ATCO English language proficiency endorsements
Information for gaining and maintaining English language proficiency endorsements.
ATCO Level 6 English language proficiency (ELP) endorsements
In accordance with UK Regulation (EU) 2015/340 the validity period for Level 6 (expert) English Language Proficiency Endorsement (ELP) for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO) is currently set at 9 years.
The CAA has issued ORS4 No. 1638 which extends the validity of all ELP endorsements, shown on the UK ATCO 2015/340 licence until 22 December 2028.
This extension is only applicable to holders of Level 6 ELP endorsements which are set to expire before 22 December 2028.
There is no requirement for ATCOs holding Level 6 ELP endorsements to apply for this extension as this will be set by default, even if not shown on their licence.
This extension has been put in place pending a potential amendment to UK Regulation (EU) 2015/340 relating to the validity period of level 6 ELP endorsements.
As stated above, the ELP extension to 22 December 2028 does not need to be shown on an ATCOs licence and is set by default and the CAA does not intend to reissue ATCO licences.
Should an ATCO licence be reissued for any other reason e.g., change of address or charge of name, the CAA will reissue the licence with the ELP expiry date set to 22 December 2028, providing the existing ELP expiry date shown on the licence is before 22 December 2028.
If the existing ELP expiry date is after the 22 December 2028 that date will remain on the licence.
This does not apply if a controller is reapplying for the reissue of the UK licence following a licence exchange to an EU State; or have been working outside of the EU and any language endorsement on their UK ATCO licence has lapsed. In these circumstances a further language assessment will be required to be undertaken at a UK ITO.
An applicant applying for a student ATCO licence must have passed a Level 6 English Language Proficiency assessment, either undertaken as part of their initial training course, or as a full language assessment at a UK Certified ATCO Initial Training and will be issued an ELP endorsement on the issue of their student licence with the validity period of 9 years.
An ATCO whose ELP has currently expired, will be required to complete a Level 6 English Language Proficiency assessment at a UK certified ATCO Initial Training Organisation. On successful completion of the assessment, they should apply for the renewed ELP endorsement to be included on their licence on form SRG1426. This will also be issued for a validity period of 9 years.
There are no exemptions given for the validity periods of Level four and Level five ELP licence endorsements.
Level four is valid for three years and Level five for six years.
Application for the revalidation or renewal of Level four and five ELP endorsements should be made on form SRG1426 following an assessment undertaken at a UK Certified ATCO Initial Training.