ICAO English is the language proficiency rating you need to operate internationally. It runs from Level 1 (Pre-Elementary) to Level 6 (Expert), and most pilots hold Level 4 or Level 5. Which one you need depends on where you want to fly, and the gap between the two is bigger than the certificate suggests.
What ICAO actually tests
The rating assesses six skills against ICAO Doc 9835: pronunciation, structure (grammar), vocabulary, fluency, comprehension and interactions.
Your overall rating is your lowest score across the six. Score Level 5 on five skills and Level 4 on one, and you leave with Level 4. Plenty of pilots who expected a Level 5 learn this on results day.
Level 4 (Operational): the minimum
Level 4 is valid for 4 years under EASA. ICAO recommends 3, and some authorities outside EASA apply that shorter period. It covers standard radiotelephony in routine situations, every ICAO-compliant airline and CAA requires it for international operations, and most ATPL candidates reach it on the first attempt.
Level 5 (Extended): the level operators prefer
Level 5 is valid for 6 years. It shows you can handle non-routine situations in plain English: communicating a technical failure, disagreeing with ATC, discussing a weather diversion.
Most Middle East, Asian and U.S. operators prefer or require Level 5 for First Officer hires. Most European low-cost and legacy carriers accept Level 4, but score Level 5 candidates higher on their recruitment matrix.
Level 6 (Expert): rarely tested
Level 6 never needs renewing. You would only test for it as a native or near-native speaker who wants to stop renewing. Examiners are conservative with it, because Level 6 requires that no trace of accent could confuse another speaker, so many fluent pilots end up at Level 5.
Which airlines require which level?
The 2026 picture, as an order of magnitude:
| Operator group | Minimum | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| EU legacy (AF, LH, KLM, IAG) | Level 4 | Level 5 |
| EU low-cost (Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz) | Level 4 | Level 4 |
| Gulf carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Qatar) | Level 5 | Level 5+ |
| Asian carriers (SIA, CX, ANA) | Level 5 | Level 5 |
| U.S. majors (post-FAA conversion) | Level 4 (FAA) | n/a |
| Business jet (corporate / charter) | Level 5 | Level 5+ |
If you are applying anywhere outside the EU low-cost segment, aim for Level 5.
Moving from Level 4 to Level 5 without re-sitting the full test
Several examiners in the Veejo network offer a targeted re-assessment of the one skill you scored lowest on. If you scored 4 on pronunciation and 5 or above on everything else, you re-test pronunciation alone and receive the full Level 5 rating. It costs €180 to €350, against €450 to €900 for a full Level 5 test, and takes about 2 weeks instead of 6.
When to renew
Renew Level 4 about six months before it expires, and earlier if your test falls in summer, when examiner availability drops. For Level 5, renew 6 months ahead if you are job-hunting, because operators see the expiry date and mark your file down. Set yourself reminders at 90, 30, 14 and 7 days before expiry; the Career Log, coming soon to the Veejo app, will send these alerts for you.
What happens on test day
According to the examiners we work with, pilots who fail Level 5 usually have the English but freeze during the non-routine scenario. Rehearsal fixes that. Pilot tutor sessions pair you with examiner-rated pilots who run the same scenario format you will face, and a session the week before your test is well spent.