Test of English for Aviation
The Test of English for Aviation (T.E.A.) is a language proficiency test designed and developed by Mayflower College in the United Kingdom.
T.E.A. is accredited by numerous national civil aviation authorities including the UK CAA.
50,000+ aviation specialists have taken T.E.A. in 100+ test centres around the world
Overview
Following several accidents and incidents where language was a contributory factor (viz. Tenerife airport disaster § Communication misunderstandings), the International Civil Aviation Organization now requires all civil pilots and Air traffic controllers (working in an international environment) to have a minimum level of English.
Six skills (Vocabulary, Structure, Pronunciation, Fluency, Comprehension, Interactions) are assessed on a scale from 1 to 6 (1 = Pre-Elementary, 6=Expert). The lowest of the 6 scores determines the overall score. Level 4 (Operational) is the required minimum. Only speaking and listening skills are assessed.
The test takes the form of a one-to-one interview between the candidate and a trained examiner.
What is the T.E.A. test?
- A test of plain English in an aviation context for licensing purposes – it is not a test of aviation phraseology
- A test of ability to communicate in English – not a test of operational knowledge
- A face-to-face, human interaction test with 1 examiner who asks questions for detailed responses
- A 25-30 minute test that consists of 3 sections:
- Section One: Introduction & Experience-related Interview (7 – 8 minutes)
- Section Two: Interactive Comprehension (8-12 minutes) - listening to a series of recording of international speakers of English
- Section Three: Picture Description and Discussion (10 minutes)
T.E.A. Ltd. and Plymouth University are the developers of the International Maritime English Testing System (IMETS)