There are two examiners - an experienced air traffic controller (ATCO) and an English language expert (ELE). Both will have received appropriate training in interlocuting and the assessment of language proficiency.

Note: Additional examiners are not required for ELPACst. The task of examining can be successfully accomplished by ELPAC examiners.

Paper 2 Oral Interaction comprises three tasks or phases.

-  Task1a: non-visual communication where the candidate acts as the student controller and the interlocutor plays a number of pilots in routine and non-routine situations. There are separate scenarios for TWR, APP (APS) and ENR (ACS) student controllers (duration 8 minutes).

-  Task 1b: visual (face-to-face) communication in which the candidate gives a verbal report on the events in Task 1a, specifically the unusual situation, to the interlocutor now playing the role of an instructor (duration 3,5 – 4 minutes).

-   Task 2 – visual communication – picture discussion (duration 7 – 9 minutes).

For an overview of Paper 2 (PowerPoint presentation) go to the section "Sample tests and materials".

Candidates will have to demonstrate proficiency in:

• the appropriate use of standard ICAO phraseology
• switching between standard ICAO phraseology and plain English
• making an appropriate response to a pilot message
• resolving misunderstandings
• dealing effectively with the pilot/controller relationship
• negotiating a developing unusual situation
• making a verbal report in plain English

 And, in addition to be able to:

• give opinions*
• evaluate* (advantages & disadvantages)
• produce extended speech in an aviation context*.

*Candidates will not be assessed on what they think but on how well they can express themselves in English.

It is important that candidates relax and speak as confidently as they can. It is the candidate′s responsibility to participate in the conversation to the best of their ability.
If a candidate does not take the test seriously and does not answer questions as fully as possible, he/she may not achieve their potential level, because they did not demonstrate the level of language they are normally capable of producing.

It is essential that a full speech sample is elicited in Paper 2 that is demonstrative of the candidate’s oral proficiency. In preparing to take ELPACst, candidates are encouraged to produce as much language as possible and it is made clear that it is the candidate’s responsibility to ‘perform’. Candidates are reminded that in Tasks 1b and 2, it’s not the content of language that’s being assessed, but rather the quality of language they use to express themselves.