Eligible Candidates for the Test

The test is suitable for student and professional pilots (aeroplane or helicopter), student or professional controllers. It is your responsibility to check that your licence-issuing authority accepts a AELPT certificate from AU.

Overview of the AELPT test

• Plain English Focus: The test assesses a candidate’s ability to use clear, non-technical English in aviation contexts. It measures English language proficiency, fluency, interaction, and comprehension, not operational expertise.
• In-Person Assessment: The test is conducted face-to-face with a single assessor who encourages extended responses through guided prompts.
• DGCA Approved: AU’s AELPT is officially recognized and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in the State of Kuwait.
• Duration & Structure: The test lasts approximately 30 minutes and is divided into three key parts:

Part 1 – Interview

In this section, you will be asked a series of questions. In Part 1A, the questions will focus on you personally, similar to a standard interview. In Part 1B, you will be asked about your role in aviation. There are no right or wrong answers, simply demonstrate that you understand the questions by responding directly and fully. The Assessor may also ask follow-up questions to encourage you to expand on some of the points you mention in your answers.

Part 2 – Interactive Comprehension

This section consists of three parts – 2A, 2B, and 2C. In each part, you will listen to a series of recordings featuring international speakers of English. Each recording will be played only once, unless you request a repetition. If you need to hear something again to confirm or clarify what you missed or didn’t understand the first time, you may ask for it to be repeated. However, recordings cannot be played a third time. Please note that frequent requests for repetition may indicate limited comprehension and could affect your overall comprehension score.

In part 2A, you will listen to six recordings featuring a pilot or an air traffic controller speaking in non-routine aviation situations. After each recording, you must demonstrate full understanding of the situation by answering two questions: “What was the message?” and “Who was the speaker — a pilot or a controller?” The assessor will prompt you to “report what you can.” You should show your comprehension by explaining the situation either in your own words or using the same words from the recording. All details in each situation are important — make sure to include both the content of the message and the identity of the speaker. Including all key details, both the content of the message and the identity of the speaker, will strengthen your performance and contribute to a higher score.

In part 2B, you will listen to four longer recordings describing a non-routine situation. You will receive a Task Card and a marker to take notes that will help you remember key details. After listening, you must report the message as fully as possible — the more information you provide, the better your performance. You should describe the problem, state what the speaker needs, and include any

additional relevant details. If you do not provide all necessary information, it will negatively affect your score.

In part 2C, you will listen to three short recordings about emergency situations. After each recording, you will have 20 seconds to ask the speaker questions to find out more about the situation. Demonstrate your understanding by asking as many relevant and meaningful questions as you can.

Part 3 – Picture Description & Discussion

In this part of the test, you will be given 2 pictures to describe and compare. First, you will be shown the first picture and asked to describe it in 30 seconds. Then, you will be shown a second picture and asked a few comparison-based questions about the two pictures.

After the picture description, you will take part in an interactive discussion of general aviation topics related to the pictures. The Assessor will discuss these topics with you to allow you to display your ability in expressing opinions, expanding and justifying your ideas.

Procedure on test day

• You should arrive at the Centre at least 30 minutes before your test so that the Administrator can check your details and take your photograph (for registration purposes). You do not need to provide a photograph.
• You must carry the same identification used for test registration (passport OR the CID). You will not be allowed to take the test without it.
• Devices capable of recording must be left with the Administrator outside the test room. The test will be recorded for security and quality purposes.
• If you are unhappy about any aspect of the test day procedures, you must speak to the Administrator on the test day.
• Your test result will not be available on the test day. The Assessor will not give you any indication of how you have performed in the test.

Test Score

The test performance is scored according to the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale. Assessors evaluate only your performance during the test itself, and therefore they cannot take into account any previous experience or earlier test results. You will receive a score from 1 to 6 for your performance in Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension, and Interaction. The Overall Score (your ICAO Level) will be the lowest score among these categories, as required by ICAO regulations.

Grade/Level	Description	Validity

Receiving test results

Once your performance has been assessed and the test results have been verified, you will receive your test score via email within 7 business days.

Cancellation & Disqualification

• Once a test session is confirmed, fees are non-refundable. Cancellations are not permitted; however, rescheduling is allowed with at least two working days’ notice.
• If a candidate was absent from the test session, the test fees will not be refunded.
• Candidates can be disqualified for a test if:
  1. They carry prohibited items to the test room (items will be mentioned by the test Administrator before the test)
  2. If the ID brought to the test does not match the one used for registration