A State’s Interpretation of a Foreign English Language Proficiency Certificate

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) English Language Proficiency (ELP) Certificate serves the purpose of verifying that Aviation personnel, including Pilots, Air Traffic Controllers and those who use radio telephony for international aviation communication, meet the minimum English language proficiency standards as set by ICAO in conformance with the communicative competencies (Holistic Descriptors).

It is important to note that a State may interpret and apply an ELP validation, as displayed in certificate format, slightly differently to that of another. Bearing this in mind, it is the responsibility of an individual attempting to register their ELP certification with a Foreign body, as part of their Private Pilot`s License (PPL), Commercial Pilot`s License (CPL) or Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) to meet the requirements of that State`s conversion process.

Due to potential differences being in existence, the applicant needs to take the following factors into account;

·        Ensure that your foreign ELP is an ICAO compliant level 4, 5 or 6.

·        Be in possession of the signed ELP Certificate.

·        Has been verified or endorsed by the State where they originally conducted their ELP Test.

Even after taking the above factors into account, please note that some Authorities may still require you to retake the ELP test with a provider that they have officially recognised as State specific.

Talking Radio is accredited to supply both the UKCAA and the EASA ELP Certificate.  For further information on how we can assist you with your ELP conversion process please email: karen@talkingradio.net