Step by step to your next level of aviation proficiency.
Explanation and background of the ICAO Language Proficiency Test
The ICAO language proficiency is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers as it ensures safe and efficient communication in the aviation industry. Misunderstandings or communication errors can lead to accidents and incidents.
For this reason, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has developed ICAO language proficiency requirements for pilots and air traffic controllers to ensure that their English language skills meet a minimum standard. This enables clear and effective communication between all parties involved, regardless of their native language. Effective communication in English is particularly important for international flights, where pilots and air traffic controllers from different countries need to interact with each other.
The ICAO Language Proficiency level is assessed through multiple tests, including listening comprehension and speaking. The tests evaluate not only the individual's ability to understand and use English but also their ability to use language in the context of aviation and its standards. The language proficiency is classified into an ICAO level ranging from ICAO Level 1 to 6.
Our procedure
Choose a suitable date from our online calendar for yourself.
Purchase a ticket in our Online-Shop and pay with PayPal, credit card or bank transfer.
Via E-Mail you submit a scan of the signed data release declaration and your ID card.
Prepare yourself using the provided examples.
Download your free copy of our Preparation-Booklet.
Our ICAO language proficiency tests take place online.
ICAO Test PRO: 18 questions and 15 minutes of free interview = about 45 minutes.
ICAO Test BASIC: 12 questions and 10 minutes of free interview = about 30 minutes.
A second level examiner will listen to the recorded audio file of your exam and assigns the respective language proficiency level. The recording of the exam is required by the authorities. Your grading normally takes not more than 48 hours.
We will send your new language certificate via email. Submit this certificate to your CAA who will enter the new level into your pilot license.
You have reached your new ICAO Language Proficiency Level!
Frequently asked questions
- At say-again.aero, we make it easy for you to take your ICAO language proficiency test from the comfort of your own home with short-notice appointments, online exams and fast certificate delivery via E-Mail.
- Our team consisting of professional commercial pilots creates a relaxed and collegial atmosphere and strives to help you achieve the highest possible ICAO language level.
- We operate according to EASA regulations and maintain constant communication with authorities to ensure compliance with regulations.
- Our dual examiner system ensures smooth acceptance of your language level.
- With comprehensive materials, we aim to prepare you for the verbal questions, picture descriptions, listening, and free conversation sections of the exam.
There are six ICAO language proficiency levels ranging from Level 1 to 6.
- ICAO Level 1 is considered the lowest level and indicates that the person has little or no ability to communicate in English.
- ICAO Level 2 signifies a limited ability to communicate.
- ICAO Level 3 confirms an operational proficiency in English, but with some limitations.
- ICAO Level 4 is the minimum level required for pilots and air traffic controllers. It certifies an operational proficiency in English with occasional errors or misunderstandings.
- ICAO Level 5 indicates a higher level of proficiency where the person is able to communicate effectively and accurately in a variety of contexts.
- ICAO Level 6 is considered the highest level and certifies full and accurate communication in English, even in complex or unfamiliar situations.
If you want to communicate in English as a private pilot, you need at least Level 4 (renewable after 4 years). Level 5 is often the minimum requirement for a job in commercial aviation (renewable after 6 years). Those who reach Level 6 acquire a lifelong language qualification and do not have to take any further renewal tests. So, aiming for the highest possible level is always advantageous.
But what level do your language skills correspond to? Which level should you aim for? The big advantage with us is that you can book the "ICAO Language Proficiency Test PRO" flexibly and without prior determination. Depending on your language proficiency, you will automatically receive the highest possible level, which can be assigned by the examiner accordingly.
Yes! Our exam is valid for initial issue, renewal, and extension. The new validity period starts from the date of the test for 4 or 6 years, or in the case of Level 6, lifelong. The testing process for initial issue, renewal, or extension is the same.
