# Application process timeline

**URL:** <https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/application-process-timeline/21867>\
**Category:** SECURITY CLEARANCE Q&A\
**Created:** [March 27, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/application-process-timeline/21867 "2026-03-27T19:11:27Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![cucumber](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/53a042/32.png) [@cucumber](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/u/cucumber)\
**Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 7:11pm UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/application-process-timeline/21867/1 "2026-03-27T19:11:27Z")

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I’ve applied to a three lettered agency for an IO job and received an invitation to take a language test (Chinese) within two days of me submitting the application. I just received the results of my language test and got a 3 for reading (I took the lower level test), and 3.6 for all ranges listening. I’ve read online that 3/3 is a decent score, so am I likely to move on to the next round? If so, does anyone know how long it would take? Asking because I’m new to this process and I’m not sure what to expect.

Also, when taking the DLPT, we were instructed that if we are in the military we are ineligible to test with the organization. Is there a reason behind this? Asking because I’m interested in joining the navy reserves and I am not sure if joining would potentially void my eligibility for this job. Thank you for any insights.

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**Author:** ![sbusquirrel](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/flex016/user_avatar/discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/sbusquirrel/32/34_2.png) [@sbusquirrel](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/u/sbusquirrel)\
**Post date:** [March 27, 2026, 8:24pm UTC](https://discuss.clearancejobsblog.com/t/application-process-timeline/21867/2 "2026-03-27T20:24:01Z")

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> [@cucumber](#):
>
> Also, when taking the DLPT, we were instructed that if we are in the military we are ineligible to test with the organization. Is there a reason behind this?

I think it is because there are different re-testing timelines for military and civilians. No problem with eligibility just a conflict with the incredible DLPT mafia.