ICAO English requirements

[HDme]

Would someone please explain to me the ICAO English requirements?
From what I understand there are 6 levels of proficiency in 6 categories, with level 4 (Operational) being the minimum to meet the requirements for international flying. I understand they want you proficient in ICAO phraseology and plain English.

Where does English proficiency come into play? who checks it? how's it tested? maintained?

I have an FAA license with "English Proficient" listed under the Limitations section. Does this mean I'm at the minimum level 4 in ICAO's eyes? Is their a need for higher proficiency testing?

Many thanks!

[MarkerInbound]

I can just answer from the FAA side. Your English proficiency was checked during your checkride and found to be enough to meet FAA standards. That is equal to level 4. In the FAA's eyes there is no further need for testing.

[zondaracer]

Markerinbound is correct. Outside of the US, many licensing bodies require formal testing with an approved English examiner, and the English level is printed on your license or else you are given a certificate.

There is a grading scale which you can see in the following link:
http://www.macmillanenglish.com/aviationenglish/aviation-english-icao-scale.pdf

[HDme]

That's what I needed. Thanks!