ICAO English Level 4, the basic operational level, represents the minimum standard required and is crucial for effective communication in aviation. This level ensures that all persons involved in communication can handle both routine and emergency scenarios in clear, functional English and are therefore operational.

For a better understanding of the expectations, here are the descriptions based on the assessment scale for Level 4:

Pronunciation:

Your pronunciation does not have to be perfect, nor do you have to speak with a native accent. Examiners assume that your English will have influences from your native language, and that is acceptable. Even if certain sounds are distinct or unconventional, the focus is on ensuring that your speech remains clear and understandable. As long as your accent does not interfere with comprehension, your pronunciation is considered effective and suitable for safe communication in aviation.

Structure:

At ICAO Level 4, you demonstrate the ability to construct sentences that effectively convey ideas. You can use basic grammatical forms such as tenses, plurals, and prepositions correctly to ensure clarity. Your sentence structures may be simple and occasionally incorrect, but they are functional and ensure the reliable transmission of essential information. This ability supports clear and effective communication, even in stressful or hectic situations.

Vocabulary:

Your vocabulary at this level is practical and functional, enabling you to discuss routine aviation topics effectively. You have mastered the most important terms and can adapt your language to different situations. Even if your vocabulary is not extensive, you can convey important information accurately. This competence facilitates smooth interaction with colleagues and air traffic controllers and ensures the safe communication of critical details.

Fluency:

You can speak at an appropriate pace and with adequate fluency. Although there may be occasional interruptions when transitioning from prepared phrases to spontaneous speech, these do not interfere with effective communication. You may use discourse markers or connectors only to a limited extent, but filler words do not interfere.

Comprehension:

Your comprehension is generally accurate on general, concrete, and work-related topics, provided that the accent or variant of English used is understandable to the international aviation community. Your comprehension may decline in the face of linguistic challenges, situational complications, or unexpected developments, but can be supported by clarification strategies.

Interaction:

You are able to converse easily, ask questions, and respond appropriately in most situations. You can maintain a two-way exchange, express concerns, and ask for clarification when necessary. These interaction skills enable you to actively participate, solve problems, and achieve mutual understanding in both everyday and unexpected situations.

ICAO English Level 5, often referred to as “Level of Extended Proficiency,” demonstrates advanced knowledge of aviation English. Speakers at this level can converse clearly and precisely on a variety of topics. They are able to handle routine situations and respond effectively to unexpected developments. At Level 5, participants have strong grammar and pronunciation skills, thereby contributing significantly to safety in air traffic communications.

To understand the expectations, refer to the Level 5 descriptors based on the rating scale:

Pronunciation:
Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation may reflect the speaker's native language or regional accent, but rarely interfere with clarity or intelligibility.

Structure:
Basic grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well mastered. Complex structures are used, but may occasionally contain errors that affect meaning.

Vocabulary:
The range and accuracy of vocabulary are sufficient for effective communication on everyday, concrete, and work-related topics. Speakers paraphrase clearly and successfully and occasionally use idiomatic expressions.

Fluency:
Speakers can express themselves in detail on familiar topics with relative ease. Although they do not deliberately vary their speech flow to achieve a stylistic effect, they use appropriate discourse markers and connectors.

Comprehension:
Comprehension is accurate on everyday, concrete, and work-related topics. It remains largely reliable even in the face of linguistic or situational challenges or unexpected turns of phrase. Speakers can understand a variety of language styles and registers.

Interaction:
Responses are quick, relevant, and informative. Speakers effectively control the dynamics between speaker and listener.

ICAO English Level 6, often referred to as the “expert level,” represents the highest level of proficiency within the ICAO. Speakers at this level have a perfect command of the English language and impress with their fluency, precision, and exceptional understanding of vocabulary and grammar. Thanks to their ability to understand and respond confidently, they can handle any aviation-related situation with ease. Pronunciation at Level 6 is clear and language use is naturally idiomatic.

To better understand the requirements, take a look at the descriptors for Level 6 according to the rating scale:

Pronunciation:
Pronunciation, stress, rhythm, and intonation almost never interfere with intelligibility, although they may be influenced by the native language or regional variations.

Structure:
Both basic and complex grammatical structures and sentence patterns are consistently well controlled.

Vocabulary:
The range and accuracy of vocabulary are sufficient to communicate effectively on a wide range of familiar and unfamiliar topics. Vocabulary is idiomatic, nuanced, and takes register into account.

Fluency:
Can speak for extended periods with natural, effortless flow. Varies speech flow to achieve stylistic effects, e.g., to emphasize a point. Uses appropriate discourse markers and connectors spontaneously.

Comprehension:
Comprehension is consistently accurate in almost all contexts and includes understanding of linguistic and cultural nuances.

Interaction:
Interacts with ease in almost all situations. Is sensitive to verbal and nonverbal cues and responds appropriately.