English Language Proficiency Testing (ICAO)

You can undergo testing and obtain authorization for the English language used in civil aviation at Prince Aviation. The test is designed according to ICAO standards and approved by the Civil Aviation Directorate of the Republic of Serbia (DCV RS). The testing is organized and conducted by a highly trained team of aviation professionals, experts authorized by the competent aviation authorities (DCV RS). Taking this test is a legal obligation for every pilot in commercial aviation and is designed to enhance communication safety and maintain the required specific listening and speaking skills. The test is not a typical assessment of general English language knowledge or aviation phraseology. The focus is on communication in non-routine and unexpected situations, where urgent messages or information need to be conveyed. The test evaluates pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and interaction. Assessment is based on precisely defined descriptive criteria prescribed by ICAO, categorized into levels ranging from 1 to 6. Levels 1, 2, and 3 are non-passing, while levels 4, 5, and 6 are passing. Prior to the actual testing, we organize preparation sessions during which candidates receive detailed instructions on the exam content and process, as well as the opportunity to practice listening and speaking with the guidance and advice of an expert.

Answers to frequently asked questions:

• How can I apply for testing? You can apply for testing by filling out the form (link) and sending it to the email ATO@PRINCEAVIATION.COM, calling the phone number 011/260-84-31, or personally visiting our training center at Bulevar marsala Tolbuhina 40-42, Novi Beograd. We schedule the dates according to your needs.
• What documentation is required? The following documents are required for the exam: Identity card or passport (document confirming your identity) and a Pilot License.
• What does the exam look like and how is it conducted? The test is conducted solely in oral form, it is recorded, and evaluated by multiple assessors. The recording is strictly confidential and kept in accordance with legal regulations. Mobile phones or other electronic devices are not allowed in the testing room, and the use of paper and pen is also prohibited. The test consists of 4 parts, all of which have time limits:

1. Introduction: The first part of the test serves as a warm-up and allows the candidate to introduce themselves by answering questions posed by the examiner. The questions are simple but also discriminatory as they clearly indicate the candidate’s level of understanding and ability to engage in dialogue in a foreign language. This part does not last longer than 3 to 5 minutes.
2. Listening and Comprehension: The second part is more challenging and, in addition to listening and speaking, the candidate needs to activate their interactive skills. By listening to 5 recorded examples and reacting promptly, as well as reproducing the received information accurately, the candidate demonstrates their level of understanding of the described situation. This part continues with listening to 10 more recorded examples, but the task is different. Here, the candidate is expected to provide verbal expression which is not merely the reproduction of information but a response to the given information that must be acceptable – informative, logical, and appropriate for the given situation. You can listen to each recorded example a second time only if explicitly requested. It is not allowed to listen to the examples a third time. Inadequate responses in this part cannot lead to an operational level (Level 4) under any circumstances. This part should not last longer than 10 minutes. (EXAMPLE: audio clip corresponding to Operational Level 4 – insert audio clip)
3. Describing and Evaluating: In the third part, the candidate is shown two photographs depicting routine and non-routine situations in aviation. The task is to describe and evaluate both photographs within a time limit of no more than two minutes. Here, the candidate has the opportunity to use both simple and complex language structures and demonstrate the ability to use appropriate vocabulary for the given situations. Fluency in speaking is particularly evident in this part as the candidate only speaks what they want to. The allocated time for this part is 3 minutes.
4. Discussion: The fourth part of the test may seem similar to the first part, but it is more demanding because the examiner does not allow predetermined answers to be given through their questions. The candidate must independently devise a response, with a more complex grammatical structure suggested by the question asked. The answers in this part fully integrate all six speech functions presented and described by the ICAO scale. The allocated time for this part is 5 minutes.

• Are there preparations available for the exam? If you need assistance, advice, or further explanation, it is important to know that we organize exam preparations for every candidate who wishes to have them. The preparations are scheduled just before the exam, are not mandatory, free of charge, and last for 90 minutes. During this time, each candidate has the chance to go through all parts of the exam, listen, and speak in English while interacting directly with one of the examiners, as well as familiarize themselves with all technical and other details.
• How can I find out the results? The exam results are confidential and are the result of a detailed analysis of each candidate’s test through the application of clearly defined principles and procedures for which our examiners are specially trained. Although this is a “one-on-one” test, the examiner is required to consult at least one more examiner with the same qualifications during the evaluation process, and in case of differing opinions, a third person competent in this field must also be consulted. Unlike most tests where the final grade is the average value of all grades obtained on the test, the result of this test is the lowest grade obtained in one or more areas evaluated in this test. We are obliged to deliver the test results to you within three working days, written in a special Test Report and/or Certificate. The obtained document is submitted for further processing in the DCV RS. If a candidate does not achieve a passing grade, they can reapply for the exam after two weeks.