Cranfield Aviation English Proficiency Testing Course



Cranfield Aviation English Proficiency Testing Course

The objective of English proficiency testing is to:

  1. Rate Air Traffic Control Personnel and Flight Crews involved in Flight Operations in airspace where the use of the English Language is required; and
  2. Obligate the necessary states, operators and individual aviation personnel to take the necessary steps to ensure that ATC’s and Flight Crews are proficient in conducting and comprehending radiotelephony telecommunications in the English Language.

The test is in accordance with ICAO and SACAA Standards. The ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements were developed to address the safety concern raised by accidents and incidents in which communication played a key role.

Cranfield Aviation Training is certified by the South African Civil Aviation Authority to conduct English Proficiency Tests in accordance with the recommended standards as laid out by ICAO with particular reference to DOC 9835.



Please make yourself familiar with this English Proficiency Test Booklet prior to taking your English Proficiency Test. Feel free to direct any questions at your examiner prior to or after the test. A student appeals process is in place and can be used should you question the results from your test.

Test Overview

Skills Tested

The 6 Language Proficiency Skills to be tested include:

  1. Pronunciation
  2. Structure
  3. Vocabulary
  4. Fluency
  5. Comprehension
  6. Interactions

Test Method

  1. Candidates will be asked a series of questions. Some questions relating to your work environment and other general questions.
  2. The test is not testing your knowledge of the job or your options, but only your understanding and command of the English Language.
  3. The Examiner will rate you on the 6 Proficiency skills mentioned above according to the ICAO recommended Rating Scale.
  4. This Rating Scale has 6 levels as follows:
    6 = Expert
    5 = Extended
    4 = Operational
    3 = Pre-operational
    2 = Elementary
    1 = Pre-elementaryThe Lowest score achieved on any of the Proficiency Skills becomes the overall Rating e.g. If you are rated (5) for Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Interactions, but you are rated (4) for Fluency, your overall rating becomes a (4).

Testers

Candidates shall be tested simultaneously by 2 examiners:

  1. An English Linguist
  2. An Aviation Expert

Test Times

  1. Booking a test session is essential. Please contact us to book your session.
  2. The Test Duration is between 30 Minutes and 1 hour per candidate. Please note that some Tests may take a few minutes less and some may take a few minutes more.
  3. Candidates shall be required to wait approximately 30 minutes for the processing of their test results.

Test Results

Air Traffic Controllers and Flight Crews involved in Flight Operations in airspace where the use of the English Language is required must achieve a rating of 4, 5 or 6.

  • Candidates achieving a Rating of 3 or lower: Shall not be permitted to operate in International Airspace as May 2008, and shall have to be re-tested in order to comply. Re-testing can be conducted a maximum of once per week.
  • Candidates achieving a Rating of 4: Shall be permitted to Operate in International Airspace but will have to repeat the English Proficiency Test within a three year period.
  • Candidates achieving a Rating of 5: Shall be permitted to Operate in International Airspace but will have to repeat the English Proficiency Test within a six year period.
  • Candidates achieving a Rating of 6: Shall be permitted to Operate in International Airspace and will not have to repeat the English Proficiency Test.

Certification

  1. All Candidates shall receive a Test Results Certificate after the test is complete.
  2. This Certificate is to contain the following:
    • Candidate Name
    • Candidate ID or Passport Number
    • Pilot’s License Number
    • Rating
    • Examiner Name and Signature
    • Test Date
    • Test Number
    • ATO Number
    • 1 x Colour Passport Photo

Dates and Fees

  1. English Proficiency Testing @ R750 ex VAT:
    • Please contact us to book this half hour oral test

Notes:

  • All prices quoted are ex VAT and per delegate
  • Rates are subject to change without notice

See Also :

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