Must I be proficient in English Language?

Yes. All student pilots must take the Language Proficiency Test, which is designed to assess students' listening comprehension, speaking ability, and responses to different verbal scenarios. The cost of examination varies between $75 and $100 per student, depending on the individual examiner (appointed by Transport Canada), and whether the examination is administered to individual students, or a group of students.

As well, international students from countries where English is not the native language must complete the IELTS exam.  See the International Students Page for details.

The Pilot Language Proficiency Test examination takes about 20 minutes and you will be assessed one of three levels: expert, operational, or below-operational. Those who are assessed below-operational will not qualify for a Canadian pilot licence; those assessed operational must be re-tested every 5 years, and those assessed expert require no further testing.

For more information on the levels of assessment, see Langley Flying School's English Language Proficiency for Pilots.

All students being tested will need a copy of the Aviation-Language Proficiency Test—Test-Taker Guide.

For more information, see Transport Canada's Advisory Circular.

Additional Link: International Civil Aviation Organization.