ICAO English Level 4, the basic operational level, represents the minimum standard required to pass and is crucial for effective communication in aviation. This level ensures that all individuals involved in communication can manage both routine and emergency scenarios using clear, functional English, making them operationally capable.

To understand the expectations, here are the descriptors based on the rating scale for Level 4:

Pronunciation:

Your pronunciation doesn’t need to be perfect, nor do you need to speak with a native accent. Examiners anticipate that your English may reflect influences from your native language, and this is acceptable. Even if certain sounds are distinct or unconventional, the focus is on ensuring your speech remains clear and comprehensible. As long as your accent does not hinder understanding, your pronunciation is deemed effective and suitable for safe aviation communication.

Structure:

At ICAO Level 4, you demonstrate the ability to construct sentences that effectively convey ideas. You can correctly use basic grammar forms, such as tenses, plurals, and prepositions, to maintain clarity. While your sentence structures may be straightforward and occasionally imperfect, they are functional and ensure essential information is communicated reliably. This capability supports clear and effective communication, even in high-pressure or busy situations.

Vocabulary:

Your vocabulary at this level is practical and functional, enabling you to discuss routine aviation topics effectively. You have a strong grasp of essential terms and can adapt your language to various situations. Although your vocabulary might not be extensive, it allows you to convey key information accurately. This competency facilitates smooth interactions with colleagues and air traffic controllers, ensuring critical details are communicated confidently.

Fluency:

You can produce language at a reasonable pace, maintaining appropriate tempo and flow. While occasional disruptions may occur when transitioning from prepared phrases to spontaneous speech, these do not obstruct effective communication. Your use of discourse markers or connectors may be limited, but fillers remain non-distracting.

Comprehension:

Your understanding is generally accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics, provided the accent or variety of English used is intelligible to the international aviation community. In cases of linguistic challenges, situational complications, or unexpected developments, your comprehension might slow down but can be supported through clarification strategies.

Interaction:

You are capable of participating in straightforward conversations, asking questions, and providing appropriate responses in most situations. You can maintain a two-way exchange, express concerns, and seek clarification when needed. These interaction skills enable you to engage actively, resolve issues, and achieve mutual understanding in both routine and unexpected scenarios.

ICAO English Level 5, often referred to as the „level of extended proficiency,“ demonstrates an advanced command of aviation English. A speaker at this level can engage in discussions on a variety of topics, communicating clearly and accurately. They are capable of managing routine situations and responding effectively to unexpected developments. At Level 5, individuals display strong skills in grammar and pronunciation, contributing significantly to safety in air traffic communication.

To understand the expectations, refer to the Level 5 descriptors based on the rating scale:

Pronunciation:
While pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation may reflect the speaker’s first language or regional accent, they rarely impede clarity or ease of understanding.

Structure:
Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well-controlled. Complex structures are used but may occasionally contain errors that affect meaning.

Vocabulary:
The range and accuracy of vocabulary are sufficient for effective communication on common, concrete, and work-related topics. Speakers consistently and successfully paraphrase and sometimes use idiomatic expressions.

Fluency:
Speakers can express themselves at length on familiar topics with relative ease. While they may not intentionally vary speech flow for stylistic effect, they use appropriate discourse markers and connectors.

Comprehension:
Understanding is accurate on common, concrete, and work-related topics. It remains largely reliable even when faced with linguistic or situational challenges or unexpected turns of events. Speakers can understand a variety of speech styles and registers.

Interaction:
Responses are prompt, relevant, and informative. Speakers effectively manage the dynamics between speaker and listener.

ICAO English Level 6, often called the „Expert Level,“ represents the highest proficiency within the ICAO framework. Speakers at this level exhibit complete mastery of the English language, showcasing full fluency, precision, and an exceptional grasp of vocabulary and grammar. Their ability to understand and respond confidently allows them to handle any aviation-related scenario with ease. Pronunciation at Level 6 is clear, and their use of language is naturally idiomatic.

To better understand the requirements, see the Level 6 descriptors as outlined by the rating scale:

Pronunciation:
Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation, though possibly influenced by the first language or regional variation, almost never interfere with ease of understanding.

Structure:
Both basic and complex grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well controlled.

Vocabulary:
Vocabulary range and accuracy are sufficient to communicate effectively on a wide variety of familiar and unfamiliar topics. Vocabulary is idiomatic, nuanced, and sensitive to register.

Fluency:
Able to speak at length with a natural, effortless flow. Varies speech flow for stylistic effect, e.g. to emphasize a point. Uses appropriate discourse markers and connectors spontaneously.

Comprehension:
Comprehension is consistently accurate in nearly all contexts and includes comprehension of linguistic and cultural subtleties.

Interaction:
Interacts with ease in nearly all situations. Is sensitive to verbal and non-verbal cues and responds to them appropriately.

Question No. | Topic/Task

1: General Question
2: General Question
3: Education & Training
4: Education & Training
5: ICAO Phraseology
6: ICAO Phraseology
7: Picture description
8: Picture description
9: Flight Safety
10: Flight Safety
11: Emergency Situations
12: Emergency Situations
13: ATIS Interpretation
14: ATIS Interpretation
15: Listening Comprehension (ATC-Calls)
16: Listening Comprehension (ATC-Calls)
17: Various
18: Various

Question No. | Topic/Task

1: General Question
2: General Question
3: Education & Training
4: Education & Training
5: ICAO Phraseology
6: ICAO Phraseology
7: Picture description
8: Picture description
9: Flight Safety
10: Flight Safety
11: Emergency Situations
12: Emergency Situations
13: Listening Comprehension (ATC-Calls)
14: Listening Comprehension (ATC-Calls)
15: Various
16: Various

Question No. | Topic/Task

1: General Question
2: General Question
3: Education & Training
4: Education & Training
5: ICAO Phraseology
6: ICAO Phraseology
7: Picture description
8: Picture description
9: Flight Safety
10: Emergency Situations
11: Listening Comprehension (ATC-Calls)
12: Various