ICAO English Language Proficiency: Foundations

Understand how pilots are assessed, find your weakest criterion and build a practical plan to reach — or keep — your target level.

ICAO ELP

Free with account

Create a free account to start

Already a member? Sign in

  • 5 lessons
  • 43 min of content
  • All levels
  • Self-paced, online

What you'll learn

  • Explain the six ICAO rating levels and why Level 4 is the operational minimum
  • Describe the six assessment criteria and how the final level is decided
  • Recognise the difference between standard phraseology and plain English
  • Use practical techniques to improve fluency and interaction
  • Prepare for assessment day with a clear checklist

Every pilot who flies internationally needs a language proficiency endorsement on their licence. This short course explains how the ICAO rating scale works, what assessors actually listen for, and how to prepare efficiently.

It is designed for student pilots preparing for their first assessment, licensed pilots renewing their endorsement, and anyone aiming to move from Level 4 to Level 5 or 6.

Each lesson takes about 10 minutes and ends with a short knowledge check. Your progress is saved automatically when you're signed in.

This course prepares you for an assessment; the official assessment is carried out by an approved language assessment body.

Course content 5 lessons · 43 min

  1. 01 Module 1 — How the assessment works

    1. The ICAO rating scale Preview8 min
    2. The six criteria — and why your weakest one decides 10 min

  2. 02 Module 2 — Building your level

    1. Plain English beyond phraseology 10 min
    2. Techniques for fluency and interactions 9 min

  3. 03 Module 3 — Exam day

    1. Assessment day checklist 6 min

Have a question about a course or exam?

Tell us your licence, your target date and where you feel stuck. We reply within two working days.