ICAO / EASA
English Language Proficiency Validity

The validity of your ICAO / EASA English qualification is a reflection of your current language skills, which are measured using specific ICAO English Levels on a rating scale. To unify language proficiency requirements, both ICAO and EASA have established a harmonized system of Levels that determine the validity of your certification.

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By undergoing the language proficiency exam in Level6 Aviation, you will receive language certificate issued in accordance with both - ICAO English and EASA English regulatory standards. It's validity is as follows:

English LEVEL 4: 4 YEARS EASA / 3 YEARS ICAO
English LEVEL 5: 6 YEARS both ICAO and EASA
English LEVEL 6 : VALID PERMANENTLY

ICAO ENGLISH LEVEL EXPLAINED

ICAO English level 4 is the minimum for operational use. That why it is so-called Operational level. English Level 4 is absolute minimum.

✈️ ICAO English Level 4 in General ✈️

ICAO English Level 4, the Operational Level, is the essential standard for effective communication in international aviation. It ensures that pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation personnel can handle routine and emergency situations with clear, functional English. While Level 4 provides the foundation for safe operations, speakers may still carry an accent or occasionally seek clarification. This level equips professionals with the necessary skills to communicate reliably, ensuring that essential information is shared accurately and efficiently in diverse aviation environments.

Pronunciation:

Pronunciation doesn’t need to be flawless, and a native accent isn’t required. Examiners understand that English may not be your first language, so an accent influenced by your native tongue is expected. Although certain sounds might differ or be unique, the emphasis is on clear, understandable speech. As long as your accent does not interfere with comprehension, your pronunciation is considered effective and suited for safe communication in aviation.

Structure:

With ICAO English Level 4, your ability to construct sentences is solid, allowing you to communicate ideas clearly. You’re able to use basic grammar forms, correctly applying tenses, plurals, and prepositions to maintain clarity. Although sentence structure may be simple and not always perfect, it serves its purpose in helping you convey essential information effectively. This functional grasp of structure ensures that your communication remains clear and reliable, even in busy or high-stress environments.

Vocabulary:

At ICAO English Level 4, your vocabulary is practical and functional, allowing you to discuss routine aviation topics effectively. You have a solid grasp of essential terms and can adapt language to cover a range of situations. While your vocabulary may be somewhat limited, you can convey key information accurately. This foundation supports smooth communication with colleagues and air traffic controllers, ensuring you can relay important details with confidence.

Comprehension:

At this level, comprehension extends beyond standard phrases to understanding general language. You’re able to grasp the meaning of most messages, even if a quick clarification is needed occasionally. ICAO English Level 4 speakers can pick up essential information, interpret various situations, and request repetition or clarification when necessary. This ability to ensure understanding helps maintain clarity and efficiency in critical communications.

Interaction:

Speakers can engage in straightforward conversations, asking questions and responding appropriately in most situations. You can maintain a two-way dialogue, voice concerns, and seek clarification when something is unclear. This level of interaction skills allows you to participate actively in exchanges, helping you to resolve issues and ensure mutual understanding in routine and unexpected situations alike.

Spoken fluency:

At ICAO English Level 4, you can communicate smoothly, though there may be occasional pauses as you search for words. These brief hesitations don’t significantly disrupt the flow of conversation, allowing you to express yourself clearly and effectively. Your speech is steady and functional, maintaining a pace that ensures your message is understood without major interruptions. This level of fluency is suited to handle both everyday and urgent aviation exchanges.

ICAO English level 5 is an Extended level. Extended Level,' ICAO English Level 5 is commonly mandated by most airlines as the minimum proficiency level for aviation English.

✈️ ICAO English Level 5 in General ✈️

ICAO English Level 5, known as the Extended Level, indicates a high proficiency in aviation English, enabling clear, accurate communication across various situations. At this level, speakers handle routine and complex conversations with confidence, using precise language to express detailed ideas. Level 5 speakers demonstrate advanced skills in pronunciation, structure, and fluency, minimizing misunderstandings and enhancing safety in aviation environments. This proficiency level is particularly valuable for pilots and air traffic controllers, as it allows for smooth, efficient exchanges even in high-stakes scenarios.

Pronunciation

Pronunciation is clear and easily understood, with minimal influence from your native accent. While traces of an accent may remain, it doesn’t interfere with comprehension, even in high-stress situations. This level of pronunciation ensures that messages are communicated accurately, supporting smooth and seamless interactions with minimal need for clarification or repetition.

Structure

With ICAO English Level 5, your sentence structure is flexible and precise, allowing for clarity in both simple and complex conversations. You can handle a range of grammatical forms and use advanced sentence structures when needed. This control over sentence construction helps convey ideas clearly, enhancing understanding in various aviation contexts and allowing you to respond effectively and confidently.

Fluency

At this level, fluency is natural and consistent, allowing for smooth speech without significant pauses or hesitation. You can express complex ideas effortlessly, maintaining a steady pace even in challenging situations. This high level of fluency enables seamless, uninterrupted communication, ensuring that messages are conveyed clearly and efficiently—essential for maintaining safety and accuracy in aviation.

Vocabulary

Your vocabulary is extensive and precise, enabling you to adapt language to various aviation contexts with ease. You can express complex ideas accurately, using specific terms that ensure clear communication. This level of vocabulary allows you to provide details, clarify points, and engage in nuanced discussions, enhancing understanding and minimizing the risk of misinterpretation.

