How much does the DLR test cost?

How much the DLR test costs depends a lot on which procedure applies to you. Candidates invited to the Berufsgrunduntersuchung (BU) through the Lufthansa Group / European Flight Academy (EFA) pay no fee for the test itself - it's part of the airline's application process. It's a different story for the DLR Pilot Certificate (DLR-Zertifikat Cockpit), the self-pay route for anyone without their own airline procedure: the DLR officially lists a 2026 price of 417.69 EUR plus VAT.

Lufthansa Group BU: no test fee

For the BU, the airline covers the cost of the test itself. Reported experience also suggests that travel costs to Hamburg are partly reimbursed - the details are set out in the airline's invitation letter. Any cost here tends to be indirect, such as spending on prep material or study time.

DLR Pilot Certificate: 417.69 EUR plus VAT (2026)

For the DLR Pilot Certificate, official DLR information for 2026 states a price of 417.69 EUR plus VAT. Older reports sometimes mention a figure of around 375 EUR - that number is outdated and shouldn't be treated as the current price. The certificate is delivered by email once payment is made, and registration also happens by email directly with the DLR. If a retake becomes necessary, all test parts have to be repeated, and the fee is paid again in full.

SWISS / EFA Switzerland: cost at the certificate step

On the SWISS / EFA Switzerland selection path, the DLR or SPHAIR certificate test is the first step, and according to EFA, applicants cover its cost themselves - regardless of whether the test is taken in Hamburg, Zurich, or Milan. The later stages of the EFA process (assessment center, pre-airline-fit conversation, medical) are a separate matter, and whether or how much they cost isn't part of the facts confirmed here - check directly with EFA for that.

What else might cost money

• Travel and accommodation, if the test location isn't near where you live.
• Prep material, such as practice books or training apps. The DLR Exam Trainer offers four modules for free (SKT, VMC, PPT, technical knowledge), with the Pro version priced at CHF 9.90 per month or CHF 39.90 as a one-time purchase.
• A B2 English certificate, if the test only achieves rating C or D and the airline requires an external certificate.

TipGetting familiar with typical content like mental arithmetic or technical comprehension can help you avoid a costly retake - see also DLR Exam Trainer.

Prices and fees can change. Only the current information from the DLR or from the relevant airline or flight school is binding.