Question 1

How long does the test take?

Accepted Answer

Paper 1 (Listening) takes about 45 minutes. Paper 2 (Speaking) lasts roughly 25 minutes per candidate.

Question 2

What do I need to bring?

Accepted Answer

A valid photo ID. All equipment is provided by the test centre.

Question 3

Can I prepare for ELPAC?

Accepted Answer

ELPAC measures proficiency, not coachable content. Use English regularly in your operational role and try the sample test before the real exam.

Question 4

What is the difference between the ATC and Pilot versions?

Accepted Answer

Both versions assess the same ICAO requirements but use audio and tasks drawn from the candidate's own operational environment.

Question 5

Is ELPAC a valid test?

Accepted Answer

ELPAC's design is documented as a structured validity argument following the argument-based approach to validity established by Kane (1992, 2006) and applied to second-language testing by Chapelle, Enright and Jamieson (2008). It covers domain description, evaluation, generalisation, explanation, extrapolation and utilisation.

Question 6

Is ELPAC recognized by ICAO?

Accepted Answer

ELPAC ATC and ELPAC Pilot are recognized by ICAO under the Aviation English Language Test Service (AELTS), which assesses whether aviation English tests conform to ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices for Language Proficiency Requirements and the criteria in ICAO Doc 9835. Current recognition is valid through 31 December 2026; the ELPAC team started drafting the 2027–2029 renewal application in June 2026. Recognition does not constitute a partnership or joint venture between ICAO and the test provider.

Question 7

Who are the two examiners in Paper 2?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 8

Is the test recorded?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Paper 2 is recorded for quality assurance, third-assessor adjudication and appeals.

Question 9

When do I get my result?

Accepted Answer

Usually very quickly after Paper 2. The result is released through the ELPAC test system to the Test Administrator, and the official report is issued to the candidate by the user organisation.

Question 10

How long is my ELPAC certificate valid?

Accepted Answer

ATCOs: Level 4 valid 3 years, Level 5 valid 6 years, Level 6 valid for lifetime (9 years in EASA States). Flight crew: Level 4 valid 3 years (4 years in EASA States), Level 5 valid 6 years, Level 6 valid for lifetime.

Question 11

Can I re-sit only the paper I failed?

Accepted Answer

Yes — partial re-sits are possible within the rules of your user organisation and national authority.

Question 12

How are results delivered to my organisation?

Accepted Answer

Results are released through the ELPAC test system to the Test Administrator nominated by your user organisation.

Question 13

How do we become an ELPAC user organisation?

Accepted Answer

Contact the EUROCONTROL ELPAC team to register. See the Implementing ELPAC page for the steps involved.

Question 14

How do our staff become ELPAC examiners?

Accepted Answer

Examiners are nominated by their user organisation and accredited by EUROCONTROL together with ZHAW through the ACR (Accreditation) course, with ongoing standardisation through the REF (Refresher) course.

Frequently asked questions

Before the test

Test format

Results and validity

For organisations

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