I need?
It depends on your course. Each course sets its own minimum ECL score, and your training office can tell you yours. The percentage shown at the end of a practice test here is your own result, not an ECL score.