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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence Examiners may only conduct written and practical assessments for the issue of the Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) in the category approved on the examiner’s authorisation issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

The ROCC Examiners authorisation is not transferrable or interchangeable between ROCC categories. Each ROCC category is separate, and a specific ROCC Examiners authorisation must be held for each ROCC category required.

Application Requirements

To become a CAA Authorised ROCC Examiner you need to have:

  • Held a Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence (Air Ground or Offshore) for at least 3 years.
  • Been operational at either an Air Ground Unit or an Offshore Unit for the preceding 2 years.

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCO) and Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) who apply must hold a ROCC.

How do I apply?



There is currently no Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) application form for applying to become a CAA Authorised Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) Examiner.

Applications should be made by email to the CAA Licensing Referrals Officer at ATS.Enquiries@caa.co.uk.

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How much does it cost?



There is no charge associated with applying for a Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) examiner authorisation.

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What do I need to send with my application?



You will need to send the following information with your application:

A letter confirming operational experience over the previous 2 years. This is required from the airport manager/operator. The letter needs to be submitted in PDF format by the Airport manager/operator on headed company paper. The evidence provided must cover entire operational 2-year period.

A short Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting your relevant experience.

Two references from Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) certificate holders, their ROCC certificate numbers and their email addresses.

Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs) and Flight Information Service Officer (FISOs) must include their licence number.

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What else do I need to know?



The requirements to have held a Radio Operator's Certificate of Competence (ROCC) for 3 years and to have been operational at a Unit for the preceding 2 years, may be reduced at the discretion of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

Although the requirements to have held a ROCC for 3 years and to have been operational at a Unit for the preceding 2 years may be reduced at the discretion of the CAA, demonstration of sufficient experience is required, as such experience enables examiners to be able to create credible scenarios for the practical element of the ROCC examination.

If you hold an Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCO) or a Flight Information Service Officers (FISO) licence, you may be considered for authorisation as an Air/Ground Communications Service (AGCS) ROCC Examiner, (with a reduction to the operational requirement period), provided current Unit Endorsements and Validations, as appropriate, are held. This is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Before application is made you should be aware that ROCC Examinations for the grant of an Aeronautical Radio Station Operator’s Certificate of Competence may be conducted in the UK or abroad. ROCCs issued as a result of a successful examination are restricted to use in United Kingdom airspace and territorial waters, or elsewhere when operating from a United Kingdom registered merchant vessel or an offshore installation within the meaning of article 17 of the Air Navigation Order 2016; if used outside these parameters, the certificate requires validating by the relevant regulatory authority.

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How long will it take for my application to be processed?



There is no specific timeline for the process of Applications for a Radio Operators Certificate of Competence (ROCC) examiners authorisation. Not all applications are the same and there are administrative actions to be taken, for example, the checking of references and so on. Applications will be processed as soon as possible. 

Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Licensing Referrals Officer will contact you if there are any queries regarding your application.

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What happens next?



A review of the submitted documentation will be conducted and dependent on the results of that review, a letter of authorisation may be issued.

If further information is required, the applicant will be contacted by email.

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How long is it valid for?



This authorisation remains in force for the dates shown on the document unless revoked by us or cancelled at your request.

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