IATA has developed a complete solution for Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers around the world to meet ICAO English language proficiency standards. IATA's Aviation English Solution consists of the following three sequential services (Figure 1).

(1) Assessment Service (2) Language Training (3) Proficiency test -- >> ICAO Proficiency Level 4.    

Assessment service

This service enables organizations to assess their Pilots' and ATCOs' level of English language proficiency in an aviation context. This is the critical first step for any organization to create an action plan. The objective of the assessment is to evaluate pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interaction. A consolidated report with recommendations for training is then provided to the organization.

The IATA Aviation English Language solution for Assessment and Training is offered through Berlitz Languages Inc.. For further information, please contact Berlitz directly at aviationenglish@berlitz.com

Assessment service

This service enables organizations to assess their Pilots' and ATCOs' level of English language proficiency in an aviation context. This is the critical first step for any organization to create an action plan. The objective of the assessent is to evaluate pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interaction. A consolidated report with recommendations for training is then provided to the organization.

The assessment requires that each designated Pilot or ATCO call in to a testing center and participate in an aviation-related conversation with a qualified, native English-speaking rater. The conversation takes up to 15 minutes and is scored based on the ICAO English Proficency Scale. 

Before the assessments can begin, one person within the organization (the "Client Contact") must confirm the assessment schedule for each of its designated Pilots or ATCOs ("Candidates"). The Internet schedule will always appear in relation to the Client time zone.   

Upon completing this course you will have the skills to:

• Meet and exceed the required ICAO level 4 proficiency standard
• Apply aviation English in a operational context 

This course is recommended for:

• Pilots
• Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) 

The Summary Report includes the following information:

• The number of Candidates who completed the assessment (and the number who did not call) 
• The percentage of Candidates at each ICAO level for each of the six evaluation criteria 
• The overall percentage of Candidates at each ICAO level
• The number of Candidates at each ICAO Level
• The names of Candidates at each ICAO level
• High-level training recommednations that can be use to begin planning for those employees who require training. 

The Candidate Report incliudes the following information for each individual assessed:

• Client information 
• Candidate information (including name and ID)
• Assessment details
• Candidate's score for each of the six ICAO proficiency levels 
• Candidate's overall ICAO proficiency rating 
• Rater's comments pertaining to the assessment 
• Recommended number of lessons to reach ICAO Level 4 (if the Candidate's overall rating is ICAO Level 3 or lower)

Candidates are assigned a rating from 1 to 6 on each of the six ICAO proficiency criteria. As per the Manual on the Implementation of ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements (paragraph 2.8.4), the overall score of the Candidate corresponds to the lowest score obtained on any one of the six criteria. For instance, a Candidate who obtains a score of 4 on pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluencey and comprehension, but scores 3 on interactions is assigned an overall score of 3. 

Candidates are assigned one fo the following nine possible overal scores:

• ICAO Level 1
• ICAO Level 2 (medium) 
• ICAO Level 2 (high) 
• ICAO Level 3 (low) 
• ICAO Level 3 (medium) 
• ICAO Level 3 (high) 
• ICAO Level 4 
• ICAO Level 5 
• ICAO Level 6

Candidates assigned an overall score of ICAO Level 4 or higher do not require any training. Candidates with an overall score below ICAO Level 4 do require training. The amount of training needed to reach ICAO Level 4 depends upon the Cnadidate's overall score. For example, Candidates with an overall score of 2 require more training than those with an overall score of 3. 

A pricing table for the IATA Aviation English Assessment Service is available on request. 

A technical and financial proposal for Aviation English Training will be provided once the Assessment is completed and the lesson type confirmed. For each Candidate enrolling in the IATA Aviation English Training Programme, IATA will reimburse the cost of the Assessment Service. The Assessment of the Candidate will therefore be free of charge. 

The IATA Aviation English Language solution for Assessment and Training is offered through Berlitz Languages Inc.. For further information, please contact Berlitz directly at aviationenglish@berlitz.com