Reviewed by Tim Hittinger, ICAO examiner (A-126-LPE)Before the test: booking and three emails
You choose a free slot in the online calendar and pay by PayPal, credit card or bank transfer. No customer account is needed. With bank transfer, the slot is confirmed once the payment has arrived.
You then receive three emails:
- Booking confirmation with Zoom link – this is how you enter the exam room on test day.
- Documents: you send a copy of your ID card or passport and the privacy form.
- Exam system: a link where you enter your details (e.g. your address), so everything is prepared for test day.
Rescheduling is free of charge up to 24 hours before your slot. After that, the full fee is due.
On test day: log in, check your equipment, ID check
Log in at least 5 minutes before the start and check camera, microphone and sound – easiest beforehand with our tech check. Your examiner welcomes you in the meeting and starts with the ID check. Please have your ID and – if you have one – your licence ready.
Before starting, the examiner briefly explains the procedure. Your own recordings of the test (video, audio or AI transcripts) are not permitted.
Part I: listening and speaking
The first part is about aviation – but not about technical knowledge. There are no right or wrong answers; what is assessed is how you express yourself and how well you understand. The core of Part I is 14 questions – two picture tasks and twelve further questions – each answered in about 4–5 sentences. Listening tasks with radio messages follow at the end.
1. Describe a picture
You see a photo from an aviation setting and describe what is happening: people, activities, weather, possible causes and consequences.
2. Compare two pictures
You name similarities and differences between two pictures. In the Level 4 only test there is no comparison – you only describe.
3. Twelve more aviation-related questions
For example about your own flying experience, weather, safety or communication in the cockpit. In the Level 4 only test the questions are slightly easier.
4. Read back two ATC instructions
You hear a radio instruction – such as heading, altitude and squawk code – and read it back, just as you know it from flying.
5. Two ATIS messages or a short story
Licence holders in the Level 4–6 test hear two ATIS recordings and report information such as runway, wind or QNH. Student pilots instead get two questions, then hear a short aviation story and answer the questions based on it. In the Level 4 only test there are no ATIS tasks.
Try all task types for free now
Part II: the interview (10–15 minutes)
The second part is about you: travel, work, hobbies – a real conversation, like one you might have on a long flight. The topic is up to you.
For part of the interview, the examiner switches their camera off. This way, communication without visual contact is assessed too – under AMC1 FCL.055 the assessment has to include both face-to-face and voice-only situations.
Rating: six criteria, two examiners
You are rated on the ICAO Rating Scale (AMC2 FCL.055, ICAO Doc 9835). Each of the six criteria receives its own level. Your overall level is the lowest individual rating – not the average. Two examiners rate every test; if required, Austro Control rates it as well.
| Criterion | Level 4 · Operational | Level 5 · Extended | Level 6 · Expert |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | Influenced by the first language, only sometimes interferes with understanding. | Influence audible, rarely interferes with understanding. | Almost never interferes – an accent is allowed. |
| Structure | Basic grammar mostly correct; errors rarely change the meaning. | Basic structures consistently controlled, complex ones with minor errors. | Basic and complex structures consistently controlled. |
| Vocabulary | Sufficient for general and work topics; paraphrasing often works. | Sufficient for unfamiliar topics too; paraphrasing works consistently. | Broad, precise and idiomatic, sensitive to nuance. |
| Fluency | Appropriate pace; spontaneous speech sometimes falters. | Longer contributions with relative ease, suitable linking words. | Natural and effortless, pace varied deliberately. |
| Comprehension | Mostly accurate; with complications, asking back helps. | Accurate – even with complications and unexpected turns. | Accurate in almost all situations, including subtleties. |
| Interactions | Usually responds immediately and appropriately; resolves misunderstandings by checking. | Responds quickly and informatively, manages the conversation. | Effortless in almost all situations, responds to subtle cues. |
Simplified summary. The ICAO Rating Scale in AMC2 FCL.055 and ICAO Doc 9835 is authoritative.
After the test: result and certificate
You receive your result and certificate by email within 24 hours – often on the same day. Forward the certificate to the authority that manages your licence. How this works in your country: Germany, Austria, Switzerland.
If you don’t reach Level 4, nobody but you will know. You can rebook at any time – a training session with feedback is often worthwhile first.
Checklist for test day
- ID card or passport, plus your licence (if you have one)
- A quiet room without interruptions, good light on your face
- Stable internet connection, device charged or plugged in
- Camera, microphone and speakers tested – a headset is ideal
- Zoom link ready, log in 5 minutes before the start