ICAO test online: frequently asked questions

Yes, under the conditions published by ENAC. Since 30 August 2022, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority has accepted online language proficiency tests delivered by Language Testing Bodies approved by EASA states under FCL.055:

«[…] saranno accettati a condizione che siano garantite l’identità del candidato, la sicurezza e la riservatezza durante l’intero svolgimento del test.»

Our translation: “[…] will be accepted, provided that the candidate’s identity, security and confidentiality are guaranteed throughout the test.” ENAC – “Language Proficiency Requirements” page (in Italian), check on the ENAC website

Our test is conducted with LTB 112, a Language Testing Body certified and supervised by Austro Control GmbH (Austria, an EASA member state). The final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC. Full details and sources

Yes. ENAC’s list only includes the centres and tests that ENAC itself has certified: GAT is not a centre certified directly by ENAC, and we don’t claim to be. Tests taken in other EASA countries follow a separate route, set out in Section 11 of Information Note NI-2020-027:

«L’esito del test è riconosciuto e accettato per l’annotazione su licenza di volo italiana.»

Our translation: “The test result is recognised and accepted for endorsement on an Italian flight licence.” ENAC, Nota Informativa NI-2020-027, Section 11 – enac.gov.it (PDF, Italian)

Our test, run with LTB 112 under the supervision of Austro Control, falls into this category, subject to the reservations set by ENAC. ENAC’s list and foreign LTBs

No. For tests taken in EASA countries, ENAC «non accetta in nessun caso l’esito di test di inglese svolti durante i proficiency check effettuati da un TRE» – it does not in any case accept the result of English tests taken during proficiency checks conducted by a TRE (NI-2020-027, Section 11 ). You need a separate language proficiency assessment with a Language Testing Body or an authorised centre. Tests taken abroad: ENAC’s rules

The final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC. NI-2020-027 recognises tests taken in EASA countries, but ENAC reserves the right to decide whether to accept a result if the way the country or the individual organisation implements the language proficiency requirement has been the subject of a finding during EASA standardisation visits. For online tests, identity, security and confidentiality must also be guaranteed: this is what we do in every test. That is why we do not promise the endorsement: we show you the rules and sources so you can check them yourself.

With an IR, you must demonstrate language proficiency in English (FCL.055(d)), even if you usually speak Italian on the radio; you do so through an assessment based on the method of a competent authority (FCL.055(e)), such as our test. At the IR skill test the certificate may still be missing, but under NI-2020-027 (Section 4) it must be presented before the rating is endorsed. For the first issue of an IR, you attach it to your application to ENAC’s Direzione Personale di Volo (Flight Personnel Directorate). FCL.055 and the IR

For gyroplanes yes; for gliders, balloons and VDS no. Since 18 February 2026, FCL.055 also applies to gyroplane pilots with a Part-FCL licence who are required to use the radio, in addition to pilots of aeroplanes, helicopters, powered-lift aircraft and airships (Regulation (EU) 2025/134). For glider and balloon licences, ENAC does not require the certificate (NI-2022-005, Section 5); VDS (volo da diporto o sportivo, Italian ultralight and sport flying) is not part of Part-FCL. Who needs the endorsement

In principle, yes. FCL.055 applies in all EASA states, and under point (e) language proficiency is demonstrated through a method of assessment established by “any competent authority” – not only the one that issued your licence. However, the endorsement is made by the authority that issued your licence, under its own procedure: before booking, ask it which documents it needs. Assessments from another EASA state

That depends on the authority that issued your licence: its rules apply, not those of ENAC or EASA. We cannot confirm whether it accepts our certificate. Please ask your authority directly before booking.

