English Language Proficiency (ELP)
The international language of aviation is English. In accordance with the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) requirements, pilots and air traffic controllers cannot use the rights from their licenses and authorizations if they do not have the level of language knowledge endorsed in their license.
In order to check language skills, it is necessary to take an English language test and obtain a certificate of knowledge level assessment.
What is the English Language Proficiency test?
English language proficiency is a test designed in accordance with ICAO guidelines, that determines the applicant’s ability to speak and understand English in an aviation environment and is not a test of operational knowledge or phraseology.
Accordingly, the test is of an oral type and does not include any writing checks. It takes approximately 30 minutes, is done face-to-face with a certified examiner, and is recorded for safety and quality assurance reasons. Test results are generated instantly.
The minimum level for entering the language authority in the permit is ICAO level 4.
According to the ICAO Rating Scale, a knowledge from level 1 to level 6 can be demonstrated on the test. The candidate’s knowledge is assessed in all six ICAO skill areas:
- Pronunciation
- Structure
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Interactions
The final grade is the lowest grade from the mentioned six skill areas.
If the candidate achieves level 1, 2 or 3 on the test, it means that he cannot enter the knowledge level on his license and must take a new test.
If the candidate reaches level 4 (operational level), he obtains a certificate of knowledge of the aviation English language for 4 years, while reaching level 5 (advanced level) he receives a certificate for 6 years and level 6 (expert level) is a permanent certificate.
ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale
