ATCO
Air traffic controllers
For licensed and student controllers. Demonstrate the English skills needed to communicate with pilots and colleagues in an air traffic control environment.
ENGLISH FOR AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES
ICAO English Test for ATCOs, FISOs & AFISOs
Take your approved ATCO English assessment online. We also assess English for flight information and aerodrome flight information services. Complete your 20-minute test and receive your result and certificate within 12 hours.
- Approved ATCO assessment
- Online via Zoom
- Results within 12 hours
- Duration
- 20 minutes
- Where
- Online via Zoom
- Results & certificate
- Within 12 hours
- What you need
- Camera, microphone & stable connection
THREE ROLES. ONE NEED FOR CLEAR ENGLISH.
Your role. Your communication.
From controlling traffic to providing essential flight information, your English needs to work when it matters. An assessment built around aviation communication gives your language skills the right context.
FISO
Flight information service officers
For professionals providing flight information and alerting services. Communicate information clearly, understand requests and respond effectively.
AFISO
Aerodrome flight information service officers
For professionals providing information to aerodrome traffic. Use clear English to exchange information about traffic, weather and aerodrome conditions.
SIX CRITERIA. A CLEAR PICTURE OF YOUR ENGLISH.
Assessed using the ICAO language framework
The ICAO Language Proficiency Rating Scale and holistic descriptors consider how effectively you speak, understand and interact. Your language proficiency is assessed across six areas:
Pronunciation
Speak clearly enough to be understood by an international aviation audience.
Structure
Use grammatical structures that make your message clear and accurate.
Vocabulary
Choose the words you need and explain your meaning when a word is unfamiliar.
Fluency
Maintain a natural flow of speech, including when a situation needs explanation.
Comprehension
Understand spoken English and recognise when you need clarification.
Interaction
Respond appropriately, check understanding and resolve communication difficulties.
COMMUNICATION IN CONTEXT
Beyond standard phraseology
Routine exchanges are only part of aviation communication. You also need to explain a situation, understand an unexpected message and make sure that everyone has understood.
- Understand spoken informationListen for meaning, identify relevant details and respond to questions in an air traffic services context.
- Explain and discussDescribe situations, explain what has happened and develop your answers in a conversation with your assessor.
- Communicate beyond routine phraseologyUse plain English to clarify meaning and discuss unexpected situations when standard phrases alone are not enough.
EUROPEAN ATCO LANGUAGE ENDORSEMENTS
Know your level. Plan your next assessment.
ATCO.B.035 sets the validity of English language endorsements under Regulation (EU) 2015/340.
LEVEL 4
Operational
3 yearsEnglish endorsement validityLEVEL 5
Extended
6 yearsEnglish endorsement validityLEVEL 6
Expert
9 yearsEnglish endorsement validityTHE FRAMEWORK BEHIND THE ASSESSMENT
Language proficiency requirements, explained
ICAO standards & guidance
Annex 1 establishes the international language-proficiency framework. Doc 9835 explains its implementation, including the rating scale and holistic descriptors.
ICAO language-proficiency guidance ↗European ATCO licensing
Regulation (EU) 2015/340 covers language endorsements, validity and assessment methods through ATCO.B.030, ATCO.B.035 and ATCO.B.040.
Read the Part ATCO requirements ↗YOUR NEXT STEP
Book your English assessment
Choose your assessment option and appointment date on the booking page. For company or group bookings, send us your candidate numbers and preferred dates.
Company and group enquiries →ATCO · FISO · AFISO
Online appointments available for both assessment options. Level 4 Only: €169. Levels 4–6: €199. Your 20-minute test, with result and certificate within 12 hours.
Check dates and book →GOOD TO KNOW
Questions about the test
Who is this English test for?
This English test is for air traffic controllers (ATCOs), flight information service officers (FISOs) and aerodrome flight information service officers (AFISOs), including candidates preparing for those roles.
What is the difference between an ATCO, FISO and AFISO?
An ATCO provides air traffic control services. A FISO provides flight information and alerting services; an AFISO provides these services in an aerodrome setting.
Is this suitable for student air traffic controllers?
Yes. The test is designed for student and licensed air traffic controllers. Part ATCO requires both to demonstrate their English language proficiency.
Which ICAO English level do air traffic controllers need?
Regulation (EU) 2015/340 requires at least ICAO Operational Level 4. Your result records your demonstrated proficiency across the six language criteria.
How long is an ATCO English language endorsement valid?
Under ATCO.B.035, an English language endorsement is valid for 3 years at Level 4, 6 years at Level 5 and 9 years at Level 6.
Is this the FEAST selection test or the ELPAC test?
This is the Level6 Aviation English language assessment. FEAST is an air traffic controller recruitment and selection test. ELPAC is EUROCONTROL’s English language-proficiency testing system.
How is a language result added to my licence?
Submit your assessment certificate to your licensing authority to have your language endorsement issued or updated.
Can an ANSP or training organisation arrange assessments?
Arrange assessments for your controllers, flight information personnel or students. Send us the roles, number of candidates, licensing authority and preferred dates to plan your sessions.