The English Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) for aviation.

The exam that demonstrates your English language proficiency for your aviation licence. Conducted personally in 20 to 30 minutes, online or on site.

A conversation, not a questionnaire.

The exam takes 20 to 30 minutes in total and consists of two parts. There is no textbook preparation: you hold conversations and respond to aviation situations.

20 – 30 min
Total length of the exam
01At least 5 minutes

Direct interview

A normal conversation between you and the examiner. You talk about yourself, your training and your experience in aviation. No rehearsed answers, no tricks.

02The rest of the exam

Semi-direct interview

The examiner works with computer-generated prompts: images, ATC and ATIS broadcasts. You answer the questions that go with them and respond to what you see and hear.

You are assessed on how you express yourself in English in an aviation context, not on your technical knowledge.

Your score: level 1 to 6.

The exam is assessed on the language proficiency scale from 1 to 6. Level 1 to 3 is below standard, level 4 to 6 is on standard.

1 – 3
Below standard
No valid proof of proficiency
4
On standard
Valid for 4 years
5
On standard
Valid for 6 years
6
On standard
Valid for life

Level 4 is the minimum level that counts as 'on standard'. Level 4, 5 or 6 meets the requirement.

What is a Language Proficiency Exam (LPE)?

A Language Proficiency Exam (LPE) is an English exam focused on the language proficiency you need in aviation. It is not a general English exam: you are assessed on how you express yourself in English in situations that are part of working in aviation.

The exam is part of the requirements that apply to your aviation licence. An LPE can be taken as an initial exam and again later in your career.

Why do you need an LPE?

Communication is an essential part of safe aviation. With an LPE you demonstrate that you can communicate clearly and understandably in English, including in unexpected situations.

The exact requirements depend on your competent authority and your licence type. Always consult your licensing authority for the requirements that apply to you.

Who takes an LPE?

In practice, an LPE is relevant for anyone who communicates in English in aviation:

  • Student pilots and holders of a PPL, CPL or ATPL
  • Flight instructors
  • Cabin crew
  • Air traffic controllers and flight information service
  • Ground operations, dispatch and engineering
  • Aviation professionals who need to demonstrate their level again

Not sure whether your situation requires an LPE? Get in touch and we will look at your situation together.

How long does the exam take?

The exam takes 20 to 30 minutes in total. You do not need to reserve extra time: with a 30-minute slot you finish well within your booking.

What is assessed?

The exam focuses on your ability to understand and communicate understandably in English in an aviation context.

  • Understanding spoken English in operational situations
  • Speaking clearly and understandably
  • Vocabulary and sentence structure
  • Communicating in realistic and unexpected situations

Assessment is carried out by the examiner on the criteria that apply within the examination under approval number EE/LTAB/003.

An exam, not language training

English Aviation Exam is not a language school. We conduct the LPE exam and guide you through the process. We do not provide language courses or training programmes.

Would you like to improve your English first? Then a separate language course is the right step. The exam follows once you are ready.

Result and certificate

You receive your examination result within 12 hours.

If you pass, you receive your certificate within the same timeframe.

An authorised examiner, personally for you.

Your exam is conducted by an authorised LPE examiner. In practice this is Olivier van Dijk, pilot, flight instructor and examiner.

If I am not available, a colleague examiner with the same authorisation conducts your exam. Your booking remains managed by English Aviation Exam and you receive all practical information in advance.

English Aviation Exam examines under approval number EE/LTAB/003. You will also find this number in the footer of this website.

Registration, documents and the official issue run through the secure examination platform. You will find everything in the frequently asked questions.

Two ways to take your exam.

Choose the format that suits you. In your request you indicate your preference; we confirm the options personally.

Online LPE exam

  • Fully online
  • € 169 per exam
  • By appointment, in a 30-minute time slot
  • Instructions provided in advance
  • Suitable equipment and a quiet environment required

Face-to-face LPE exam

  • Personal examination in person
  • From € 199, depending on the location
  • By appointment, in a 30-minute time slot
  • At a flight school, flying club or another agreed location

Registration through the secure examination platform.

After your appointment has been confirmed, you will receive a personalised registration link from the examination platform. You will use this secure environment to enter your details and upload the required documents.

English Aviation Exam does not collect these identity documents directly.

  • A scan of your passport or identity document
  • A photograph of yourself holding the same identity document
  • A signed GDPR form

Ready to plan your LPE exam?

Choose your date and time and send your booking request.