What is the TEA test?
• TEA is a test of your ability to communicate in English – it is not a test of your operational knowledge.
• TEA is a test of plain English in an aviation context – it is not a test of aviation phraseology.
• TEA is a face-to-face interview with one examiner lasting about 20 minutes and consisting of 3 sections:.
Section One Introduction
You will be asked a series of set, simple questions relating to your aviation background. There are no right or
wrong answers – you should show you understand the questions by talking about your role in aviation.
Section Two Interactive Comprehension
There are three parts to this section. In each section, you will listen to a series of recordings presented by
international speakers of English. Recordings will be played once unless you ask for repetition. You cannot
hear recordings a third time. You are not allowed to write anything
In the first part, there are 10 recordings in which a pilot or controller is talking in a non-routine aviation situation.
After each recording, you should show you understand the situation by repeating the information or explaining it in
your own words. All the information is important.
In the second part, there are 3 recordings in more general, non-routine situations. After each recording, you have 20 seconds to ask the speaker questions to find out more about the situation. There are no right answers, but you should show you understand the situation by asking relevant questions.
The third part is similar to the second part – there are 3 recordings in general, non-routine situations. After each recording, you have 20 seconds to give the speaker some advice. There are no right answers, but you should show you understand the situation by giving relevant advice.
Section Three Picture Description and Discussion
You will be shown two pictures and asked to describe and compare them with as much information as possible. You
will have one minute to speak. This is repeated with another set of two pictures. You will then take part in a
discussion of general aviation topics related to the second set of pictures.
Who is TEA for?
TEA is suitable for professional, private or student pilots, and professional or student controllers. It is your responsibility to check that your licence-issuing authority accepts a TEA certificate from the TEA Centre where you take the test.
What happens on the exam day?
You should arrive at least thirty minutes before your test time so that the administrator can take your photograph (which will appear on your certificate). Make sure you bring the passport or national identity card you registered with to the test centre – you will not be allowed to take the test without it. You do not need to bring anything else with you. Mobile phones must be left outside the test room. The test will be recorded for security reasons. If you are unhappy about any aspect of the test day procedures, you must speak to the administrator on the test day. Your test result will not be available on the test day, so please do not ask the examiner.
What kind of results are given?
The test is scored according to the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale. You will be given a score from 1 to 6 for your performance in Pronunciation, Structure, Vocabulary, Fluency, Comprehension and Interactions. The overall mark will be the lowest of these scores. All of this information is recorded on your certificate.
When will I receive my certificate?
After your test is checked for interlocution and rating standards, your certificate will be printed and posted within 10 working days of your test date
For further information and to listen to a sample test, please visit www.tea-test.com.
D'Onofrio 158 - (1702) Ciudadela - Buenos Aires - Argentina, Teléfono: +54 011 4653 3016 al 19, aviones@aviones.com
