EUROCONTROL Training Zone

ELPAC Accreditation Course [ELPAC-ACR]

Classroom Course
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ICAO and the European Commission have implemented English language requirements for air traffic controllers and pilot licence holders. EUROCONTROL has designed an English language proficiency test (ELPAC – English Language Proficiency for Aeronautical Communication) to assess the English language proficiency of air traffic controllers and pilots in accordance with the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements.

EUROCONTROL provides a training and accreditation course for ELPAC test administrators, paper 1 markers and paper 2 examiners. The course takes one week and courses are held regularly throughout the year. Only participants from organisations who have signed an ELPAC licence agreement with EUROCONTROL are admitted to the courses. After successful completion of the course, EUROCONTROL will recommend the participant to be accredited for the trained tasks.

The ELPAC ACR course trains assessors to assess up to ICAO level 5. There is a seperate course for participants who want to become ICAO level 6 assessors. 
 
Prerequisites

ELPAC test administrator:

  • Background as operational expert (air traffic controller or pilot) or as an English language expert (ELE) is an advantage;
  • English language ability should be a minimum IELTS level 6.0 or equivalent;
  • Computer literacy (internet, MS Office).


ELPAC paper 1 marker:

  • Background as an operational expert (air traffic controller or pilot)

ELPAC paper 2 examiners:

For the role of the operational expert (OPE)

  • Operational air traffic controller or pilot with a current ATP licence;
  • English language ability should be a minimum IELTS level 6.5 or equivalent.

For the role of the English language expert (ELE)

  • Educational background in English language teaching or language testing or applied linguistics;
  • English language ability should be a minimum IELTS level 7.0 or equivalent or native speakers of English.
Objectives
Because of the high stakes nature of the language proficiency test, it is very important to maintain standards of marking and examining. At the end of the course the participants will have to demonstrate good knowledge of the ELPAC rating scale, good interlocutor and assessor skills and their ability to assess test takers against the ICAO Language Proficiency rating scale in the oral performance interview in paper 2 of the ELPAC test. Also, participants must be able to deliver a reliable, standardised and fair test according to the ELPAC assessment guidelines. Participants will have to demonstrate that they are able to mark paper 1 tests following the guidelines and framework given by EUROCONTROL. The future administrators will have to demonstrate a structured approach to setting up tests and maintaining the test database.
 
Audience
Persons nominated by their organisations (ANSP, CAA, Air Operators, training organisations) to become ELPAC examiners, markers and/or administrators.
 
Certificate awarded
All candidates will receive a certificate of attendance.
More information
Course timetable
Terms and Conditions
Please see our Price List
Location
IANS - EUROCONTROL Institute of Air Navigation Services, Luxembourg

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