English Language Proficiency Test
SACAA Requirements
English Language Proficiency Rating
All pilots must be able to understand and use the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) phraseology as well as international commonly practiced English. This test evaluates and assesses the following skills:
- Pronunciation
- Structure
- Vocabulary
- Fluency
- Comprehension
- Interactions
The testing is conducted externally by a language expert and a subject matter expert.
There generally isn’t any ground school for this rating. If a candidate scores less than a level 4 they would they be required to complete an English Language Proficiency Course.
How the ICAO Rating Works
| Level | Validity |
|---|---|
| Level 6: Expert | No Retest Required |
| Level 5: Extended | 6 Years |
| Level 4: Operational | 3 Years |
| Level 3: Pre-Operational | N/A |
| Level 2: Elementary | N/A |
| Level 1: Re-Elementary | N/A |
*ICAO level 3 or below indicates that you cannot fulfil the Aviation English Language Proficiency requirements, so you would need additional English language training before being reassessed.