Technical review: Tim Hittinger, Language Proficiency Examiner (A-126-LPE)What does ICAO Level 4 mean?
The ICAO language proficiency scale runs from Level 1 to Level 6. Level 4 is called Operational – in ENAC documents, the Italian term is «Operativo». If you reach Level 4, you can communicate safely and effectively in English on the radio.
Under FCL.055, you need at least Level 4 to use English for radio communication. This applies to pilots of aeroplanes, helicopters, powered-lift aircraft, airships and, since 18 February 2026, gyroplanes. It is the minimum, whether you are a student pilot or an airline captain.
You don’t need perfect English. Grammar and pronunciation errors are acceptable as long as the meaning stays clear and you can resolve misunderstandings.
What do you need to show for Level 4?
The test assesses the six criteria of the ICAO Rating Scale. For Level 4, each of the six must reach at least 4: your overall level is always the lowest individual rating.
- Pronunciation: your first language may be audible, and that is fine, as long as it only sometimes makes you harder to understand.
- Structure: basic grammar is usually well controlled. Errors happen, especially in unusual or unexpected situations, but rarely change the meaning.
- Vocabulary: usually enough for common, concrete and work-related topics. If a word is missing, you can often paraphrase.
- Fluency: an appropriate pace. When you move from standard phraseology to spontaneous speech, you may hesitate, as long as communication doesn’t suffer.
- Comprehension: on common and work-related topics you mostly understand accurately. With a complication or an unexpected turn of events, you may be slower or need to ask for clarification.
- Interactions: you usually respond promptly and appropriately, keep the exchange going when something unexpected happens and resolve misunderstandings by checking or confirming.
Asking for a repeat is not a mistake. A clear “Say again, please” or “Could you repeat that?” shows exactly the interaction the criterion is looking for.
How long is Level 4 valid?
Under FCL.055 (c), Level 4 must be re-evaluated every 4 years. ENAC’s information note NI-2020-027 sets the same interval: «ogni 4 anni per il livello 4 (Operativo)» – every 4 years for Level 4 (NI-2020-027, in Italian ).
You may read online that Level 4 lasts 5 years. Under EASA rules and for ENAC, the interval is 4 years.
What counts is the validity date endorsed on your licence. You can take your next test at any time, including before expiry or to aim for a higher level. Plan ahead so there is time for the endorsement: see validity and renewal.
How does Level 4 get onto your ENAC licence?
Your certificate arrives by email within 24 hours, usually on the day of the test. For a renewal, you send it by PEC (Italian certified email) to ENAC’s registry, stating your Direzione Territoriale – still called Direzione Aeroportuale in NI-2020-027 – and ENAC reprints your licence with the new level. The note sets out what the endorsement must show:
«L’annotazione dovrà indicare la lingua, il livello di competenza e la data di validità.»
“The endorsement must state the language, the proficiency level and the validity date.” (our translation)
ENAC – Information note NI-2020-027, § 10 · open the document
The final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC. Our guide to the ENAC licence endorsement walks you through the form, the fee and the submission step by step.
Level 4 only or the open 4–6 test: which one?
You can reach Level 4 in both tests. What differs is the type of tasks and the highest result your certificate can show:
| Feature | Level 4 only | Open test 4–6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | €159 | €229 |
| Highest result | Level 4 | Level 6 |
| Picture tasks | describe only | describe and compare |
| ATIS messages | no | yes, if you already hold a licence |
| Duration | about 30 minutes | about 30 minutes |
| Re-evaluation | after 4 years | after 4 years (Level 4) or 6 years (Level 5); none with Level 6 |
| Cost per year | ≈ €40 (4 years) | ≈ €38 with Level 5, one-off with Level 6 |
Final prices incl. VAT. Any surcharges (e.g. on public holidays) are shown in the calendar before you book.
Our recommendation: if English is not your strong point or you know Level 4 is enough, Level 4 only is the more relaxed choice. If you feel comfortable in English, the open test is worth it: for €70 more you can reach Level 5 or 6, and if your performance matches Level 4, you still receive Level 4.
How do you prepare for the ICAO Level 4 test?
- Answer in full. One sentence is too little: with 4–5 sentences per question, the examiner has enough to assess.
- Ask if you don’t understand. Asking for a repeat or a clarification counts in your favour.
- Paraphrase instead of stopping. “The thing that shows the wind direction” beats a long pause.
- Read back precisely. Heading, altitude, squawk and call sign, in the right order.
- Get to know the format. Our free sample test lets you try tasks similar to the real ones in advance.
Want honest feedback before you book? In a training session with an examiner you simulate the test and find out whether you would be at Level 4, 5 or 6 today. Whoever trains you does not examine you.
Frequently asked questions about Level 4
Is Level 4 enough for professional pilots?
Legally, yes: FCL.055 requires at least Level 4, for professional licences too. Some employers prefer a higher level, so check the requirements if you are applying to an airline.
Can I renew Level 4 online?
Yes. Initial assessment and renewal work the same way, live on Zoom. Choose Level 4 only or the open 4–6 test: either way, your certificate arrives by email within 24 hours and you send it to ENAC to update your endorsement.
I’m a student pilot – which test should I choose?
You can take either; the same considerations as above apply. We adapt the tasks to your stage of training: in the open test, instead of ATIS messages you listen to a short story and answer two questions.
Does the ICAO test replace the English radiotelephony rating in Italy?
No, they are two separate requirements. If your radiotelephony rating (abilitazione alla radiotelefonia) is in Italian only, ENAC has a separate process for the English rating: a course, a «COM in lingua inglese» exam and a practical simulation (NI-2022-005, in Italian ). You still need Level 4: under NI-2020-027 (§ 4.1), ENAC only adds English radiotelephony to your licence after a Language Proficiency Check of at least Level 4. English radiotelephony vs language proficiency
What if I don’t reach Level 4?
It stays between us: we send nothing to ENAC. You can rebook at any time – a training session with feedback helps you work on your weak points.