Technical review: Tim Hittinger, Language Proficiency Examiner (A-126-LPE)How long is my ICAO level valid?
The intervals are set by EU law in FCL.055 of Part-FCL (Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011). They apply in all EASA states – including to Part-FCL licences issued by ENAC, the Italian Civil Aviation Authority.
| Level | Name (ENAC term) | Re-assessment | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 4 | Operational (Operativo) | every 4 years | FCL.055(c)(1) |
| Level 5 | Extended (Avanzato) | every 6 years | FCL.055(c)(2) |
| Level 6 | Expert (Esperto) | no periodic re-assessment | FCL.055(c) |
ENAC uses the same intervals in its Information Note NI-2020-027: Level 4 every 4 years, Level 5 every 6 years (NI-2020-027, § 1, in Italian ).
Where do I find my expiry date?
On your licence. When you apply with your certificate, ENAC enters the level, the language and the validity date on your pilot licence. The same Information Note says so:
«L’annotazione dovrà indicare la lingua, il livello di competenza e la data di validità.»
Our translation: “The endorsement must indicate the language, the proficiency level and the validity date.” ENAC – Information Note NI-2020-027, § 10 (in Italian)
For the expiry of your level, what counts is the validity date ENAC enters on your licence. Your certificate shows the date on which you took the test.
When should I book my renewal?
You can take the test again at any time before your level expires – there is no need to wait until the last few days. The test itself is quick to arrange: slots often within the next few days, and your certificate by email within 24 hours.
After the test, however, ENAC still has to update the endorsement on your licence, and how long that takes depends on ENAC, not on us. ENAC publishes no specific deadline for language proficiency; its general maximum for administrative procedures is 90 days – a limit, not an average.
Our advice: book your renewal a few months before your level expires, not a few days. That leaves time for the ENAC endorsement and for any questions from ENAC. Timing and planning
How do I renew my ICAO level, step by step?
Renewing Level 4 or Level 5 takes four steps: three with us, the last one with ENAC.
- Choose your test and dateLevel 4 only or the open Level 4–6 test: a renewal is the same test as a first assessment, with the same tasks and the same certificate. Do you hold Level 5 and want to keep it? Choose the open test – Level 4 only certifies Level 4 at most.
- Take the test onlineAbout 30 minutes, live on Zoom, with an examiner certified by Austro Control.
- Receive your certificateBy email within 24 hours, usually on the day of the test.
- Apply to ENAC for the endorsementPay €32 via ENAC’s “Servizi OnLine”. Then send one single PDF by PEC (Italian certified email) to ENAC’s registry – the LPR form, your certificate, a copy of your licence, a copy of your ID and the payment receipt – with your Direzione Territoriale (regional office) in the subject line. ENAC reprints your licence with the new level and validity date.
Our guide to the ENAC licence endorsement covers the form, the PEC subject line and collecting your licence. The final decision on the endorsement rests with ENAC. And if you are wondering whether the online test is valid for your ENAC licence: yes, under the conditions ENAC has published.
Can I aim for a higher level when I renew?
Yes. You can take the open Level 4–6 test whenever you like, whatever your current level and whenever it expires – though an early re-assessment is subject to the same testing body rule. A higher result extends the time until your next assessment considerably:
- Level 4 to Level 5: re-assessment every 6 instead of every 4 years
- Level 4 or 5 to Level 6: no more periodic re-assessment
You do not choose your level in advance: the certificate states the level you demonstrate. If your performance matches a lower level than you hoped for, that is the level you receive. To see where you stand, read what Level 5 and Level 6 require.
Example based on current prices; the result depends on your performance.
Where do I retake the test if I don’t pass?
Under Austro Control’s rules, a failed test must be retaken with the same Language Testing Body. As a rule, the same applies if you take an early re-assessment to aim for a higher level.
In practice: if you took your test with LTB 112, your next attempt is also with LTB 112. If you do not reach Level 4, only you will know, and you can book again whenever you like. Before you try again, training with feedback can help.
Did you get your current level from another testing body and want an early re-assessment? Or are you unsure what applies in your case? Contact us before booking.
What if my level has already expired?
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)). If you hold an instrument rating, you need English in any case (FCL.055(d)).
A new assessment is possible at any time, even after expiry: book the test, receive your certificate within 24 hours and apply to ENAC for the new endorsement. ENAC publishes no guidance on the period until your licence is reprinted, so if your expiry date is close or has passed, ask your Direzione Territoriale how to proceed.
Is Level 6 really valid for life?
Under EU law, yes: FCL.055(c) exempts Level 6 from periodic re-assessment, and ENAC also sets intervals only for Levels 4 and 5.
If you use your licence outside the EASA system, however – for example to have it validated in another country or to fly for an operator from a non-EASA country – other rules may apply. Check them case by case. The full requirement is explained in FCL.055 explained.
Frequently asked questions about validity and renewal
Can I renew my ICAO level online?
Yes, under the conditions published by ENAC: since 30 August 2022, ENAC has accepted online language proficiency tests run by Language Testing Bodies approved by EASA states under FCL.055, provided the candidate’s identity, security and confidentiality are ensured throughout the test. Our test is run with LTB 112, a Language Testing Body certified and supervised by Austro Control GmbH (Austria).
Is a renewal different from the first assessment?
No. Tasks, duration and certificate are the same. Only the final step differs: for a renewal you use ENAC’s LPR form, and ENAC reprints your licence with the new level and validity date.
How much does an ICAO Level 4 renewal cost?
The same as a first assessment: €159 for Level 4 only, €229 for the open Level 4–6 test, VAT included. These are final prices; any surcharges (e.g. on public holidays) are shown in the calendar before you book. On top of that, ENAC charges €32 in stamp duty (items N07-4 and N07-9) to reprint your licence – paid to ENAC, not to us.
Is Level 4 enough for my renewal?
To fly, yes: FCL.055 requires at least Level 4. Aiming for Level 5 or 6 makes sense if you are comfortable in English and want to renew less often. In the open test, if your performance matches Level 4, you still receive Level 4.