Testing the level of  proficiency in the English language to assess specified language skills and the readiness of the specialist to work in an international setting in their professional field using English as a means of business communication is initially focused on the future employer, who actually makes the final decision about his recruitment. Tests of English in the professional field can also be developed to meet the requirements of certain international professional associations, often associated with security, with an ultimate aim  to prevent miscommunication caused by the lack of English proficiency. One of the examples here is a multi-level English for Aviation language testing system, the CAAi EALTS, designed in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) Language Proficiency Requirements for license endorsement purposes to assess the language proficiency of air traffic controllers, commercial flight crew and recreational pilots across all levels of the ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale 1–6 from Pre-Elementary to Expert level.
While new English for professional purposes tests are being developed, there is an opposite tendency to discontinue language assessment in ESP by established international examiners. For example, CELA announced the last exam sessions of Cambridge English: Financial (ICFE) for accountancy and finance professionals and Legal (ILEC) for law students and practising lawyers to be in December 2016. Afterwards CAE or BEC Vantage will be offered as their best alternatives.
The purpose of making a clear and comprehensive description of language competencies in the English language and developing standardized guidelines to language proficiency assessment for the specialists working in an international context is to provide language practitioners with a framework to assist in making appropriate decisions regarding the assessment of specialists in the area of employment, where communication in English is an essential part of their job requirements, especially in such high stake fields as aviation or marine transport. The interaction of employers with linguists and teachers of the ESP in the development of tests based on real needs and professional competencies analysis produces the test tasks more appropriate for real professional situations, provides guidance for proper language training.
More research should be done to study such important issues in ESP as assessment specifications and items, test validity, reviewing and field testing items, tasks, test materials and so on. At the moment research literature is limited and does not yet provide answers to many issues related to the assessment of English for profession.