FAA Knowledge Testing: What Student Pilots Should Know

Where the Knowledge Test Fits in Your Training

The FAA knowledge test (the "written," though it's taken on a computer) is the gate you clear before your checkride. You can take it at almost any point in training, but most students sit it once ground study is well underway and before the practical test. It proves you understand the theory — regulations, weather, aerodynamics, navigation, systems, and aeromedical factors — that the flying builds on.

Before You Can Test

You'll need two things: an instructor endorsement certifying you're ready (or completion of an approved home-study/ground course), and an FAA Airman Certificate testing identifier (FTN) from an IACRA account. Bring a government photo ID and your endorsement to the testing center. You schedule through the FAA's current testing provider (PSI) at one of its authorized centers.

What the Test Looks Like

Tests are multiple-choice, delivered on-screen, with a supplement booklet of charts and figures for the questions that need them. Question counts and time limits vary by certificate — a Private Pilot test is 60 questions; you'll have a couple of hours, which is more than enough if you're prepared. Every question is weighted equally and there's no partial credit.

Passing, Scoring, and the Report

The passing score is 70% on every FAA airman knowledge test. When you finish you get an Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) immediately, showing your score and the ACS codes for any areas you missed. Guard that report — you present it at your checkride, and your examiner must revisit those missed areas in the oral. Your result is valid for 24 calendar months, within which you must complete the practical test.

How to Prepare Efficiently

• Study by ACS area so you cover exactly what can be asked — nothing more, nothing less.
• Practice with realistic questions and review every miss until you understand the reasoning, not just the letter.
• Aim for stable practice scores in the mid-80s or better before scheduling — that margin is your insurance against a bad-luck question.

Treat the knowledge test as the foundation for the flying rather than a hoop to jump: the pilot who truly understands weather and airspace on the ground makes better decisions in the air.

Aviation Test Prep organizes every question by ACS area and uses spaced repetition to resurface your weak spots, so you can watch your practice scores climb past the 70% line — and keep climbing — before you ever schedule the real test.