What English Level Do You Need for the DLR Test?

English is one of the knowledge tests in the DLR assessment, run under the module name ENS. It isn't a general language certificate — it's the DLR's own test, and the result feeds into a rating. The target is a Rating A or B; if you score C or D, many airlines or flight schools additionally require a recognised B2 certificate (for example under the Common European Framework of Reference).

What does it actually test?

The ENS knowledge test covers English relevant to day-to-day cockpit use — according to experience reports, that includes vocabulary, grammar and reading comprehension, sometimes with a technical or aviation-related bent. The exact question format and difficulty change over time and aren't publicly standardised; our ENS blog article goes into more detail.

Why the rating matters

Unlike a simple pass/fail, the English result feeds into the overall assessment as a rating. A Rating A or B is generally considered sufficient on its own, without needing an additional certificate. With a C or D, some admissions bodies ask for a B2 certificate as extra proof of language competence — but whether and how that's required is up to the individual airline or flight school, not the DLR itself.

Not the same as general language requirements

It's worth not confusing the ENS rating in the DLR test with the general language requirements of a given selection process. On the SWISS/EFA Switzerland route, for example, there's a separate admission requirement independent of the DLR test: fluent English at a minimum of B2. That's a condition set by the airline/EFA for the application itself, not a result of the ENS module. Meeting that baseline requirement doesn't stop you from scoring a C or D on the DLR test's English module — in which case you might still need to submit a B2 certificate separately if the airline or flight school asks for one. For more on the wider admission requirements, see our question on requirements.

Preparing for it

If you want to brush up your English before the test, regular practice over several weeks typically helps — vocabulary, grammar, and reading technical texts in English. For how much time to set aside for preparation overall, see our question on preparation time. The DLR Exam Trainer currently trains ten of the test types (everything except MIC), offline and without an account; four modules, including Technical Comprehension, are free. Whether English specifically is covered is worth checking directly in the app.

Exact English-level requirements, and whether a B2 certificate is needed, can vary by airline or flight school. Always check the current official information from the DLR or the relevant admissions body.