Test Information
As the skies become
increasingly crowded communication has become even more critical to ensure aviation safety; technology, of
course, has an important role to play to prevent misunderstanding but the need
for aviation personnel to speak
English has long been recognized.
ICAO’s new language proficiency requirements
demand that all international pilots and air traffic controllers must now have
a minimum level of English – ICAO Operational Level 4.
TEA has been developed
and is delivered according to recommendations made in ICAO document 9835.TEA is
not a test of operational competence – TEA is a test of English language
ability in an aviation context. TEA takes the form of a 20-minute, face-to-face
interview.
Research
indicates that TEA is a valid, standardized, accurate and secure testing
solution.
Where can I take the test?
AVIOMAR is
an authorized TEA test centre.
What does the test consist in?
TEA is a test of your English ability – it
is not a test of your operational knowledge. TEA is a test of plain English
in an aviation context.
TEA
is a face-to-face interview with an examiner lasting about 20 minutes and
consisting of three sections:
Section One Introduction
(5-6 minutes)
The candidate is
asked a series of questions on common, concrete and work-related topics
relating to his/her aviation background. Section
Two Interactive Comprehension (8-12 minutes)
Part 2A: Candidates listen to aviation-specific recordings of
non-routine and emergency situations. Candidates are required to
explain what they understand about the situation.
Parts 2B
& 2C: Candidates listen to a
series of problem-solving role-play scenarios. In Part 2B, the candidate is
required to ask questions to the speaker. In Part 2C, the candidate is
required to give advice to the speaker.
Section Three Description
and Discussion (8 minutes)
Candidates are
presented with a series of aviation-related images and are asked to
describe and compare what they see. The examiner will then ask further
questions related to the images.
You may listen to an
example by clicking here onto the TEA website.
Does TEA contain standard phraseology?
As ICAO has
recommended, TEA is a test of plain English in an aviation context. Standard
Phraseology is used in TEA as a prompt to elicit a plain English
response. However, candidates are not required to produce (speak) Standard
Phraseology. ICAO's website gives further clarification on this important issue.
How will my language be assessed?
Your performance
during the TEA test will be assessed according to the language descriptors
developed by ICAO (click here to view these descriptors)
What is the cost of the Test?
110 euros.
What happens on the day of the exam?
You should arrive at least twenty minutes
before your appointment so that the administrator can take your photograph,
which will appear on your certificate. Make sure you bring your passport or
national identity card with you – you will not be allowed to take the test without it. You do not need
to bring anything else with you. If you have a mobile phone, this must be
turned off during the test. The test will be recorded for security reasons.
What kind of results are given?
The test is marked according to the ICAO
Language Proficiency Rating Scale . You will be given a mark between 1 and 6
for Vocabulary, Structure, Fluency, Pronunciation, Comprehension and
Interactions. The overall mark will be the lowest of these scores.
When will I receive my certificate?
Up to three weeks after you have taken the
test.
Can I repeat the Test?
Yes, whenever you want.
Can I
appeal if I’m not satisfied with my result?
Certainly,
appeals must be made to the centre in writing no later than one month after
certificates have been dispatched.
How do I register for a test?
Fill in the form on the left hand side with all your details and select a preferred date for the test. You will then be contacted by our centre manager to confirm your reservation.