ICAO CIRCULAR 318 PDF

The recommended criteria and introductory text in this chapter are intended as a guide only. The scope of this circular does not allow an exhaustive treatment of language testing. Neither this circular nor Doc 9835 is intended to replace the more extensive language testing standards, guidelines, and principles of ethics and good practice that can be found in the literature on language testing.

Language testing is a specialized discipline. Expert professional input is recommended at every level of aviation language test implementation and selection but is essential for test development.

Purpose

The purpose of this circular is to provide guidance to civil aviation authorities and test service providers in processes for testing- candidates in accordance with the ICAO language proficiency requirements. In particular, it provides recommended criteria to guide the development or selection of aviation language testing programmes, as well as additional guidance material in that regard. The recommended aviation language testing criteria outlined in this circular were drawn from principles of best practices by the Proficiency Requirements in Common English Study Group (PRICESG) in 2005. They are intended to support the harmonization of global aviation language testing.