Message comprehension

At this level, message comprehension is sharp and responsive. You can understand both straightforward and complex information, even if phrased unexpectedly or delivered quickly. Your ability to interpret context, recognize subtleties, and grasp implied meanings ensures effective communication, with minimal need for clarification. This depth of comprehension helps maintain efficient, clear exchanges, crucial for aviation operations.

Interaction

ICAO English Level 5 speakers demonstrate confidence and adaptability in interactions. You can initiate and sustain conversations easily, adapting to new or unexpected topics without hesitation. You’re also able to ask pertinent questions, offer clarifications, and adjust your language as needed to match the situation. This level of interaction skill supports effective teamwork and coordination, allowing you to handle both routine and challenging conversations smoothly.

Achieving ICAO English Level 6 means you've reached the pinnacle of language proficiency in aviation. To attain this Expert level, idiomatic speech becomes key. It's not just about language skills, but mastering the art of natural and nuanced communication.

✈️ ICAO English Level 6 in General ✈️

ICAO English Level 6, or the Expert Level, represents the highest standard of aviation English proficiency, enabling seamless and precise communication. At this level, speakers demonstrate complete fluency, accuracy, and a strong command of vocabulary and structure, handling any aviation scenario with confidence. Level 6 proficiency minimizes misunderstandings, even in complex or high-stress situations, and ensures that interactions remain clear and effective. This expert level of communication is essential for safety, efficiency, and smooth operations within the aviation industry.

Pronunciation

At ICAO English Level 6, pronunciation is nearly flawless, allowing for clear communication that’s free of misunderstandings. Your accent, if present, is subtle and does not interfere with comprehension in any way. You can communicate with ease and clarity, even in noisy or high-pressure environments. This mastery of pronunciation supports seamless exchanges with international colleagues, contributing to safe and effective aviation operations.

Sentence structure

At this level, sentence structure is varied and precise, allowing you to convey complex ideas effortlessly. You use a range of grammatical forms accurately, incorporating complex sentence structures to enhance clarity and depth. Transitions between tenses, use of articles, and application of prepositions are handled with ease, resulting in organized, fluid communication. This command of structure allows for effective expression in any situation, ensuring that important information is conveyed accurately and efficiently.

Vocabulary

Your vocabulary is extensive and precise, allowing you to choose exactly the right words to convey nuances and complex ideas. You can adapt your language effortlessly to fit any aviation context, ensuring clarity and minimizing the risk of misunderstandings. This high level of vocabulary enables you to express detailed information accurately and handle both routine and unexpected conversations with ease.

Comprehension

At this level, comprehension is exceptionally sharp and responsive. You can understand all forms of spoken English effortlessly, including complex or indirect expressions, and grasp implied meanings and subtleties with ease. Even in fast-paced or high-stress situations, your comprehension remains steady, allowing you to interpret messages accurately and respond quickly without needing clarification. This depth of understanding supports seamless, efficient exchanges.

Interaction

ICAO English Level 6 speakers engage in interactions naturally and confidently, managing complex exchanges with minimal effort. You can initiate and sustain conversations, respond appropriately, and adapt to the flow of dialogue as situations evolve. This level of interaction skill ensures that communication is fluid, professional, and effective in coordinating tasks and maintaining clear understanding across all parties involved.

Fluency

At ICAO English Level 6, your fluency is effortless and uninterrupted, allowing for smooth, consistent communication regardless of the topic’s complexity. You speak at a natural pace, with no need for pauses to search for words, even in challenging or unexpected scenarios. This high level of fluency enables you to convey ideas seamlessly, promoting clear and precise exchanges that are essential for safe and efficient aviation operations.

ICAO / EASA English Assessment

The ICAO English assessment is conducted by a qualified language proficiency examiner. At Level6Aviation, we offer the ICAO English exam to cater to the needs of aviation specialists. In alignment with ICAO requirements, the assessment is divided into several sections, providing a comprehensive evaluation of language proficiency. The entire assessment process typically takes between 20 to 30 minutes.

Initial Briefing
Visual analysis
Communication with ATC (Simulation)
Audio analysis (listening ATC)
Personal Interview with Candidate

If you wish to gauge your proficiency level in a non-official capacity, you have the option to take a practice exam for €59. This practice exam allows you to assess your language skills and readiness for the official ICAO English assessment:

PRACTICE TEST INFO

ICAO English vs EASA English
Understanding the Difference

"ICAO English" refers to the language proficiency qualification required for pilots and flight crew members involved in international aviation communication since March 5, 2008, in accordance with ICAO regulations. Additionally, EASA license holders are also obligated to undergo language proficiency assessments based on similar requirements outlined in Commission Regulation No 1178/2011 Part FCL - FCL.055.

Due to ICAO's establishment of language proficiency standards three years prior to EASA, pilots commonly refer to both regulatory frameworks - EASA FCL.055 and ICAO Doc 9835 - as "ICAO English." This shared terminology has become prevalent in the industry.

Understanding the distinctions between ICAO English and EASA English is essential for pilots and flight crew members navigating language proficiency requirements in the aviation sector.

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ICAO / EASA English Language Proficiency Validity

By undergoing the language proficiency exam in Level6 Aviation, you will receive language certificate issued in accordance with both - ICAO English and EASA English regulatory standards. It's validity is as follows:

English LEVEL 4: 4 YEARS EASA / 3 YEARS ICAO

English LEVEL 5: 6 YEARS both ICAO and EASA

English LEVEL 6 : VALID PERMANENTLY