What is the LPT (Language Proficiency Test)?
The LPT was designed by the RCAA to meet the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, Part FCL, article FCL.055 and it is used to test the level of English proficiency for PPL(A/H), CPL(A/H), ATPL (A/H) and IR holders. The assessment is performed by two RCAA qualified examiners using the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale as published in AMC2 FCL.055. To view the rating scale. ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale
The LPT is designed to assess levels of English proficiency in accordance with the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale, from level 3 up to level 6. The minimum pass level required by article FCL.055 of Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 is level 4 (Operational).
How is the LPT conducted?
The LPT is a face-to-face interview with an interlocutor who is also the first examiner. The test is recorder and then rated by a second examiner in order to ensure a high level of objectivity. If the English language proficiency (ELP) level assigned by the first examiner does not match the ELP level assigned by the second examiner, the test recording is assessed by a third RCAA qualified examiner who assigns the final level.
In order to keep records and ensure traceability, the examiners fill in the candidate rating sheet.
To view the rating sheet. A80 Rating Sheet
How can you prepare for the LPT?
According to Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011, Part FCL, there are no specific requirements for pilot language training. However, pilots shall demonstrate the ability to:
- communicate effectively in voice-only and in face-to-face situations
- communicate on common and work-related topics with accuracy and clarity
- use appropriate communicative strategies to exchange messages and to recognise and resolve misunderstandings in a general or work-related context
- handle successfully the linguistic challenges presented by a complication or unexpected turn of events which occurs within the context of a routine work situation or communicative task with which they are otherwise familiar
- use a dialect or accent which is intelligible to the aeronautical community
How does the LPT work?
According to FCL.055, the LPT contains speaking and listening components.
- The test is divided into four parts. Each part assesses the six language descriptors in the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and the level of difficulty progresses gradually throughout the four parts of the test.
- The candidates are allowed to listen to the recordings only once in order to allow for an objective assessment of all levels of ELP (from L3 to L6)
- For the speaking component, the interlocutor will provide the questions and the candidate will need to answer.
- For the listening component, the candidate will have to listen to 1 (one) routine and 3 (three) non-routine real-life radio recordings and 1 (one) summary of an aviation and work-related incident/accident. After each recording the candidate has to formulate answers based on what they hear
- The radio recordings are provided through the use of headphones
- The radio recordings contain various types of English accents
SAMPLE LPT PART 1
In Part 1, the candidate:
- answers a series of work-related open questions provided by the interlocutor
- describes, compares and contrasts two aviation and work-related pictures
The assessment in this part of the test focuses on all 6 ICAO language descriptors (pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions) as published in AMC2 FCL.055, and sets the environment for the candidate to get familiar with the test format.
To listen to a sample of Part 1. Part 1 REC
To view the pictures. first picture, second picture
SAMPLE LPT PART 2
In Part 2, the candidate:
- listens to a short real-life radio recording,
- takes notes while listening
- describes the situation in the recording after the recording ends
After the candidate finishes the description, the interlocutor resumes the interview with a follow-up aviation and work-related open question.
The assessment in this part of the test focuses on all 6 ICAO language descriptors (pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions) with an emphasis on comprehension and situational awareness.
To listen to a sample of Part 2. Part 2 REC
SAMPLE LPT PART 3
In part 3, the candidate:
- listens to three different recordings, one at a time
- before each recording the interlocutor asks 3 3 different questions related to the information in the recordings
- writes down the 3 questions
- takes notes while listening to the recordings
- answer the 3 questions after each recording ends
After the candidate gives the answers for the third recording, the interlocutor resumes the interview with a follow-up aviation and work-related open question.
The assessment in this part of the test focuses on all 6 ICAO language descriptors (pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions) with an emphasis on comprehension and the ability of the candidate to listen for specific information in radio messages.
To listen to a sample of Part 3. Part 3 REC
SAMPLE LPT PART 4
In Part 4, the candidate:
- listens to a summary of an aviation and work-related incident/accident
- takes notes while listening
- describes the incident/accident and gives as many details as possible
After the candidate finishes the description of the incident/accident, the interlocutor resumes the interview with two follow-up aviation and work-related open questions.
NB: For potential L6 candidates, the interlocutor will ask at least four follow-up questions in this part of the LPT.
The assessment in this part of the test focuses on all 6 ICAO language descriptors (pronunciation, structure, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interaction) and is designed to differentiate between levels of English proficiency depending on the candidate’s performance in the test up to this part.
To listen to a sample of Part 4. Part 4 REC
LPT final results
Candidates who pass the LPT will receive by email a signed digital certificate and a detailed exam report. The certificate contains the candidate’s surname and name, final level obtained by the candidate, date of test and validity of the ELP level. The levels of validity as per FCL.055 are:
- level 4 (Operational), 4 years of validity
- level 5 (Extended), 6 years of validity
- level 6 (Expert), unlimited validity
The exam report contains the detailed description of the candidate’s performance in the test in each 6 ICAO language descriptors. The final level is calculated as the minimum level obtained in at least one ICAO language descriptor.
Candidates who fail the LPT will receive by email the signed digital exam report only.
In order to re-take the test, applicants have to submit a new test application.