The ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and the
ICAO Holistic Descriptors
The ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements consist of Operational Level 4 of the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale (Attachment to Annex 1) and a set of Holistic Descriptors of operational language proficiency (Appendix to Annex 1).
The ICAO Rating Scale delineates six levels of language proficiency ranging from Pre-Elementary Level 1 to Expert Level 6 across six areas of linguistic description: pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions. The number of levels has been determined as sufficient to show adequate progression in developing language proficiency without exceeding the number of levels between which people are capable of making meaningful distinctions. It is not an equal interval scale but it does establish a minimum English language proficiency level determined as necessary for aeronautical radio-telephony communications. 1
The set of five Holistic Descriptors of operational language proficiency provide all-embracing characteristics of proficient speakers and establishes some context for communications. 2
The CAA International EALTS assesses English language proficiency in the context of aviation against the criteria contained in the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and the ICAO Holistic Descriptors.
The ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements state that an applicant for a pilot or air traffic controller licence or a licence-holder shall demonstrate, in a manner acceptable to the licensing authority, compliance with the ICAO Operational Level (Level 4) of the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and the Holistic Descriptors. 3
| ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale | ICAO Holistic Descriptors of operational language proficiency |
| Expert | Level 6 |
Proficient speakers shall:
- communicate effectively in voice-only (telephone/radiotelephone) and in face-to-face situations
- communicate on common, concrete and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity
- use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings (e.g. to check, confirm, or clarify information) in a general or work-related context
- handle successfully and with relative ease the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events that occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar
- use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community 4
|
| Extended | Level 5 |
| Operational | Level 4 |
| Pre-Operational | Level 3 |
| Elementary | Level 2 |
| Pre-Elementary | Level 1 |
|