The CAA International was established in 2007 as a subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority with the primary objective of incorporating, continuing and expanding the activities of the International Services Department of the CAA in the provision of independent expert advice and services to clients worldwide to assist in the enhancement of aviation safety. 1

The CAA International now provides consultancy, training and assessment services based on the expertise within the four operating groups of the CAA, 2  to aviation administrations, governments, commercial organisations and international funding agencies in over 140 countries. In the provision of its services, the CAA International seeks to assist its clients in the development and implementation of effective and up to date regulations, procedures and practices, ensuring the establishment of the necessary robust systems required to satisfy international safety oversight obligations. 3

Through its Examination Service, CAA International manages a comprehensive range of examinations and assessments covering all aspects of flight crew and air traffic controller competency. With a tradition of over three decades of quality assured oversight and regulation of aviation industry examinations, the Examination Service offers support to Civil Aviation Administrations who wish to issue or endorse their own professional licenses and ratings, but who may have neither the intention nor the required resources to develop their own testing systems. The experienced professionals of the CAA international, supported by its world-class systems, are able to produce examinations to meet clients' demands, and to turn around results within stringent timescales. 4

With aviation safety at stake, CAA International is committed to providing examinations of the highest possible quality. This commitment is supported by extensive experience and expertise, by a rigorous set of procedures established in the production of test items and test papers, by the continuous monitoring of marking, assessments and ratings and by a considerable programme of research and evaluation.

In response to the March 2008 ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements and the demands of the aviation industry, the CAA International English for Aviation Language Testing System (EALTS) has been added to this Examination Service.

Specifically designed to assist states with the operation of their own national licensing system in relation to English language proficiency endorsements, the CAA International EALTS offers a valid, reliable and quality-assured assessment of language proficiency in compliance with all published ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).

1 CAA International is a wholly owned subsidiary of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.

2 Safety Regulation Group, Economic Regulation Group, Consumer Protection Group and the Directorate of Airspace Policy.

3 CAA International offers technical assistance, training and examination services to help in the development of good practice in aviation safety using the comprehensive range of professional expertise available from within one of the world's leading aviation regulators. CAA International is able to deliver bespoke solutions individually tailored to meet the needs of all sectors of the aviation industry worldwide.

4 For further information on the examination and assessment services of the CAA International and other services available, visit www.caainternational.com or write to exams@caainternational.com