Do You Need TOEFL for Pilot Training in the USA – The #1 Ultimate Guide
If you’re planning to attend flight school in the U.S. as an international student, you’ve likely wondered: do I need to take the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA? The short answer is—it depends. While English proficiency is mandatory, the TOEFL isn’t always required by every school or by the FAA.
Many FAA-approved flight academies accept alternate forms of English verification or conduct their own language assessments. Others may only request TOEFL scores if you’re enrolling in a degree-granting aviation program or applying for a student visa through a college-affiliated school.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about TOEFL for pilot training in the USA—including who needs it, what score is required (if any), which schools waive it, and how to meet language eligibility requirements without unnecessary testing.
Why English Proficiency Matters for Pilot Training in the USA
English is the international language of aviation. That’s not just a global standard—it’s also an FAA requirement. If you’re pursuing your pilot license in the U.S., you’ll need to demonstrate that you can read, speak, and understand English well enough to communicate clearly in training and in flight.
This is especially critical when talking to Air Traffic Control (ATC), interpreting weather reports, reading checklists, or responding to instructions during high-stress situations. Even your FAA written exams, oral tests, and checkrides will be conducted entirely in English.
But here’s the good news: while the FAA mandates English proficiency, it doesn’t mandate a specific test like the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA. That decision is typically left to individual flight schools or immigration processes, which is where the confusion begins.
Who Needs TOEFL for Pilot Training in the USA?
Not every student needs to take the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA. In fact, most independent FAA-approved flight academies do not require it for enrollment—especially if they conduct their own internal English assessments.
However, there are some exceptions. If you’re enrolling in a university-based aviation program (such as one that offers a bachelor’s degree in aviation or aeronautical science), the school will often require a TOEFL score as part of its academic admissions process. This applies even if you’re only planning to train as a private or commercial pilot.
Additionally, some U.S. embassies may ask for TOEFL or similar English test scores (like IELTS) during your visa application process, especially for F-1 visa applicants. This is more common in countries where English is not a national or second language.
So while the FAA itself won’t ask for TOEFL, your flight school or visa officer might. That’s why it’s important to check early and understand which path you’re following.
When TOEFL Is Required for Pilot Training in the USA
While TOEFL is not a blanket requirement for all flight students, there are certain situations where it becomes necessary. If you’re entering the U.S. through an F-1 visa program tied to an academic institution—such as a university that offers a degree in aviation—then TOEFL (or an equivalent test like IELTS) is usually required for admission.
The TOEFL for pilot training in the USA is also commonly requested if you’re coming from a non-English-speaking country and your previous education was not conducted in English. In these cases, the school or consular officer may ask for proof that you can understand and use English in an academic or professional setting.
Additionally, some independent flight schools may still request TOEFL scores depending on your background—even if they don’t require it from all students. This is particularly common when the student has no documented exposure to English-speaking environments and may need additional support to pass FAA exams or communicate safely during flight training.
Flight Schools vs. Aviation Universities: TOEFL Policies Compared
One of the most important decisions international students must make is choosing between a dedicated flight academy and a university-based aviation program. Each has different expectations when it comes to English language proof—and understanding these differences can save you time, money, and paperwork.
Most standalone flight schools such as Florida Flyers Flight Academy do not require TOEFL for pilot training in the USA. Instead, they often conduct internal English assessments, offer virtual interviews via Zoom, or evaluate your speaking skills during orientation. These schools are focused on FAA licensing, not academic degrees—so their admissions processes are more flexible.
In contrast, aviation universities like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Purdue University, and University of North Dakota almost always require TOEFL or IELTS scores. Because these institutions award degrees alongside flight training, they must comply with broader academic admission standards that include proof of English proficiency for all non-native speakers.
If you’re unsure which route to take, visit your school’s admissions page and contact the international office directly. Knowing their TOEFL policy upfront can prevent application delays or visa issues later in the process.
Alternatives to TOEFL for Pilot Training in the USA
Even if you’re not confident about passing TOEFL—or don’t want to take it—you still have multiple ways to meet English proficiency requirements for U.S. flight schools. Many academies accept alternatives that are faster, more accessible, and better suited to aviation-specific training.
One of the most common substitutes for the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA is an in-house English assessment or a Zoom-based school interview. Schools like Florida Flyers, CAE, and others regularly screen students for basic listening, reading, and speaking ability before enrollment. If you can communicate clearly during this process, you’re often good to go.
If you’ve completed previous education in English, such as attending high school or college in an English-speaking country (or in an international program), many schools will waive TOEFL entirely with proof of transcripts.
Another recognized option is an ICAO English Level 4 or higher certification—standard among commercial aviation programs worldwide. Some schools also accept Aviation English evaluations, which test your radio phraseology, technical vocabulary, and conversational comprehension in flight-related scenarios.
And finally, some academies are beginning to accept the Duolingo English Test, especially for remote or low-cost evaluation. While it’s not universally accepted yet, it’s worth asking about—particularly if you’re applying to a progressive or tech-forward school.
TOEFL Requirements for M-1 vs. F-1 Visa Applicants
Understanding which visa you’re applying for is crucial—because it may determine whether you need TOEFL or not.