Our tests follow ICAO guidelines, are EASA certified and conducted under the legitimation of Language Training Body 112. The governing CAA is Austro Control. The test fulfils requirements of FCL.055 Annex I to ED Decision 2020/005R. Our language certificate is valid up to level 6 in all EASA member states according (EU) 2019/1747, including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The language examiners (LPE/LPLE) are continuously qualified according to ICAO DOC 9835 and work with the ICAO Rating Scale FCL Appendix 2 plus the requirements of FCL.055.
For your preparation, we have compiled some typical exam examples for you. At the end of the exam, you will have a free conversation with the examiner about any topics that you can determine. Here, you should of course talk about areas in which you are familiar with the vocabulary and/or in which you can confidently communicate in English professionally or privately.
Please remember to submit a legible photo of both sides of your ID card or passport, together with the signed privacy declaration by email to support@say-again.aero.
The exam time window is chosen so that it can start immediately after the connection is established. You should make sure that you have a stable internet connection and that the camera and microphone are functioning properly. You can use Zoom in a browser via the invitation link in our confirmation of appointment, but we recommend downloading and installing the app for a stable exam process. If you haven't used Zoom before, you can find a brief tutorial here.
Yes! :) No matter if you are a student pilot, a glider pilot, a private pilot or a commercial pilot: we will conduct the ICAO language proficiency test with you via Zoom online. You will see your friendly examiner and some of your tasks on your screen. All you need is a stable internet connection and the camera of your notebook or tablet.
The questions will be played to you as an audio file. Additionally, an image with aviation context will be shown to you, which you should describe as best as possible. Another component is spelling and reading frequencies and altitudes in accordance with ICAO guidelines.
For "Level 4 only," you will only face 12 questions and a 10-minute interview.
For "Level 4-6," 18 questions and a 15-minute free conversation with the examiner await you. In the ICAO language proficiency tests Level 5 and 6, listening to an ATIS or a radio message completes the exam.
Important: Although we mainly operate in the context of aviation, it is never about technical knowledge, but only about the correct use of the English language. Please take a look at our exam examples page!
First, it's important to understand: although we talk a lot about aviation in the test, we NEVER test your theoretical knowledge, but only your English language skills and understanding. Making mistakes is human and understandable, and your examiner will evaluate them with discretion. Nobody is perfect ;-)
Usually our tests take about 40 - 45 minutes up to level 6. If you aim for level 4 only, 30 - 35 minutes should be enough.
Please check your camera and audio signal prior to the test and we will save some time to get started.
You will find a detailed explanation of the evaluation criteria for the respective ICAO level here.
The audio channel of our exams is recorded and uploaded to a certified Second Level Examiner (SLE).
With our "ICAO Language Proficiency Test PRO" you will automatically receive the highest possible level according to your language skills.
With the shorter and cheaper "ICAO Language Proficiency Test BASIC" your language level will not exceed Level 4.
But if you want to improve and enhance your aircrew qualification, we strongly recommend to go for our "ICAO Language Proficiency Test PRO".
You will receive your new ICAO Language Certificate promptly via email after your performance has been evaluated. You will then submit the certificate to your licensing authority and have your new language qualification with the corresponding level entered into your license. We will provide you with information and guidance on the detailed process via email, along with your certificate, after the test.
No, we only communicate with you. You will receive your certificate from us via email and then send it to an authority of your choice (LBA in Germany, but if you work abroad or hold your license there, you will send it to the relevant authority abroad).
-> An upgrade to Level 6 with unlimited validity is possible any time! The renewal of Level 4 or 5 is possible at any time, analogous to the regulation for flight licenses. However, the original expiration date will only be maintained if the test is carried out within 3 months before the expiration date. For early renewals, the new validity period begins on the last day of the calendar month in which the test was conducted. The validity of Level 4 is four years, Level 5 is six years, and Level 6 is lifelong.
Offer: if you prefer to wait, register here and we will contact you with a special offer at the beginning of your renewal period. And no worries: until then, we will leave you alone. 😉