ICAO English Language Proficiency Grades
The International Civil Aviation Organisation grades English Language proficiency on a scale of 1 to 6:
- Level 1 Pre-Elementary
- Level 2 Elementary
- Level 3 Pre-Operational
- Level 4 Operational
- Level 5 Extended
- Level 6 Expert
An ICAO English test will give a score in each of the following language skills:
Pronunciation Structure Vocabulary Comprehension Fluency Interaction
Pilots and ATCs need to score a minimum of level 4 in each of these skills.
Unlike other tests, the ICAO score is not an average - it is based on the lowest score that you receive for each of the above skills. That means that if you score 5 x 6s and 1 x 3 you will be given a score of ICAO level 3!