Preparing for the language proficiency test

You can find language proficiency examiners on the Traficom language examiner list .

There are two versions of the language proficiency test, which are called the VFR and the IFR test, depending on the licence rating.

Test assessment

he language proficiency test includes a listening comprehension, an oral proficiency test and a phraseology test. Listening comprehension is assessed on a scale of 4, 5 and 6 or fail. Oral proficiency is assessed on a scale of 1–6 in six different areas in an interview. The level of language proficiency will be determined by the lowest level attained by the applicant in a single area of assessment. The phraseology test will be assessed as pass or fail and it will not affect the language proficiency level.

Passing the phraseology test requires a score of 75%. The assessment is based on the language proficiency rating scale published by ICAO, which is available in the EU Aircrew Regulation 1178/2011 (External link) (Appendix 2), for example.

Example

The applicant passes the phraseology test and attains level 5 on the hearing comprehension test. In the interview, they attain level 6 in pronunciation, level 5 in structure, level 4 in vocabulary, level 5 in fluency, level 6 in comprehension and level 5 in interactions on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) rating scale. In this event, the deciding lowest level is vocabulary with level 4. This level is the final grade of the language proficiency test, which the language proficiency examiner will enter on the applicant’s licence and as their language proficiency on the certificate.

Frequently asked questions

What are the contents of the language proficiency test?

The language proficiency test consists of three parts. The test starts with a hearing comprehension test with a duration of approximately 20 minutes, followed by a phraseology test testing the applicant’s knowledge of words and phraseologies used in aviation radio communications. Finally, the language proficiency examiner conducts an interview with a duration of approximately 20 minutes, in which they assess the applicant’s oral proficiency. The interview starts with a general section discussing different aviation themes from various angles.

The examiner will choose the themes based on the applicant’s licence rating and knowledge of aviation. They will not, however, assess the applicant’s knowledge of aviation, meaning that the applicant does not need to fear losing any points for incorrect answers. The examiner will only assess the applicant’s comprehension of English and how well they are able to express themselves in English. In the second section of the interview, the examiner will discuss two photographs with the applicant. First, they will ask the applicant to explain in their own words what is happening in the photographs, after which they will ask further questions and continue the discussion.

How can I prepare for the language proficiency test?

HThe easiest way to prepare for the phraseology test is to familiarise yourself with aviation guideline GEN T1-10 on the Traficom website. The guideline contains the radio communication words and phraseologies that will be tested in the phraseology test. You can find a few examples of assignments in the hearing comprehension and oral proficiency test at the end of this bulletin. The applicant should practice and actively use English prior to the test.

What should I bring to the language proficiency test?

A photo ID and all of the licences (e.g. PPL, GPL, CPL, ATCO) that you want to contain a language proficiency endorsement.

What is the duration of the language proficiency test?

The total time required for providing instructions, administering the test and giving feedback is a maximum of two hours.

When can I complete my first language proficiency test?

You should take the first language proficiency test immediately before your first solo flight, i.e. when you have flown for approximately 10–15 hours. If you already have a licence, you may take the test at any time. Air traffic controllers and flight information officers need to complete their tests in accordance with Finavia instructions.

When should I retake the test when the previous language proficiency endorsement is about to expire?

• If you reserve a retake test less than three months before the expiry of your previous language proficiency endorsement, the endorsement will be valid for the maximum time. In this event, the validity of the new endorsement will start when the previous endorsement expires.
• If you reserve a retake test more than three months before the expiry of the previous language proficiency endorsement, you will lose some of the validity of the endorsement. In this event, the validity of the new endorsement starts on the assessment date.

Language proficiency endorsements are valid as follows:

• For pilot licence holders, level 6 is valid for the time being and does not need to be renewed. For air navigation personnel, level 6 is valid for nine years.
• Level 5 is valid for six years.
• Level 4 is valid for four years for flight crew and three years for air navigation personnel.

Examples

Hearing comprehension assignment

Situation

“Mike and Frank were practising landings on a school flight. They were flying in the traffic circuit for runway 18. While flying on downwind Mike informed air traffic control of their intentions. Later, as they turned to final, they saw that a Piper was on the runway about to depart. It was clear that it had an engine problem. The air traffic controller did not wait for things to get worse; instead, he cancelled the Piper’s takeoff and told Mike and Frank to go around.”

Question

Select the one correct alternative.

1. Mike and Frank were flying a Piper.
2. Mike decided to go around due to an airplane on the runway.
3. The pilot of the Piper informed ATC of an engine problem
4. ATC reacted quickly. (Correct answer)

Oral proficiency assignment

General questions

1. Tell me what happens with the plane when you move the stick and pedals?
2. What are the procedures for a pilot performing a go around?
3. What is most demanding in flying a plane?

Questions concerning photographs

1. Do you think that this is an accident? (Next question: why / why not?)
2. Do you think that the fire trucks are washing the plane?
3. What do you think will happen next?