Preparation

Description of the Tests

All test questions are the objective, multiple-choice type, with three answer choices. Each question can be answered by the selection of a single response. Each test question is independent of other questions; that is, a correct response to one does not depend upon, or influence the correct response to another.

It is important to answer every question assigned on your FAA Knowledge Test. If in their ongoing review, the FAA authors decide a question has no correct answer, is no longer applicable, or is otherwise defective, your answer will be marked correct no matter which one you chose. However, you will not be given the automatic credit unless you have marked an answer. Unlike some other exams you may have taken, there is no penalty for 'guessing' in this instance.

The FAA exams are "closed tests" which means the exact database of questions is not available to the public. The question and answer choices in this program provide the largest sampling of representative FAA questions available and they are derived from history and experience with the FAA testing process. You might see similar although not exactly the same questions on your official FAA exam. Answer stems may be rearranged from the A, B, C order you see in this program. Therefore, be careful to fully understand the intent of each question and corresponding answer while studying, rather than memorize the A, B, C answer. You may be asked a question that has unfamiliar wording; studying and understanding the information in this program and the associated references will give you the tools to answer all types of questions with confidence.

FAA Knowledge Exams

A score of 70 percent must be attained to successfully pass your FAA Knowledge Exam.

Private Pilot Prepware

Test Authorization, Instructor Endorsement

When you go to take your FAA Knowledge Exam, you will be required to show proper identification and have certification of your preparation for the examination, signed by an authorized Flight or Ground Instructor. Testing center personnel will not begin the test until your identification and authorization is verified. A limited number of tests do not require authorization. An endorsement from an authorized instructor is not required for the military competency, flight instructor, ATP, General, Airframe, and Powerplant exams (for these you need to prove eligibility per 14 CFR Part 61 and 65 experience requirements). For all the rest of the FAA Knowledge Exams, you need to have authorization to take the test.

Acceptable forms of authorization:

1. A certificate of graduation or a statement of accomplishment certifying the satisfactory completion of the ground school portion of a course from a Part 141 pilot or Part 147 mechanic school.
2. A certificate of graduation or a statement of accomplishment certifying the satisfactory completion of the ground school portion of a course from an agency such as a high school, college, adult education program, U.S. Armed Force, ROTC Flight Training School, or Civil Air Patrol.
3. A written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that you have accomplished a ground-training or home-study course required for the rating sought and you are prepared for the knowledge test.
4. Failed Airman Test Report, passing Airman Test Report, or expired Airman Test Report (pass or fail), provided that you still have the original Airman Test Report in your possession.

Retesting Procedures

• Applicants retesting after failure are required to submit the applicable score report indicating failure, along with an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave the applicant the additional training, and certifying the applicant is competent to pass the test. The original failed test report presented as authorization must be retained by the proctor and attached to the applicable sign-in/out log. The latest test taken will reflect the official score.
• Applicants retesting in an attempt to achieve a higher passing score may retake the same test for a better grade after 30 days. The latest test taken will reflect the official score. Applicants are required to submit the original applicable score report indicating previous passing score to the testing center prior to testing. Testing center personnel must collect and destroy this report prior to issuing the new test report.

Process for Taking a Knowledge Test

The FAA has designated two holders of airman knowledge testing (AKT) organization designation authorization (ODA). These two AKT-ODAs sponsor hundreds of knowledge testing center locations. The testing centers offer a full range of airman knowledge tests including: Aircraft Dispatcher, Airline Transport Pilot, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Commercial Pilot, Flight Engineer, Flight Instructor, Flight Navigator, Ground Instructor, Inspection Authorization, Instrument Rating, Parachute Rigger, Private Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Sport Pilot, and Military Competence. Contact information for the AKT-ODA holders is provided in the Test/Testing Centers menu.

