English Language Proficiency Assessment

System F has CASA-approved assessors that are able to conduct your Aviation English Language Proficiency Level 6 (AELP6) or General English Language Proficiency (GELP) assessment. An English proficiency assessment takes approximately 20-30 minutes. The total cost for an English proficiency assessment is $100.00 payable on the day. There are no additional fees to submit and receive your assessment result with CASA.
All English proficiency assessments involve an interview with an assessor who will measure your ability to communicate using the English language. The interview will be audio-recorded. An Aviation ELP6 interview will include use of aviation terminology as it is used with an aeronautical radio. However, you are not expected to have a deep understanding of aviation terminology and you will not be assessed on aviation subjects. Your assessment result for AELP6 will be provided to you within approximately 24-48 hours by CASA as either:
  • Level 6 Expert Speaker of English
  • Referred to Specialist Assessor

Your AELP6 Level 6 Expert Speaker result is recognised by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Annex 1. A General ELP also involves an interview, though does not cover aviation terminology. There are no levels for GELP, so you will receive a "yes/no" result for a GELP assessment. AELP6 and GELP assessment standards are outlined in Section 1 of Schedule 2 of the CASR1998 Part 61 Manual of Standards . For more information about English assessments, see the CASA ELP Requirements information brochure (pdf) .

ELP Assessment Application Form

PDF
To apply for an English Language Proficiency assessment, please follow these steps:
1. Complete an application for a CASA Aviation Reference Number (ARN) if you have not done so already. You will need your ARN to complete the assessment.
2. Print and complete an ELP Assessment Application Form.
3. Email elp@systemf.com.au or phone 0481370721 to make an appointment.
4. Please bring your completed application form and at least one photographic identity document to your assessment interview.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Do I need an AELP6 or GELP assessment interview?
    AELP6 is the most common type of assessment, which you'll require to achieve most pilot licence standards. Less common is the GELP, which has lower assessment criteria and is typically sought after if you are seeking an Aeronautical Radio Operator Certificate (AROC) for the purpose of flying Remote Piloted Aircraft (RPA).
  2. How much does the assessment interview cost?
    $100.00 in total (inclusive of GST)
  3. How long will the assessment interview take?
    • AELP6: 25-35 minutes
    • GELP 15-25 minutes
  4. What do I need to bring to the assessment interview?
    • A completed ELP Assessment Application Form
    • At least one photographic identity document, such as a passport, driver's licence or ASIC.
  5. How do I book an appointment for an AELP6 or GELP assessment interview?
    • Complete an application for a CASA Aviation Reference Number (ARN) if you have not done so already. You will need your ARN to complete the assessment.
    • Print and complete an ELP Assessment Application Form.
    • Email elp@systemf.com.au or phone 0481370721 to make an appointment
    • Please bring your completed application form and at least one photographic identity document to your assessment interview.
  6. Is my English proficiency assessment recognised internationally?
    • AELP6: Yes. AELP6 is recognised by ICAO.
    • GELP: No.
  7. Who has access to the assessment interview recording?
    All assessments are audio-recorded and retained for 7 years by the assessor. The recording is kept confidential by the assessor and is shared only with other ELP assessors or CASA for verification, training and auditing purposes.
  8. How do I receive my assessment result?
    CASA will automatically send you an email once your ELP assessor submits your assessment result.
  9. I am a native English speaker — do I still need to sit an English proficiency assessment?
    Yes. Native English speakers will generally find it easier to meet the English proficiency assessment criteria. However, this does not necessarily mean you meet the AELP6 or GELP standard for English proficiency.
  10. I am a non-native English speaker (second language) — am I able to hold a Level 6 Expert Speaker?
    Yes. Many people who learned English as a second language have achieved Level 6 Expert Speaker.
  11. Do I need to study any aviation subjects in preparation for my AELP6 assessment?
    No. Your assessor will take your aviation experience into account for an AELP6 assessment. You will not be assessed on any aviation subjects, though you may be asked questions about your aviation experience.
  12. What will I be tested on in my assessment interview?
    You will be assessed based on the ICAO Annex 1 standards for English proficiency, which outlines 6 criteria for communication:
    • Pronunciation
    • Structure
    • Vocabulary
    • Fluency
    • Comprehension
    • Interaction
  13. Do I need to be retested periodically for English Language Proficiency?
    This depends on your assessment result
    • Expert Level 6 Speaker: No, it is perpetual.
    • Extended Level 5 Speaker: Every 6 years by a Specialist Assessor.
    • Operational Level 4 Speaker: Every 3 years by a Specialist Assessor.
    • Note: we do not perform assessments for levels 4 or 5 English language proficiency. However, we are able to refer you to a Specialist Assessor who can.
  14. I was tested for English proficiency in another country (e.g. USA) — why do I need to do another assessment interview?
    Some countries adopt a standard of English proficiency that does not meet the ICAO standard, which is required in Australia.