You want to become a pilot, and everywhere you turn, you hear: “The DLR test is one of the toughest recruitment tests in Germany.” It’s no wonder that’s intimidating. This guide answers all your key questions—from the process and costs to the individual test modules—and shows you how to prepare in a focused and effective way.
What is the DLR test?
The DLR test is the psychological aptitude assessment conducted by the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and is the gold standard for pilot selection in Europe. Since 2021, EASA regulations have required a psychological aptitude assessment for cockpit crew—the DLR Cockpit Certificate meets this exact requirement.
What the DLR tests are not facts memorized by heart. It assesses cognitive abilities, resilience, and psychomotor coordination: How quickly and accurately do you think under time pressure? Can you handle multiple tasks simultaneously? How good is your spatial awareness? This cannot be memorized in a crash course—but it can certainly be systematically trained.
Good to know: The DLR does not publish official pass rates for the certificate because, formally speaking, there is no “pass” or “fail.” Every participant receives a certificate with individual evaluations. However: In the full two-stage selection process at Lufthansa and the European Flight Academy (BU + company qualification), experience shows that only about 5% of all applicants make it through the entire process. The good news: Targeted training makes a measurable difference.
BU, GU, or certificate—which format applies to me?
Many aspiring pilots are confused because three different abbreviations keep popping up. Here are the key differences at a glance:
| BU (Basic Occupational Examination) | GU (Basic Examination) | DLR Cockpit Certificate | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who is it for? | Ab-initio applicants without a license (historical) | Ready Entries — pilots who already hold a license | Ab-initio applicants (current standard) |
| Client | Airline (e.g., Lufthansa) | Airline | Candidate |
| Cost | Airline covers costs | Airline covers costs | ~€386 net (to be paid by the candidate) |
| Result | Pass / Fail | Pass / Fail | Grades A–D, no failing grade |
| Retake | Previously: often only 1 attempt | Previously: often only 1 attempt | Can be retaken after ~6 months |
| Current status | Largely replaced by certificate | Still active for Ready Entries | Current standard path for newcomers |
If you want to become a pilot today and don’t have a license yet, the DLR Cockpit Certificate is the way to go. You book and pay for it yourself, can submit it to multiple airlines at the same time, and repeat it if needed.
Procedure: What happens on test day?
Test day in Hamburg typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to around 5:00 p.m. —about 9 hours. That sounds long, but it’s well-structured: There are short breaks between the individual test modules, and a one-hour lunch break at noon.
The day is roughly structured as follows:
- – Morning: Welcome, orientation, first test blocks (including mental arithmetic, number sequences, spatial figures)
- – Mid-morning: Additional cognitive tests, concentration test
- – Lunch break: 60 minutes
- – Afternoon: Longer test blocks such as MIC (~75 minutes), personality questionnaire (~230–250 questions), English test
- – Evening: Conclusion, farewell
All tests are computer-based —no pen, no paper, no group exercises, no interview on this day. The personality questionnaire is not a performance test but a self-assessment; there are no right or wrong answers here.
In Zurich, the test begins a little later (around 8:45 a.m.) and ends around 6:00 p.m. Similar conditions apply in Milan. The DLR expressly confirms that the testing procedures are identical at all three locations.
An overview of the 10 test modules
The DLR certificate consists of ten test modules that measure various cognitive and psychomotor skills. The exact order may vary. Here is an overview:
KRN — Mental Math
Arithmetic problems are read aloud via audio, and you enter the answers using the keyboard—no pen, no paper, no aids. You can train specifically for this: If you practice mental arithmetic for 15–20 minutes a day, you’ll quickly notice significant progress.
RMS — Running Memory Span (number sequences)
Number sequences are presented audibly and eventually stop; you must then enter as many digits as you can remember in reverse order (i.e., from back to front). This is one of the most frequently discussed tests because the principle is unfamiliar at first. With practice, however, you can develop reliable strategies.
WFG — Path Figure Test
Line drawings show routes with changes in direction. You count left or right turns. Tests spatial orientation and mental transformation. Sounds simple, but is challenging under time pressure.
PPT — Cube Flap Test (Point-Position Test)
Unfolded cube nets must be matched to the correctly assembled cube. This measures your spatial visualization skills. Those who struggle here can significantly improve with targeted practice.
MIC — Monitoring and Instrument Coordination
The most complex individual module: You simultaneously adjust flight parameters such as speed, heading, and altitude using a joystick and touchscreen—while also monitoring audio signals. MIC tests psychomotor skills, multitasking, and the ability to set priorities under stress. This is the module where you’ll get the most out of your practice time.
TVT — Technical Understanding
Multiple-choice questions on basic physics and technology: mechanics, electricity, optics, and basic aerodynamics. You don’t need to be an engineer—but a solid basic understanding of physical concepts is important.
SKT — Concentration Test (Triangle Test)
Colored triangles with dots follow specific rules; you identify applicable rules in numerous tasks across multiple blocks. Measures concentration and perceptual speed. Typical for this test: It’s not about intelligence, but about endurance and focus.
VMC — Visual Memory
Symbols are shown briefly, and then you must say whether you see the same symbol as two to six symbols earlier. Tests visual short-term memory.
OWT — Optical Perception Test
Values are read from clock-like instruments and then entered from memory. Measures perceptual speed and memory.