No, they are two separate requirements. If your licence only covers radiotelephony in Italian, extending it to English requires, under ENAC NI-2022-005 , a course at an ATO or DTO, the COM theory exam in English and a practical simulation with an examiner. Holders of aeroplane and helicopter licences also need a Language Proficiency Check «effettuato presso un Body Language qualificato EASA» – taken with an EASA-system language testing body (Section 5) – of at least Level 4 (NI-2020-027, Section 4.1). That is the assessment you take with us, but it does not replace the course, the COM exam or the practical test. English radiotelephony vs language proficiency

The test takes about 30 minutes. The calendar reserves a 45-minute slot, so the ID check and the initial briefing are never rushed.

Part I (camera on): 14 aviation-related tasks – two picture tasks and twelve questions – which you answer in about 4–5 sentences each; then you read back two ATC instructions and, in the 4–6 test for licence holders, listen to two ATIS messages (student pilots hear a short story instead). Part II: a 10–15-minute interview, including a voice-only phase. Two people – the examiner and a language expert (LPLE) from LTB 112 – rate you on the six criteria of the ICAO Rating Scale, and your overall level is the lowest of the six ratings. No technical knowledge is required. The test in detail

Yes. You don’t need a previous level. In the open 4–6 test you are certified at the level you demonstrate – even if you currently hold Level 4 or 5. Level 6 cannot be bought, only demonstrated. All about Level 6

No. In the open 4–6 test you are certified at the level you demonstrate: if your performance is not enough for Level 6 but meets Level 5, you get Level 5; if it meets Level 4, you get Level 4.

Level 4 only (€159) has slightly easier tasks: you describe one picture instead of comparing two, and there are no ATIS messages. The certificate shows Level 4 at most. The open 4–6 test (€229) can also certify Level 5 (re-evaluation after 6 years) or Level 6 (no periodic re-evaluation). Which one to choose

Yes, even during your training: the test is the same, only some tasks change. Instead of the ATIS, for example, you listen to a short story and answer two questions. Ask your flight school (ATO or DTO) when and with which application to submit the certificate. The test in detail

Yes. The content is adapted to your background: airline, general aviation, helicopter or flight school. You talk about situations you know, but only your English is assessed – not your technical knowledge.

No. Austro Control’s rules do not allow candidates to record the test, on video or audio, and our terms also rule out transcripts and summaries made with AI tools. We also remind you of this before we start.

Only you receive the result: we do not send it to ENAC, your employer or your flight school. You can rebook whenever you like; under Austro Control’s rules, however, the new test is taken with the same Language Testing Body, i.e. with LTB 112 again. We recommend a training session first, with feedback on your weak points. Training and PreCheck

TEA is the name of one specific test, but in Italy many people use it to mean any English test for pilots. What you actually need is a language proficiency assessment under FCL.055. Our test is called “ICAO Level”, is certified by Austro Control and is not the TEA – it is an online alternative. TEA, AELP, ELPE: the differences

A stable internet connection, a camera, a microphone and speakers or headphones; a headset with microphone is ideal. Our free tech check tests your camera and microphone in one minute, right in your browser.

Yes. A laptop or PC is ideal, but smartphones and tablets also work. Place your device on a stable stand, keep it plugged in and use headphones.

No. The link in your confirmation email is all you need: join via the Zoom app or your browser. Please join 5 minutes before the start.

Rejoin straight away using the same Zoom link – the examiner will agree with you how to continue. If you can’t reconnect, call us: +49 7072 1352530 (we answer in English or German).

Your result and certificate arrive by email within 24 hours, usually on the day of the test. The certificate is issued by LTB 112 and shows, among other things, the name of the Language Testing Body, the Austro Control logo, your personal details, the test date and your ICAO level. On request we also provide documents on the approval of LTB 112 and on the examiner’s authorisation.

To renew or update the level on a licence you already hold, you send ENAC a single PDF under 20 MB by PEC (Italian certified email, from your own PEC address) to protocollo@pec.enac.gov.it, stating your Direzione Territoriale (regional office) in the subject line. The PDF contains the form «Domanda rinnovo competenza linguistica inglese (LPR)» (application to renew English language proficiency), the certificate, a copy of your licence, a copy of your ID and the receipt for the €32 paid via ENAC’s “Servizi OnLine”. ENAC then reprints your licence with the new level; the final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC.