If you’re enrolling at a vocational flight academy, like Florida Flyers, and applying for an M-1 visa, the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA is usually not required. These programs focus solely on FAA licenses and are regulated under vocational rather than academic standards. Most schools will evaluate your English through an internal process and issue an I-20 for M-1 accordingly.
In contrast, if you plan to study at a university or college that offers aviation degrees, you’ll likely need an F-1 visa. In this case, TOEFL (or IELTS) is typically mandatory as part of the institution’s academic admission requirements. Your acceptance—and therefore your visa—depends on it.
Keep in mind: TSA security clearance is a separate step altogether. It’s required for any non-U.S. citizen training on aircraft or simulators in the U.S., but it doesn’t assess English language skills—it simply ensures compliance with U.S. homeland security regulations.
Understanding the difference between M-1 and F-1 visa routes will help you choose a school that matches your language level and your pilot career goals.
Minimum TOEFL Scores for Pilot Training in the USA (If Required)
If you’re applying to a university-based aviation program that does require the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA, you’ll need to know the score benchmarks. While every school sets its own threshold, most U.S. aviation colleges ask for a TOEFL iBT score between 60 and 90.
Some highly competitive schools—like Embry-Riddle or Purdue—may ask for scores closer to 79–90, especially for undergraduate aviation degree programs. Others may accept lower scores if you complete additional language training or enter via conditional admission.
Flight academies, on the other hand, rarely publish a minimum TOEFL score—because they typically don’t require it at all. If they do ask for proof of English ability, it’s usually handled through a brief interview or internal assessment rather than a standardized test.
Regardless of whether TOEFL is required or not, improving your English comprehension pays off. Students with stronger English skills generally move faster through their training, avoid costly misunderstandings with instructors or ATC, and perform better on both written exams and checkrides.
TOEFL for Pilot Training in the USA: Often Exempted Countries
If you’re from a country where English is the primary or official language of instruction, you may be automatically exempt from taking the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA—even if English isn’t the native language of your country.
Many flight schools and even some universities waive TOEFL requirements for applicants from:
- India
- Nigeria
- Kenya
- Ghana
- Philippines
- Pakistan
These exemptions are typically granted if you completed your secondary education or college degree in English and can provide transcripts or documentation to prove it. Some schools may also ask for a short interview or English evaluation as a final step, just to confirm fluency.
Always double-check with your chosen school’s international admissions department before assuming you’re exempt. TOEFL waivers are common—but not automatic—and missing documentation could delay your visa or enrollment process.
How to Improve Your Aviation English Without Taking TOEFL
Even if you’re not taking the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA, improving your aviation English can make a huge difference in your performance, confidence, and safety. Fortunately, you don’t need a formal classroom or test prep course to build the skills that matter most in the cockpit.
Start with LiveATC.net or YouTube videos that feature real air traffic control conversations. Listening to live ATC gives you exposure to how pilots and controllers speak, the cadence of instructions, and standard phraseology used in real-time operations.
Next, download aviation phraseology apps or flashcard tools that teach standard ICAO or FAA communications. These help you memorize responses, improve pronunciation, and reduce hesitation in the air.
You can also join online aviation English classes or simulator communities, where students practice phraseology and cockpit calls in a virtual training environment. Speaking out loud—even in solo practice—boosts fluency faster than passive reading.
And don’t underestimate the power of reading aloud. Practice with FAA documents, sectional charts, or checklists. The more familiar you are with pilot-specific language, the smoother your training will be—TOEFL or not.
Conclusion
The TOEFL for pilot training in the USA often causes unnecessary confusion—but in reality, it’s not a barrier for most aspiring aviators. Unless you’re enrolling in a degree-based aviation university, chances are you can train at a U.S. flight academy without submitting TOEFL scores at all.
What matters more is your ability to speak, understand, and follow instructions in English—skills that can be developed through real-world exposure, not test prep alone. With the right school, tools, and support, even students from non-English-speaking backgrounds can thrive in FAA-certified training programs.
Florida Flyers Flight Academy makes it easy. With flexible admissions, internal English assessments, and full support for M-1 visa students, you can bypass the TOEFL and move straight into flight training—no delays, no extra barriers.
FAQ: TOEFL for Pilot Training in the USA
Is TOEFL mandatory for all flight schools in the USA?
No. The TOEFL for pilot training in the USA is not required by most independent FAA-approved flight schools. It is typically only mandatory for aviation universities or degree programs tied to F-1 visas.
Can I take a different English test instead of TOEFL for pilot training in the USA?
Yes. Many schools accept alternatives to the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA, including the Duolingo English Test, IELTS, or an internal school-based language assessment. Always check with the admissions team.
What TOEFL score do I need for pilot training in the U.S.?
If a school or visa process requires the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA, the typical iBT score range is 60–90, depending on the institution. Flight schools that request TOEFL usually accept the lower end of that range.
Do M-1 visa students need TOEFL for pilot training in the USA?
Generally, no. Most vocational academies issuing M-1 visas do not require the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA. Instead, they may use a simple interview or internal English screening process.
Can I start pilot training in the U.S. while learning English, without TOEFL?
Yes, especially at schools that offer aviation-specific ESL support. However, even without the TOEFL for pilot training in the USA, you must meet FAA English proficiency standards before solo flights or checkrides.
Contact the Florida Flyers Flight Academy Team today at (904) 209-3510 to learn more about how to do the foreign pilot license conversion in 4 steps.
