Reviewed by Tim Hittinger, ICAO examiner (A-126-LPE)What ICAO Level 5 means in practice
ICAO Level 5 is called Extended – in Spanish, Nivel 5 Avanzado. You don’t just get by in English: you are comfortable in it. You explain things at length, follow the examiner when the topic shifts and keep the conversation going. An accent is fine at every level.
The practical benefit: under FCL.055, Level 5 is re-evaluated after 6 years, not 4 as with Level 4. That means fewer tests over your flying career.
The six criteria: what changes from Level 4 to Level 5
Our own practical summary of what examiners listen for – not the official wording of the rating scale.
Your accent can still be clearly audible. But the examiner hardly ever has to work to understand you, even in long answers.
Everyday grammar is reliably correct. You also take on more complex sentences – if-clauses, passives, longer explanations. Mistakes still happen there, and now and then one blurs the meaning.
On familiar and work topics you rarely run short of words, even without preparation. You sometimes reach for the natural phrase rather than the textbook word, and you rephrase smoothly.
You can explain a decision or tell a story at length. Linking words such as however, as a result or on top of that come naturally.
On familiar topics you understand the examiner accurately – and mostly even when the conversation takes an unexpected turn. You rarely need a repeat.
You reply without delay and give real content, not just yes or no. You build on what the examiner says and ask back.
How you get Level 5: the open Levels 4–6 test
Level 5 can only be certified in the open Levels 4–6 test (€229, VAT included). The Level 4 only test (€159) stops at 4, however well you do. You don’t pick a level beforehand: you receive the level you demonstrate.
Two raters assess every test: your examiner and, as second rater, the LTB 112 assessment centre. If needed, Austro Control carries out a third assessment. Each criterion gets its own level, and your overall result is the lowest of the six.
Example: fluency, vocabulary and comprehension at 6, the other three criteria at 5 – your result is Level 5. If one criterion stays at 4, you receive Level 4.
Want to see the tasks first? Read how the test works.
Validity: 6 years for pilots
For pilots, Level 5 is re-evaluated after 6 years (FCL.055 (c)(2) and Orden FOM/1146/2019, art. 5.1). The date that counts is the one on your licence.
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 day. Test earlier and it runs from the test date. Validity and renewal in detail
Is Level 5 worth it? Cost per year
An example at current base prices. The result depends, of course, on your performance.
Prices include VAT and apply to weekday daytime slots. Slots from 8 pm, at weekends and on public holidays carry a surcharge, shown in the calendar before you book.
Honest notes before you book
- Level 5 is not a legal requirement. FCL.055 asks for Level 4. The Spanish airline job adverts we have checked ask for at least ICAO Level 4 in English, plus a level of Spanish. Level 5 mainly saves you re-tests. Our test covers English only.
- C1 is not Level 5, and B2 is not Level 4. CEFR certificates use a different scale. They are not ICAO levels.
- English RT privileges are a separate entry. AESA also requires radiotelephony privileges in English in section XII of your licence. Most pilots trained in English already have them – check section XII. Our test does not grant them. AESA FAQ (in Spanish)
Tips for Level 5
- Link your ideas. However, on the other hand, in my experience – connectors show structure and flow.
- Tell short stories. A real example from the flight deck beats a general answer.
- Stay calm when a question twists. The unexpected turn is exactly where Level 5 shows.
- Build on what the examiner says. Pick up their point, add to it, ask back.
Want an honest estimate first? In the 45-minute mock exam, the examiner tells you whether it would be a 4, a 5 or a 6. Or start with the free sample test.
Questions about ICAO Level 5
I have Level 4. Can I go for Level 5 now?
Yes, at any time. You don’t have to wait for your Level 4 to expire. Testing within the three months before expiry keeps your remaining validity.
What if I don’t quite reach Level 5?
Then you receive Level 4, as long as your performance reaches it. Aiming higher doesn’t put your Level 4 at risk.
Can I get Level 5 in the Level 4 only test?
No. That test certifies Level 4 at most. Book the open Levels 4–6 test.
Who decides my level?
Two raters: your examiner and LTB 112 as second rater. AESA then enters the level on your licence after you apply.
Can I go straight for Level 6 instead?
Yes – it is the same open test. What ICAO Level 6 requires