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What are the ICAO language profiency requirements?

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), a body within the United Nations and with responsibility for international civil aviation governance, has passed a regulation which requires all member states to demonstrate by March 2008 that their international pilots and air traffic controllers are proficient in the English language. The new ICAO standards in relation to language proficiency requirements are as follows:

Annex 1

Standard 1.2.9.4

As of 5 March 2008, aeroplane and helicopter pilots, air traffic controllers and aeronautical station operators shall demonstrate the ability to speak and understand the language used for radiotelephony communications to the level specified in the language proficiency requirements in the Appendix.

Annex 6, PART 1

Standard 3.1.6

Operators shall ensure that flight crew members demonstrate the ability to speak and understand the language used for aeronautical radiotelephony communications as specified in Annex 1.

APPENDIX

The language proficiency requirements are applicable to the use of both phraseologies and plain English.

What is RELTA?

RELTA is the RMIT English Language Test for Aviation. RELTA is developed in response to the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.  There are two forms of the RELTA: one for pilots and one for air traffic controllers. RELTA evaluates language proficiency of pilots or air traffic controllers in accordance with the ICAO language proficiency requirements. The test assesses English language proficiency in routine and non-routine radiotelephony communication contexts as well as proficiency in General English in aviation-related contexts.

Why do I need to sit RELTA?

If you are asked to sit RELTA it means that your organisation needs to demonstrate the ICAO language proficiency levels of all personnel to the civil aviation authority in your country, in accordance with the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.

Who is RELTA for?

The RELTA is designed for pilots and air traffic controllers who need to be assessed in order to demonstrate proficiency in relation to the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.

What does the RELTA consist of?

The RELTA consists of two parts: a listening test and a speaking test. Each part is assessed by reference to the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale.

How is RELTA administered?

RELTA is delivered in at an approved local RELTA Test Centre. The Listening test is delivered on computers. The Speaking test is delivered by a RELTA Examiner so that candidates speak directly to the examiner during the test.

Does RELTA provide results according to the ICAO levels?

Yes. RELTA, has been trialled extensively with pilots and air traffic controllers whose first language is not English. In summary, the trials found the RELTA test to be:

How do I apply for RELTA?

You need to contact your local RELTA Test Centre to register to sit the test. You will need to provide your personal details, including your license number. The organisation you work for will be able to tell you where you can sit the test and what dates are available.

How long is the RELTA?

The RELTA Speaking component takes 25 minutes and the Listening component takes up to 40 minutes.

What does sitting the RELTA involve?

RELTA comprises two components- Listening and speaking. Both the Listening and Speaking tests are done at the same place on the same day. Candidates' voices are recorded onto a computer and then are marked by an accredited rater after the test is completed.

Does the RELTA require knowledge of aviation contexts?

Yes. RELTA assumes adequate and appropriate experience as well as a working knowledge of international flight operations and contexts relevant to pilots and air traffic controllers. RELTA incorporates radiotelephony words and phrases and assumes candidates are familiar with the concepts in which this language is used. RELTA does not test aviation knowledge. RELTA assesses a candidate's ability to use radiotelephony language.

What does the RELTA assess?

The RELTA is a test of a candidate's ability to speak and understand English in aviation contexts. It does not test a candidate's ability to read or write in English. It does not assess your aviation knowledge. You will be assessed on your ability to communicate in routine and non-routine radiotelephony communications and use plain English in aviation contexts.

How is an ICAO score generated?

Your performance will be assessed in relation to the six-band ICAO language proficiency rating scale. The minimum level to achieve ICAO compliance is Level 4. 

There are six language criteria in each band level: pronunciation, language structure, vocabulary, fluency, interactions and comprehension. Your lowest score on any criterion will determine your overall score. In other words, you need to achieve at least Level 4 in each of the six criteria.

How can I prepare for the test?

Complete the RELTA Preparation course and accompanying Practice RELTA (Listening and Speaking Tests).

If I do an English language program or a preparation program before the test, will I get the score I need?

If you do an English language program delivered by RMIT English Worldwide or by another language provider, it does not guarantee that you will achieve ICAO Level 4, 5 or 6. These English language programs are designed to develop English language skills and participants should notice an improvement in their confidence when speaking and using English. However, these courses are not designed to assess a candidate's success on the RELTA.

What do I need to bring on the day of the RELTA?

You will need to bring your booking confirmation form, photo identification and your license/passport. You must have these documents in order to sit the test on the day. Everything else you need for the test will be provided but you should bring a pen or pencil to write with.

You cannot use a dictionary or mobile phone during the test. You cannot use your own paper or notes.

For how long is a test score valid?

This is determined by your local civil aviation authority. However, ICAO recommends test results remain valid as follows:

Do I have to do both the Listening and speaking components?

Yes. The RELTA consists of both these components so both must be completed by all candidates.

What if I achieve Level 4 on only one component of the test (eg Listening only), can I just repeat the one part of the RELTA?

If you are repeating the RELTA, you are required to sit the entire test even if you received a low score in only one component. Results from previous RELTA tests are not carried forward.

Is every test the same? For example, if I sit the test in April and then do it again three months later, will the test be the same?

There are many versions of the test and systems in place to monitor the allocation of test versions to test centres. No candidate will repeat the same test. However, the structure of RELTA remains the same for all versions.

How soon can I get my results?

Results are issued 15 working days after the test date. Results may be made available to individual candidates through their organisation, directly or through their local civil aviation authority.

Can I appeal my results or request a remark?

Yes. If you feel the result you received was not accurate, you can request that your performance be remarked. You will need to contact your local RELTA Test Centre as soon as possible after you receive your results, if you wish to appeal your RELTA result. A fee is associated with appealing a RELTA result.