About the ELPAC test — two papers, one standard
ELPAC is a digital test of English language proficiency for aeronautical communication. It is delivered in two papers and is offered in separate versions for air traffic controllers and pilots.
Computer-marked, 45 items
Paper 1 assesses listening comprehension in an aviation context. It is computer-marked and delivered through the ELPAC test system. There are separate ATC (four parts) and Pilot (five parts) versions.
- • Recognition tasks based on radiotelephony recordings
- • Multiple-choice questions on short and longer audio files
- • Marked automatically — results contribute to the overall ICAO level
Paper 1 — what to expect on the day
A short walkthrough of the listening paper — from check-in and the audio check through to submission and computer marking.
Check-in & ID
You arrive at the test centre, present photo ID and complete a brief fitness-to-test check. A test administrator seats you at a workstation with headphones.
Three tasks, two examiners
Paper 2 is a face-to-face speaking assessment rated live by two accredited examiners — an English Language Expert (ELE) and an Operational Expert (OPE), a serving or former air traffic controller or pilot. Each examiner independently applies the ICAO holistic descriptors and ICAO rating scale criteria. The overall ICAO level awarded is the lowest of the six sub-ratings. When the two examiners cannot reconcile, the case is resolved through a documented dispute-resolution mechanism (a third examiner).
- • Task 1 — Aeronautical experience and routine communication
- • Task 2 — Handling unusual or non-routine situations
- • Task 3 — Extended interaction, hypothesising, problem-solving
Paper 2 — what to expect on the day
A short walkthrough of the speaking paper — the same structure for ATC and pilot candidates — from the room setup to the rating against the ICAO scale.
Introduction & room setup
You sit with two trained examiners. The Operational Expert (OPE) assesses operational plausibility; the English Language Expert (ELE) assesses language. The test is recorded. After an ID and fitness check, the examiner briefs you on the three tasks ahead.
ICAO Levels 3 to 6
ELPAC results are reported on the ICAO language proficiency rating scale across six descriptors. Each descriptor is rated independently; the overall ICAO level is the lowest of the six sub-ratings.
| Descriptor | L3 — Pre-operational | L4 — Operational | L5 — Extended | L6 — Expert |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Influenced by L1; frequently interferes with understanding. | Influenced by L1 but only sometimes interferes with understanding. | Influenced by L1; rarely interferes with understanding. | Influenced by L1; virtually never interferes with understanding. |
| Structure | Basic structures used inconsistently; errors frequently impede meaning. | Basic structures used creatively; errors may occur but rarely impede meaning. | Basic structures consistently well controlled; complex structures attempted. | Both basic and complex structures consistently well controlled. |
| Vocabulary | Limited; often inadequate for the task; paraphrasing unsuccessful. | Usually sufficient for common, concrete and work-related topics; paraphrases successfully. | Sufficient and accurate for work topics; paraphrases consistently; uses idiom appropriately. | Rich, precise and idiomatic across all topics, including unfamiliar ones. |
| Fluency | Produces frequent pauses; hesitation and false starts disrupt communication. | Produces stretches of language at an appropriate tempo; occasional loss of fluency on topic change. | Sustains relatively easily on familiar and unfamiliar topics; uses discourse markers effectively. | Speaks at length with natural, effortless flow; varies speech for stylistic effect. |
| Comprehension | Often accurate only on common, concrete topics with familiar accents. | Accurate on common, concrete and work-related topics; mostly accurate with a linguistic or situational complication. | Accurate on common, concrete and work-related topics, and mostly accurate when faced with a complication. | Consistently accurate across a wide range of accents, registers and linguistic complications. |
| Interactions | Response slow; interaction often limited to simple, routine exchanges. | Responses usually immediate and appropriate; manages misunderstandings by checking and clarifying. | Responses immediate and appropriate; manages the speaker-listener relationship effectively. | Interacts easily in nearly all situations; sensitive to verbal and non-verbal cues and responds appropriately. |
ICAO AELTS recognition
ELPAC ATC and ELPAC Pilot are recognized by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) under the Aviation English Language Test Service (AELTS). Current recognition is valid through 31 December 2026.
Validity of ELPAC scores
ELPAC is designed so that a score can warrant a licensing decision. The full validity argument sets out the six linked inferences — from domain description through to utilisation — and the evidence behind each one.