Plain English – ELP Exam Preparation

Summary

This 32-hour training programme prepares airport staff working operationally on the manoeuvring area for the English Language Proficiency assessment (ELP). The extended training format allows participants to develop their language skills progressively through several learning stages before proceeding to the assessment.

Participants begin by consolidating their basic knowledge of Plain English, using familiar everyday expressions and short, simple sentences. They then gradually expand their operational vocabulary, improve their ability to provide detailed information, and practise using Plain English alongside the appropriate ICAO phraseology.

The programme includes guided language practice, revision of ICAO phraseology, listening and speaking exercises, realistic operational scenarios, and progressive preparation activities. Participants learn how to understand and give instructions, clarify or confirm information, express opinions and intentions, describe events, and communicate effectively during routine, unexpected, abnormal, and critical situations.

Before proceeding to the ELP assessment, participants complete several preparation stages designed to strengthen their confidence, identify areas for improvement, and verify that they are ready for the formal evaluation.

Target Audience

• Airport staff operational at the manoeuvring area.

Objectives

By the end of the training programme, participants will be able to:

• Understand and use familiar everyday expressions and short, simple sentences in English.
• Progressively expand their operational and aviation-related vocabulary.
• Combine Plain English with the appropriate ICAO phraseology.
• Understand and give clear and concise operational instructions.
• Communicate effectively with air traffic control in routine situations.
• Ask for clarification and confirm information to prevent misunderstandings.
• Express opinions, intentions, expectations, and operational needs clearly.
• Describe experiences, events, problems, and operational situations in their own words.
• Reformulate and paraphrase information when a specific word or expression is not immediately available.
• Apply ICAO phraseology correctly in familiar operational scenarios.
• Use Plain English effectively when standard ICAO phraseology is insufficient.
• Communicate during unexpected, abnormal, and critical situations.
• Improve pronunciation, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, fluency, listening comprehension, and interaction.
• Identify their individual language strengths and areas requiring further improvement.
• Complete the required preparation stages before proceeding to the ELP assessment.
• Approach the formal assessment with greater confidence and a clear understanding of its requirements.

Additional information

The training course consists of eight (8) modules of four (4) hours each.

Upon completion of the course, participants receive a certificate of attendance issued by AHLEX.

To obtain the ELP certification, the candidate must then take an additional examination: the ELP assessment for the ICAO Language Proficiency Level 4 certificate.

This examination can be organised upon request.