• The first step in taking a knowledge test is the registration process. Call the testing centers- 1-800 numbers to register (you will need to give them the test code associated with the test you wish to take, listed in the table above); you will need to select a testing center, schedule a test date, and make financial arrangements for test payment. You may register for tests several weeks in advance, and you may cancel your appointment according to the AKT-ODA holder's cancellation policy. If you do not follow the AKT-ODA holder's cancellation policies, you could be subject to a cancellation fee. Be sure to have the proper identification and test authorization (endorsement) with you on your test day.
• Prior to launching the actual test, the AKT-ODA holder's testing software will provide you with an opportunity to practice navigating through the test. This practice (or tutorial) session may include a "sample" question(s). These sample questions have no relation to the content of the test, but are meant to familiarize you with the look and feel of the system screens, including selecting an answer, marking a question for later review, time remaining for the test, and other features of the testing software.
• Upon completion of the knowledge test, you will receive your Airman Test Report, with the testing center's embossed seal, which reflects your score.
• The Airman Test Report lists the learning statement codes for questions answered incorrectly. The total number of learning statement codes (LSC) shown on the Airman Test Report is not necessarily an indication of the total number of questions answered incorrectly. Study these knowledge areas to improve your understanding of the subject matter. Use Tools/QuizMaker/Advanced Search to build a quiz consisting of the LSCs from your airman test report.
• Your instructor is required to provide instruction on each of the knowledge areas listed on your Airman Test Report and to complete an endorsement of this instruction. The Airman Test Report must be presented to the examiner prior to taking the practical test. During the oral portion of the practical test, the examiner is required to evaluate the noted areas of deficiency.
• Should you require a duplicate Airman Test Report due to loss or destruction of the original, send a signed request accompanied by a check or money order for $1 payable to the FAA. Your request should be sent to the Federal Aviation Administration, Airmen Certification Branch, AFS-760, P.O. Box 25082, Oklahoma City, OK 73125.

Use of Test Aids and Materials

Airman knowledge tests require applicants to analyze the relationship between variables needed to solve aviation problems, in addition to testing for accuracy of a mathematical calculation. The intent is that all applicants are tested on concepts rather than rote calculation ability. It is permissible to use certain calculating devices when taking airman knowledge tests, provided they are used within the following guidelines. The term "calculating devices" is interchangeable with such items as calculators, computers, or any similar devices designed for aviation-related activities.

• Guidelines for use of test aids and materials. The applicant may use test aids and materials within the guidelines listed below, if actual test questions or answers are not revealed.
1. Applicants may use test aids, such as scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, log sheets, and all models of aviation-oriented calculating devices that are directly related to the test. In addition, applicants may use any test materials provided with the test.
2. Manufacturer's permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids listed in 1(a), e.g., formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, holding pattern diagrams, frequencies, weight and balance formulas, and air traffic control procedures are permissible.
3. The test proctor may provide calculating devices to applicants and deny them use of their personal calculating devices if the applicant's device does not have a screen that indicates all memory has been erased. The test proctor must be able to determine the calculating device's erasure capability. The use of calculating devices incorporating permanent or continuous type memory circuits without erasure capability is prohibited.
4. The use of magnetic cards, magnetic tapes, modules, computer chips, or any other device upon which prewritten programs or information related to the test can be stored and retrieved is prohibited. Printouts of data will be surrendered at the completion of the test if the calculating device used incorporates this design feature.
5. The use of any booklet or manual containing instructions related to the use of the applicant's calculating device is not permitted.
6. Dictionaries are not allowed in the testing area.
7. The test proctor makes the final determination relating to test materials and personal possessions that the applicant may take into the testing area.
• Guidelines for dyslexic applicant's use of test aids and materials. A dyslexic applicant may request approval from the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to take an airman knowledge test using one of the three options listed in preferential order:
1. Option One. Use current testing facilities and procedures whenever possible.
2. Option Two. Applicants may use Franklin Speaking Wordmaster® to facilitate the testing process. The Wordmaster® is a self-contained electronic thesaurus that audibly pronounces typed in words and presents them on a display screen. It has a built-in headphone jack for private listening. The headphone feature will be used during testing to avoid disturbing others.
3. Option Three. Applicants who do not choose to use the first or second option may request a test proctor to assist in reading specific words or terms from the test questions and supplement material. In the interest of preventing compromise of the testing process, the test proctor should be someone who is non-aviation oriented. The test proctor will provide reading assistance only, with no explanation of words or terms. The Airman Testing Standards Branch, AFS-630, will assist in the selection of a test site and test proctor.

Cheating or Other Unauthorized Conduct

Computer testing centers must follow strict security procedures to avoid test compromise. These procedures are established by the FAA and are covered in FAA Order 8080.6, Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests. The FAA has directed testing centers to terminate a test at any time a test proctor suspects a cheating incident has occurred. An FAA investigation will then be conducted. If the investigation determines that cheating or unauthorized conduct has occurred, then any airman certificate or rating that you hold may be revoked, and you will be prohibited for 1 year from applying for or taking any test for a certificate or rating under 14 CFR Part 61.

Validity of Airman Test Reports

Airman Test Reports are valid within the 24-calendar month period preceding the month you complete the practical test. If the Airman Test Report expires before completion of the practical test, you must retake the knowledge test.