A course in language testing for pilots and air traffic controllers in accordance with the ICAO LPRs

Aviation English in Norwich

Delivered in the UK with Norwich Institute for Language Education

Designed for the initial and recurrent training of LPR raters and for anyone involved with the selection or development of aviation language tests, this comprehensive 60-hour blended learning course comprises:

  • 30 hours of self-access e-learning beginning Tuesday 1st September 2026.

  • 30 hours of face-to-face classroom training delivered over 5 days from Monday 12th to Friday 16th October 2026.

The course provides in-depth training on aviation language assessment with reference to ICAO document 9835, ICAO document 10197 and literature in the field of language testing. Taught by experts in the field, the course comprises theoretical and practical training which:

  • Provides background to the ICAO LPRs and the current status of implementation.

  • Introduces the key concepts in specific purpose language testing including test construction and evaluation.

  • Raises awareness of current issues and initiatives in the field.

  • Interrogates the construct of aeronautical radiotelephony communication.

  • Analyses and define the ICAO rating scale and holistic descriptors.

  • Explores the ICAO Rated Speech Samples Training Aid.

  • Evaluates the usefulness of a variety of aviation English speaking test tasks.

  • Provides guided practice on the application of the rating scale to speech samples generated from the English Test for Aviation, the first test in the world to receive an endorsement from ICAO.

  • Assesses participants’ ability to rate to an agreed standard including personal feedback on rater reliability and severity.

  • Introduces the use of statistics for monitoring rater reliability and procedures for maintaining standards in language rating.

  • Explores quality (reliability and validity) in language testing, including how test quality manifests in aviation language testing practice and the evidence of quality that service providers might supply in the process of regulatory approval and/or ICAO recognition.

  • Introduces the procedures for language test specification and test task construction.

  • Provides practical advice and guidance on the creation of language test tasks and content specifically for the assessment of the listening and speaking skills of pilots and ATCOs.

Accessible on all devices, the web-based e-learning is designed to be completed in advance of classroom training. The practical classroom sessions are delivered at NILE’s training centre in Norwich (see below) and comprise trainer-led presentations, pair and group work activities, discussion and analysis.

Click here to view the course syllabus and timetable. Click here to view information on assessment and certificates.

Certificates

In order to receive a certificate of successful course completion, participants need to complete:

  • All e-learning with a minimum score of 90% in each module; and
  • All classroom training.

The course includes an assessment of participants’ ability to interpret and apply the rating scale to an agreed standard on five speech samples. This means that, for each sample, participants need to produce:

  • A final rating which is in line with the agreed standard; and
  • No more than one level discrepancy in each of the six rating criteria.

Course completion certificates contain the following wording:

NAME demonstrated an ability to rate plain English language proficiency according to the ICAO Language Proficiency Requirements to an agreed standard and we believe that, subject to the use of a valid test instrument and associated standard operating procedures and regulatory approvals, and subject to further test-specific training and standardisation on the test instrument to be used, NAME is able to rate language proficiency for personnel licensing purposes. In line with ICAO guidance, we recommend that NAME undergoes annual refresher training.

E-Learning content

 

Classroom training locaTion

The course will be delivered at DELTA House, NILE's training centre in the beautiful cathedral city of Norwich, about two hours north-east of London by train. With a population of just over 200,000, Norwich is largest urban area in East Anglia and is the most complete medieval city in the United Kingdom. Norwich features cobbled streets and historical buildings, museums where you can wander and learn, modern architecture and art and green spaces for walking, cycling and picnics, and adventurous activities.

ICAO English rater training in Norwich

Norwich is one of the UK's top ten shopping destinations, with a mix of chain retailers and independent stores, and Norwich Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in England. In May 2012, Norwich was designated England's first UNESCO City of Literature. One of the UK's popular tourist destinations, it was voted by The Guardian in 2016 as the "happiest city to work in the UK" and in 2013 as one of the best small cities in the world by The Times Good University Guide. In 2018, 2019 and 2020, Norwich was voted one of the "Best Places To Live" in the UK by The Sunday Times.

ICAO English rater training in Norwich

There are many options for hotel and bed and breakfast accommodation in the city centre area. In addition, we can provide half-board host family accommodation on request. We would be pleased to offer advice and support with accommodation, and to provide airport transfers on request (fees apply). You can find out more about Norwich here.

Seats remaining

Course overview

ICAO English rater training - spaces remaining

8 of 12 places remaining

Training hours: 60 (e-learning: 30, Classroom: 30)

Registration closes: Monday 31st August 2026

E-learning begins: Tuesday 1st September 2026

Classroom training: Monday 12th - Friday 16th October 2026

Participants per course: 12

Price: £954* per person

Address for classroom training: 78-80 Upper St Giles St., Norwich NR2 1LT, United Kingdom

*For organisations that require exchange of training agreement, there is an additional one-time administration fee of £150 GBP. For individuals and organisations that require payment by bank transfer on invoice, there is an additional one-time administration fee of £20 GBP.

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TAILORED COURSES FOR YOUR ORGANISATION

We provide tailored online and in-person instructor training, aviation familiarisation and rater and test developer training courses of varying duration to airlines, ANSPs, regulators, ATOs, universities and language training organisations. We would be happy to provide an in-depth consultation to analyse your needs before presenting a tailored solution.

Contact henry@latitude-aes.aero to find out more.

*The ETA held a conditional ICAO endorsement from 2012 to 2013.