The CAA International EALT

English for Aviation language assessment for non-native speakers of English

The ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements stipulate that licensing authorities should require a specialised evaluation (or test) of those who do not demonstrate Expert Level 6 proficiency. 1

The CAAi English for Aviation Language Test (EALT) is an internationally recognised test of English language proficiency in the context of aviation specifically developed in response to the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements and their supporting Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs). It has been developed by subject matter experts, language training specialists and language assessment specialists in full compliance with ICAO guidelines as an on-demand comprehensive test of non-native speaker language proficiency in the context of aviation and aeronautical communications in which the demonstration of a candidate’s actual listening and speaking ability is required. 2 Alongside the test development process, further advice, support and input in relation to test administration procedures (including test delivery mechanisms and results distribution), test recognition and industry validity has been provided by national regulatory authorities and aviation licence administrators. 3

There is no pass mark as such in the EALTS. Rather candidates are awarded a rating within one of the six levels contained in the Scale in each of its six discrete features of language: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. Candidates receive an overall rating equivalent to that of the lowest rating achieved in any one of the six features. 4

The achievement of a rating at Operational Level 4 or above in the EALT may be used as evidence of the attainment of the specified level of language proficiency required for the purposes of radio-telephone communication in the context of international civil aviation.

1 c.f. ICAO Doc. 9835 Compliance with ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements 5.4

2 c.f. ICAO Cir 318-AN/180 Ch2 Test Design and Construct Section 1 and ICAO Doc. AUD001 Forward

3 Details of the test development team and a description of the test development process is available to test stake-holders in the CAAi EALTS Test Specification 2009 document.

4 c.f. ICAO Doc 9835 Ch.2 ICAO SARPs concerning Language Proficiency Requirements 2.8.4 and ICAO Doc 9835 Ch.6 Aviation Language Testing 6.5.1