Recognition of professional competence for the issuance of a VFL certificate without the relevant exam at CTU

Following the amendment to the Electronic Communications Act, from 1 July 2025 professional competence to a VFL certificate can be recognised without passing the relevant exam at CTU only if the conditions pursuant to Section 26(5) of the Act are met.

A general professional competence certificate of an air mobile service radiotelephone operator, entitling the holder to operate an aircraft station, aircraft Earth station, air station or air Earth station in the radiotelephone service, shall also be issued by CTU on the basis of presentation of a valid certificate of passing an exam in English language skills at least at level 4 as laid down in the directly applicable Regulation of the European Union governing technical requirements and administrative procedures for civil aviation crews⁹²⁾ and proof of passing an exam in theoretical knowledge required for obtaining a private, commercial or transport pilot licence before the relevant authority⁹²⁾ or a private, commercial or transport pilot licence. The qualification document, document or licence referred to in the first sentence shall have been issued not later than one year before applying for the professional competence certificate.

It is therefore a recognition of professional competence for students who have passed the ICAO test with a minimum level 4 certificate and have either passed the private/commercial/transport pilot test or even already have a licence for these pilots. The qualification document and exam/licence  must not be older than one year at the time of this application. Such clients can then apply for a VFL certificate without the relevant exam at CTU - i.e. apply for recognition of professional competence.

1. Submission of the application:

By post or in person using the printed form (contact addresses available here), or by sending the completed form via data mailbox or by e-mail with a recognised electronic signature.

2. The applicant shall attach to the application:

• a certificate of passing the ICAO English Language Proficiency Test at least at level 4, not older than 1 year;
• proof of passing the theoretical knowledge exam required for obtaining a private, commercial or airline transport pilot licence, or a valid private, commercial or airline transport pilot licence, not older than 1 year;
• a copy of the identity card or passport;
• for foreign nationals only: one recent photograph in the format 35 × 45 mm, meeting the technical specifications required for identity card photographs;
• proof of payment of the administrative fee of CZK 400.