Take your ICAO Language Proficiency Test for Levels 4, 5 or 6 with a real examiner, from wherever you are.
~30 min
test duration
100% online
via Zoom
Within 24 h
certificate by email
Recommended by Captain Joe
Captain Joe
Airline pilot · Speaker · Aviation creator, not the examiner
Choose a time that fits your schedule
Suitable for flight students and licensed pilots
Recognized across EASA member states
A message from Captain Joe
Clear communication is one of the foundations of safe flying. That is why Captain Joe and GAT have created a straightforward route to your ICAO English certificate: a modern online test, a personal examiner and a process you can actually enjoy.
Whether you are a flight student preparing for your first checkride or a licensed pilot renewing your rating, you are assessed by a real examiner, never a bot.
Captain Joe & Tim Hittinger
Airline pilot & aviation creator, together with your ICAO examiner from GAT.
How it works
The test focuses on how clearly and effectively you communicate, not on memorising technical facts. It runs in two parts, online via Zoom, in about 30 minutes.
You answer 14 aviation-related questions, image description and comparison, two ATC calls and either ATIS tasks or a short aviation story, depending on your flight experience.
An interview about aviation, travel, your job or your interests. The goal is to assess spontaneous, authentic communication, never memorised facts.
What you need
A stable internet connection and a quiet spot are all it takes. Laptop, tablet or smartphone, your choice.
These are the six categories you are assessed on. Together they determine your final level, based on the official ICAO Rating Scale.
How clearly your speech can be understood in an international aviation environment.
How effectively you use grammar and sentence patterns to communicate meaning.
How accurately and flexibly you express yourself across familiar and unfamiliar topics.
How naturally you speak, connect ideas and maintain an appropriate pace.
How reliably you understand questions, messages and unexpected developments.
How well you respond, clarify, engage and keep a conversation moving.
Built around your aviation background
Exam content is adapted to your experience and operational environment.
Initial tests are welcome, no existing licence is required to take the language assessment.
VFR, IFR, PPL and CPL candidates receive tasks relevant to their flying environment.
Renewals and upgrades are conducted in a professional, efficient and operationally relevant setting.
Questions and discussion topics can be tailored to rotary-wing operations and experience.
Tim Hittinger & Captain Joe
After a successful ICAO examination
Captain Joe × GAT
Captain Joe brings aviation to millions of people in an accessible and inspiring way. GAT brings the same clarity and personal approach to training and language proficiency testing.
Your examiner guides you through the process from the first minute. The atmosphere is professional, but the conversation should still feel natural.
Tim Hittinger
CEO, trainer and ICAO language examiner · GAT
Who runs the exam
GAT, German Aviation Training, was founded by Tim Hittinger around six years ago, when he decided to build a more modern, personal way of offering aviation language exams. The core idea: online ICAO language proficiency tests that feel natural rather than intimidating. Since then GAT has grown into a full aviation-training provider.
ICAO Level 4–6 proficiency exams, taken entirely online via Zoom with a real examiner.
Targeted preparation for airline assessments and screenings, built around real selection scenarios.
Preparation sessions in professional Full-Flight Level-D simulators for interested candidates and airline applicants.
Radiotelephony training for the German BZF and AZF certificates, in line with Bundesnetzagentur requirements.
Tim Hittinger
Founder & ICAO Language Proficiency Examiner · GAT
As a certified ICAO Language Proficiency Examiner, Tim has personally conducted well over a thousand language exams and also works as a radio examiner for the German Bundesnetzagentur. The examination is carried out by GAT in cooperation with the LTB 112, under the supervision of Austro Control GmbH, so your certificate is issued through an established, recognized process.
How the cooperation started
Captain Joe completed his own ICAO language proficiency exam with Tim Hittinger, enjoyed the relaxed, professional experience, and now recommends it to his audience. Out of that genuine experience grew the cooperation you see on this page, a trusted aviation voice pointing the way to a personal, modern exam.
Good to know, how the roles are split. The examination itself is conducted entirely by GAT, German Aviation Training, in cooperation with the LTB 112 and under the supervision of Austro Control GmbH. Captain Joe is not involved in the actual exam delivery or the legal recognition of the certificate. Booking, the appointment calendar (eTermin) and the entire process are handled by GAT. Captain Joe is a close and trusted cooperation partner who recommends the test based on his own experience.
One open test, your demonstrated level
No need to decide your target level in advance. You take one open online assessment, and your result reflects the proficiency you actually demonstrate, all the way up to the highest rating, ICAO Level 6.
One assessment covers the full range. Don't overthink which level you might reach, book the open test, and let your performance decide. Whether you land at Level 4, 5 or the unlimited Level 6, you walk away with an officially recognized rating.
The three levels you can be awarded
ICAO
4
The internationally required minimum level for English radiotelephony communication.
Validity
4 years
ICAO
5
Advanced and reliable communication, including unexpected or linguistically challenging situations.
Validity
6 years
ICAO
6
Natural, precise and consistently effective language use across virtually all contexts, the highest ICAO rating.
Validity
Unlimited
What candidates say
“Tim did an amazing job! He created a relaxed atmosphere and explained everything in advance, what to expect, how many questions. After only 40 minutes we were done, which felt like 10 minutes! I highly recommend you get your Level 6 English Proficiency with GAT!”
“The exam atmosphere is very pleasant and professional. You don't feel like you're sitting in an exam at all and the time flies by. I will definitely recommend GAT to others!”
“Tim conducts the exam in a serious, professional manner and in a pleasant atmosphere. Results and all documents were delivered within 24 hours. I would recommend GAT anytime.”
“I used GAT for both my ICAO language certification and my entire preparation. The training sessions were always very enjoyable, and the final exam was excellent.”
“I can only recommend GAT to everyone. From booking to arranging appointments, everything went perfectly. GAT's prices are truly unbeatable.”
Questions before booking?
Still unsure? The answers cover the points candidates ask most often.
Contact GATRecognition & compliance
The legal framework behind your certificate, clear, transparent and fully compliant.
The certificates issued are recognized in all EASA member states in accordance with EU Regulation 2019/1747, ICAO Doc 9835 and FCL.055(e).
The assessment and certification are carried out by LTB 112 under the direction of Austro Control GmbH.
The result of each language test is based on the ICAO Rating Scale (FCL Annex 2) and the “Holistic Descriptors” (FCL.055). Depending on the language skills demonstrated, Level 4, Level 5 or Level 6 is awarded. In the Level 4-only test, the maximum certification is Level 4.
The language examiners are qualified in accordance with ICAO Doc 9835; two examiners assess each exam. If necessary, a third assessment is carried out by the authority, Austro Control GmbH.
The exam is conducted by GAT, German Aviation Training, in cooperation with LTB 112.
Part I is face-to-face and Part II is voice-only, in accordance with AMC1 FCL.055.
Captain Joe is a cooperation partner who recommends the test based on his own experience. He is not involved in the actual exam delivery or the legal recognition of the certificate.
Ready for your next step?
Online. Personal. Around 30 minutes. Certificate within 24 hours.
Online assessment
€259
View available appointmentsSecure external booking via eTermin
DA Teacher Aviation Training, Germany's leading ICAO Language Proficiency examination provider. EASA approved.
Max-Planck-Straße 22, 72810 Gomaringen