ENS — English Test
Grammar, vocabulary, synonyms, spelling — approx. 60 questions in 25 minutes. If you receive a C or D rating, you may submit an external B2 language certificate later. For applicants with good English skills, this is usually the most relaxed part of the day.
Grading system: What do A, B, C, and D mean?
The DLR certificate does not indicate “pass” or “fail.” Instead, you are evaluated in four competency areas:
- Mental performance (cognitive tests)
- Operational competencies (psychomotor tests such as MIC)
- Personality traits
- Social skills
The scale ranges from A (very good) to D (below average). Every participant receives a certificate—regardless of the results. The airlines then set their own minimum requirements: The European Flight Academy, for example, requires at least a B rating in the English section. Airlines typically specify their exact requirements directly in their job postings.
Costs, Locations, and Registration
According to the official DLR price list for 2025, the DLR Cockpit Certificate costs €386.48 net (approx. €460 incl. VAT). As a candidate, you are responsible for covering these costs yourself. The test is sometimes available at lower prices through the European Flight Academy’s online store—compare current prices directly at dlr.de and european-flight-academy.com.
Testing takes place at three locations —all with identical testing procedures:
- – 🇩🇪 Hamburg — Sportallee 54a, near Hamburg Airport
- – 🇨🇭 Zurich — SWISS Flight Crew Assessment Center
- – 🇮🇹 Milan
New dates are usually published at the beginning of the month. Demand is high—early registration is recommended. The minimum age is 16. The certificate is valid for two years after issuance.
Repeat: What happens if I don’t achieve the ratings I need?
First of all: You will always receive a certificate—no matter how the test goes. If you do not meet the minimum ratings required by a specific airline, this is not a definitive “no.”
The DLR recommends waiting at least 6 months before retaking the test. Experience shows that retaking the test shortly after the first attempt rarely results in measurable improvements—but those who prepare systematically during this time can certainly make significant progress. A few important points regarding retakes:
- – All modules must be completed again—individual sections cannot be retaken in isolation.
- – The retake will not be noted on the new certificate.
- – Results from different test dates cannot be combined.
- – Your results may actually worsen if you retake the exam — that’s why intensive preparation is worth it.
The 6-month interval between two attempts is not a penalty—it’s a real opportunity if you make the most of it. With a structured training plan, you can specifically strengthen your skills in all relevant modules during this period.
Which airlines require the DLR Test?
The DLR Cockpit Certificate is officially recognized or required as proof of aptitude by the following airlines:
- – Lufthansa / European Flight Academy (EFA) — the certificate is the first mandatory step in the application process
- – Austrian Airlines — Complete Ready-Entry selection at the DLR (GU + FU)
- – SWISS / Edelweiss — DLR certificate or, alternatively, SPHAIR accepted
- – Turkish Airlines — DLR-1 in the cadet program
- – Royal Jordanian — DLR test as a prerequisite according to the career page
In addition , Eurowings, Air Dolomiti, Lufthansa City Airlines, Luxair, Cargolux, TUIfly, SunExpress, and Aerologic are consistently listed as DLR users. The certificate thus serves as a gateway to the majority of European career opportunities in the cockpit.
How do I best prepare?
Now for the crucial part: How do you approach your preparation?
First things first: The cognitive skills measured by the DLR test can be trained. Your working memory, your reaction speed, your spatial perception—all of these improve measurably through regular, targeted practice. The key lies in the word “targeted”: General practice on random websites is of little help. What counts is systematic training on exactly the right types of tasks —just as they appear in the actual test.
That’s exactly why we have DLR-TEST.TRAINING . The platform realistically replicates all 10 DLR test modules—including time pressure, difficulty adjustment, and detailed evaluation after each run.
What to expect from DLR-TEST.TRAINING
- – 🎯 All 10 test modules —from KRN and RMS to MIC and TVT, faithfully simulated
- – 📈 Adaptive stage system — you start at your current level and advance in difficulty based on your results. No under- or over-challenge, just a real learning curve
- – 🗓️ Personalized training plan — based on your test date, the platform calculates which modules you should train, when, and at what intensity
- – ✈️ DLR Test Simulation — a complete simulation of all 6 core tests in sequence, within the original time frame. Ideal for internalizing the mental process of a real test day and relieving exam stress before things get serious
- – 🛡️ Pass Guarantee — if you train for at least 3 months and complete over 100 practice tests, you’ll receive a free 3-month extension if you don’t pass the DLR test
If you’d rather try it out first: With free access, you can try three demo tests (RMS, SKT, MIC) right away — no credit card, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the DLR Test
Can I take the DLR Test in English?
Yes. The DLR Cockpit Certificate can be taken in either German or English. Some airline-specific testing procedures (e.g., at Austrian) may have different requirements—check directly with the respective airline.
Are pen and paper provided for mental math?
No. All tests are conducted entirely on a computer. No aids are permitted for the KRN module—the questions are presented audibly, and you type in the answer directly. That’s exactly why it’s so important to practice the format beforehand.
When will I receive my certificate?
The DLR certificate is issued after the assessment. You will be informed of the exact processing time when you register.
Is preparation even worth it if these abilities are “innate”?
We hear this concern often—and it’s understandable. But the research is clear: cognitive skills such as working memory, reaction speed, and spatial perception have been proven to improve through targeted training. The DLR test doesn’t measure whether you’ve always been good at mental math—it measures how you perform under pressure. And that’s exactly what can be practiced.
