Reviewed by Tim Hittinger, ICAO examiner (A-126-LPE)What happens in the ICAO training
The training is run by an experienced ICAO examiner – but never the one who will test you later. This keeps the test independent, as AMC1 FCL.055 requires.
- A detailed briefing on procedure and rating
- A mock exam with picture description and questions
- Listening to and practising ATIS messages and ATC instructions
- An honest assessment: would it have been Level 4, 5 or 6?
- Concrete tips on what to work on before the test
10 tips from an examiner’s perspective
- Answer in full. Four to five sentences per question – a single sentence gives too little to show vocabulary and structure.
- Structure picture descriptions. First the overview, then the details, then your assumption: what has happened, what happens next?
- Compare systematically. Similarities first, then differences: “Both pictures show … whereas …”
- Ask when you don’t understand. That is not a minus point – it is good interaction.
- Paraphrase missing words. Keep talking instead of searching for the perfect term.
- Use linking words. First of all, however, on the other hand, for example, in my opinion – they make your answers flow.
- Read-backs: numbers and order. Heading, altitude, speed, frequency, squawk – and your call sign at the end.
- ATIS: listen for the key information. Information letter, runway, wind, visibility, clouds, temperature and dew point, QNH.
- Speak at your own pace. Short pauses to think are normal. Rushing hurts more than a calm “Let me think …”.
- Test your equipment beforehand. A working headset takes away a lot of stress – use our tech check.
Useful phrases
| Situation | Phrases |
|---|---|
| Describing a picture | In this picture I can see … · In the foreground / background … · It looks like … · Probably … |
| Comparing pictures | Both pictures show … · In contrast to the first picture … · whereas … · The main difference is … |
| Giving your opinion | In my opinion … · From my experience … · I would say that … · On the one hand … on the other hand … |
| Asking back | Could you say that again, please? · Do you mean … ? · Sorry, I didn’t catch the last part. |
| Gaining time | Let me think for a second … · That’s an interesting question … · Well, … |
| Paraphrasing | It’s the thing you use to … · It’s a kind of … · I don’t know the exact word, but … |
What helps against exam nerves?
The test is not an interrogation but a conversation. The examiner explains the procedure beforehand, and in the interview you talk about topics you know well. In our experience, the tension fades after the first few minutes. It helps to have gone through the format once – with the sample tasks or in the training.
And if it doesn’t work out: nobody but you learns the result. You can rebook the test at any time.