Reviewed by Tim Hittinger, ICAO examiner (A-126-LPE)What ICAO Level 4 means in practice
The ICAO rating scale runs from Level 1 to Level 6. ICAO Level 4 is called Operational. Its official Spanish name is Nivel 4 Operacional, and you will often see it written as “nivel 4 OACI”. It means you can do the job in English on the radio: understand ATC, read back correctly and sort out a misunderstanding.
Level 4 does not mean perfect English. Grammar mistakes and an accent are fine, as long as your meaning stays clear. You are rated on six criteria, and your overall level is the lowest of the six. So every single criterion has to reach at least Level 4.
The six criteria: what examiners listen for at Level 4
Practical explanations in our own words – not the official wording of the rating scale.
A clear Spanish – or any other – accent is fine. The examiner should be able to follow you without straining. The odd unclear word is acceptable, as long as the listener isn’t guessing all the time.
Past tense, questions and word order mostly work. You will make mistakes – everyone does under pressure – but the listener still knows what you mean.
You can talk about flying, weather, work and daily life. If a word is missing, you describe it: “the thing that shows the wind direction” does the job.
You may slow down to find words when you speak freely. That’s fine, as long as the conversation keeps moving. Simple linking words like so, because and but help.
You understand most of what you hear on everyday and work topics. If things get complicated or the speaker is fast, you may need a moment – or a repeat.
You reply promptly and to the point. When something is unclear, you ask: “Confirm runway two-seven?” That check is exactly what the examiner wants to hear.
Asking for a repeat is not a mistake. A clear “Could you say that again, please?” shows good interaction – on the radio and in the test.
How long Level 4 lasts: 4 years, not 3
For pilots, Level 4 is re-evaluated after 4 years (FCL.055 (c)(1) and Orden FOM/1146/2019, art. 5.1). The date that counts is the one in the language proficiency endorsement on your licence.
Heard “3 years”? That period applies to AFIS and apron management (SDP) staff under art. 5.2 of the Orden – not to pilots.
Renew in the three months before expiry. Under art. 5.3, your new validity then runs from your old expiry date, so you don’t lose a single day. Test earlier and it runs from the test date instead. Validity and renewal in detail
Level 4 only or the open Levels 4–6 test?
You can get Level 4 in either test. The difference lies in the tasks and the highest possible result.
| Feature | Level 4 only | Levels 4–6 |
|---|---|---|
| Price, VAT included | €159 | €229 |
| Highest result | Level 4 | Level 6 |
| Picture tasks | describe one picture | describe and compare |
| ATIS tasks | none | yes, for licence holders |
| Cost per year | ≈ €40 (4 years) | ≈ €38 with Level 5 (6 years) |
Base prices for weekday daytime slots. Slots from 8 pm, at weekends and on public holidays carry a surcharge – the calendar shows it, and the total price, before you book.
Our advice: if you know Level 4 is all you need, or your English makes you nervous, Level 4 only is the calmer choice. If you feel at home in English, the open test is usually worth it. You still receive Level 4 if that is what you show, and a 5 or 6 means fewer re-tests.
Is Level 4 enough? Three honest notes
- Legally, yes. Level 4 is the minimum under FCL.055. The Spanish airline job adverts we have checked ask for at least ICAO Level 4 in English, plus a level of Spanish. Our test covers English only.
- B2 is not ICAO Level 4. They are different scales. A CEFR certificate such as B2 measures general English. It is not an ICAO level and does not replace the FCL.055 assessment.
- You also need English RT privileges. AESA requires radiotelephony privileges in English in section XII of your licence, on top of the language level. Most pilots trained in English already have them – check section XII. Our test does not grant RT privileges. AESA FAQ (in Spanish)
After the test: the AESA endorsement
Your certificate arrives by email within 24 hours, usually the same day, together with a copy of the assessment centre’s approval. You then apply to AESA for the endorsement yourself. We explain each step, and you can write to us with any questions.
How to reach Level 4 with confidence
- Answer in four or five sentences. One sentence gives the examiner too little to rate.
- Paraphrase instead of going silent. Keep talking around a missing word.
- Read back numbers carefully. Heading, altitude and squawk in the order you heard them, then your call sign.
- Know the format. Try the free sample test and read how the test works.
Not sure where you stand? A PreCheck or mock exam gives you an honest estimate before the real test.
Questions about ICAO Level 4
Is ICAO Level 4 valid for 3 or 4 years?
For pilots, 4 years (FCL.055 and Orden FOM/1146/2019, art. 5.1). The 3 years apply to AFIS and SDP personnel under art. 5.2.
Can I fly internationally with Level 4?
Yes. Level 4 is the ICAO minimum for using English on the radio. On an AESA licence, you also need English RT privileges in section XII.
I have Level 4. Can I aim higher at my renewal?
Yes. Book the open Levels 4–6 test. You don’t decide in advance: you are certified at the level you show. ICAO Level 5 · ICAO Level 6
What happens if I don’t reach Level 4?
We don’t report anything to AESA or your school. You can rebook whenever you like – ideally after some preparation with feedback.
Is the renewal test different from the first one?
No. It is the same test, and you don’t need to have taken your previous one with us.