For the initial issue of a CPL, ATPL or IR, the certificate is attached to your application to the Direzione Personale di Volo instead. Step-by-step guide · ENAC “LPR” form (Italian)

We cannot promise any timescale: it depends on ENAC and your Direzione Territoriale. ENAC does not specify a deadline for this procedure; its regulation on administrative deadlines sets a general maximum of 90 days – a limit, not an average. So plan ahead and act well before your level expires. The reprinted licence is normally collected from the Direzione Territoriale – at several offices by appointment only. Timing and planning

Level 4 must be re-evaluated after 4 years, Level 5 after 6 years. For Level 6, FCL.055 requires no periodic re-evaluation. The validity date that ENAC endorses on your licence is what counts. Validity and renewal

Without a valid English language proficiency endorsement, you may not exercise the privileges of your licence on flights where you communicate by radio in English (FCL.055(a)). A new assessment is possible at any time, even after expiry: book the test, receive your certificate and apply to ENAC for the new endorsement with the LPR form. If your level has already expired, ask your Direzione Territoriale how to proceed in the meantime. Expired level: what to know

Yes: you can take a new open 4–6 test whenever you like, even long before your current level expires, and then have the higher level endorsed by ENAC using the same procedure. If you took your previous test with us, Austro Control’s rules mean the new attempt is generally taken with LTB 112 again. If your current level comes from another testing body, please contact us before booking. Aiming for a higher level

There is no official equivalence. The ICAO scale assesses only speaking and listening in an aviation context, using its own six criteria; the CEFR (A1–C2) and IELTS measure general English with different criteria. A B2 or IELTS certificate therefore does not replace the FCL.055 assessment. To see where you stand, try our free sample test. ICAO, CEFR and IELTS

Levels 4–6: €229, Level 4 only: €159. These are final prices including VAT, with no membership or administration fees; any surcharges (e.g. on public holidays) are shown in the calendar before you book. Separately, ENAC charges €32 for reprinting your licence, payable directly to ENAC. Prices and conditions

Payment methods: PayPal and credit card. You pay when you book, and your appointment is confirmed immediately after payment. The total price is shown in the calendar before you confirm. Payment terms

No. You only enter the details needed for the appointment and payment – no registration.

Yes, free of charge up to 24 hours before: use the link in your confirmation email, or email or call us. After that, the full fee is due, without prejudice to your statutory rights; if you are not in the Zoom meeting within 15 minutes of the start, you lose the slot. Terms and conditions · Right of withdrawal

Normally not: the price shown is the final price, including VAT. Only for certain dates, such as public holidays, may a surcharge apply – in that case you see it in the calendar together with the total price before you book.

Slots are available on weekdays, often within the next few days. Calendar times are in Italian time: Germany and Italy share the same time zone. If you live or fly abroad, you can join from any country – just convert the time to your own time zone. See available dates

Yes. The PreCheck (20 minutes, €19) gives you a short level estimate; the training (45 minutes, €69) is a mock exam with feedback and a level estimate. The person who trains you never examines you. Our sample test is free and needs no registration. All options

The test is in English, of course. Our support team also replies in English (or German). This website and our guides are available in English and Italian, and the booking calendar is available in both languages too (some texts in the eTermin calendar may appear in German); the confirmation email is sent in the language of your booking, and some other automated emails may appear in Italian or German. Contract language: German (see below).

German. The contract is concluded in German only. The German text of the terms (AGB) is binding; the Italian and English versions are translations for information purposes, so you can read our terms in English before booking. The test itself is in English, and our customer service replies in English or German. Contract text and language

Please email us at info@german-aviation-training.de before booking and tell us the billing details you need – we will tell you how to proceed.