NLSC is an initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office (DLNSEO)
About Membership

Who we are:

The National Language Service Corps (NLSC) is America’s premier group of highly skilled language professionals who connect, share, and grow through networking, training, and testing opportunities. As a congressionally authorized program of the Department of Defense, the NLSC taps its members to support Federal Government partners through translation, interpretation, instruction, and cultural advising. NLSC assignments require a diverse membership–speakers of all languages are encouraged to apply.


Ahmed
Arabic speaker
NLSC member since 2018

Top 10 Reasons to Join the NLSC

1. Volunteer for your country. Use your language and cultural skills to help your community, country, and fellow citizens.
2. Grow your language skills. Sharpen your language proficiency or pick up a new language with our free online learning tools and trainings.
3. Connect with the language community.
Meet others who are passionate about language and national service.
4. Gain professional experience. Learn about opportunities to support a Federal agency as an interpreter, translator, instructor, or cultural advisor.
5. Enjoy interesting speakers and events. From language sustainment to emergency preparedness training, attend regular events and seminars to develop your skills and share what you know.
6. Network with peers. With over 11,000 members, you can meet others who speak your language or who may work in your dream job or field.
7. Enhance your resume. Boost your language credentials by adding your membership, service experiences, and test scores; learn valuable techniques for marketing your language and cultural skills.
8. Validate your language skills.
Access language tests recognized throughout the U.S. Government, like the Defense Language Proficiency Test or the Oral Proficiency Test.
9. Join for free. Becoming a member of the NLSC is 100% free!
10. Have fun!
1. Volunteer for your country. Use your language and cultural skills to help your community, country and fellow citizens.
2. Grow your language skills. Sharpen your language proficiency or pick up a new language with our free online learning tools and trainings.
3. Connect with the language community.
Meet others who are passionate about language and national service.
4. Gain professional experience. Learn about opportunities to support a Federal agency as an interpreter, translator, instructor, or cultural advisor.
5. Enjoy interesting speakers and events. From language sustainment to emergency preparedness training, attend regular events and seminars to develop your skills and share what you know.
6. Network with peers. With over 11,000 members, you can meet others who speak your language or who may work in your dream job or field.
7. Enhance your resume. Boost your language credentials by adding your membership, service experiences, and test scores; learn valuable techniques for marketing your language and cultural skills.
8. Validate your language skills. Access language tests recognized throughout the U.S. Government, like the Defense Language Proficiency Test or the Oral Proficiency Test.
9. Join for free. Becoming a member of the NLSC is 100% free!
10. It’s fun!

Qualifications of NLSC Membership

To become a NLSC member you need to meet all of the following requirements:
U.S. citizen and 18 or older
Fluent in English and a foreign language
Male applicants must have registered for Selective Service The NLSC desires members with the following skills and experience:
Translation and interpretation experience
Foreign language certifications
Academic qualifications in language and cultural studies

Application Timeline

If you would like to apply to become an NLSC member, follow the steps outlined below and apply today. If you have questions on the application process, review over these FAQs.
Register NLSC Account
See if you qualify to become an NLSC member
Upload Documents
Provide your current resume and/or language test scores for best consideration
Complete NLSC Application & Global Skills Self-Assessment
Tell us about yourself and your language skills
NLSC Reviews Submission and Emails Next Steps
Application is validated and a Commitment Letter is emailed
Sign and Upload Commitment Letter
Last step to becoming a member is committing to the NLSC Values and Member Code of Conduct

Apply