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 (with
exception to the ATP test; within this test, many of the questions are dependent upon the answers from
previous questions).
A score of 70 percent must be attained to successfully pass each test.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has available hundreds of computer testing centers worldwide.
These testing centers offer the full range of airman knowledge tests including military competence,
instrument foreign pilot, and pilot examiner screening tests. Refer to the list of computer testing designees
(CTDs) at the end of this section.
The first step in taking a knowledge test is the registration process. You may either call the testing
centers’ 1-800 numbers or simply use the walk-in basis. If you choose to use the 1-800 number to
register, 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 CTD’s cancellation policy. If you do not follow the CTD’s cancellation
policies, you could be subject to a cancellation fee.
The next step in taking a knowledge test is providing proper identification. You should determine what
knowledge test prerequisites are necessary before going to the computer testing center. Your instructor or
local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) can assist you with what documentation to take to the testing
facility. Testing center personnel will not begin the test until your identification is verified. A limited number
of tests do not require authorization. An endorsement from an authorized instructor is not required for
military competency.
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 an FAA-certificated pilot 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.
Before you take the actual test, you will have the option to take a sample test. The actual test is time
limited; however, you should have sufficient time to complete and review your test.
When taking a test, keep the following points in mind:
1. Answer each question in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance publications.
2. Read each question carefully before looking at the possible answers. You should clearly
understand the problem before attempting to solve it.
3. After formulating an answer, determine which test answer corresponds with your answer. The
answer chosen should completely resolve the problem.
4. From the answers given, it may appear that there is more than one possible answer; however,
there is only one answer that is correct and complete. The other answers are either incomplete,
erroneous, or represent common misconceptions.
5. If a certain question is difficult for you, it is best to mark it for review and proceed to the next
question. After you answer the less difficult questions, return to those which you marked for
review and answer them. The review procedure will be explained to you prior to starting the test.
Although the computer should alert you to unanswered questions, make sure every question has
an answer recorded. This procedure will enable you to use the available time to the maximum
advantage.
6. When solving a calculation problem, select the answer closest to your solution. The problems
have been checked manually and with various types of calculators. If you have solved it correctly,
your answer will be closer to the correct answer than any of the other choices.
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 subject matter knowledge codes for questions answered incorrectly. The
total number of subject matter knowledge codes 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.
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. You must present the Airman Test Report
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.
Computer Testing Designees
The following is a list of the computer testing designees authorized to give FAA knowledge tests. This list
should be helpful in case you choose to register for a test or simply want more information. The latest
listing of computer testing center locations may be obtained through the FAA website:
http://afs600.faa.gov, then select AFS630, Airman Certification, Computer Testing Sites.
Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS)
1849 Old Bayshore Highway
Burlingame, CA 94010
Applicant inquiry and test registration: 1-800-947-4228
From outside the U.S.: (650) 259-8550
LaserGrade Computer Testing
16209 S.E. McGillivray, Suite L
Vancouver, WA 98683
Applicant inquiry and test registration: 1-800-211-2753 or 1-800-211-2754
From outside the U.S.: (360) 896-9111
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.
1. 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.
a. 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.
b. 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.
c. 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.
d. 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.
e. The use of any booklet or manual containing instructions related to the use of the applicant’s
calculating device is not permitted.
f. Dictionaries are not allowed in the testing area.
g. The test proctor makes the final determination relating to test materials and personal
possessions that the applicant may take into the testing area.
2. 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:
a. Option One. Use current testing facilities and procedures whenever possible.
b. 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.
c. 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.
Retesting Procedures
If you receive a grade lower than a 70 percent and wish to retest, you must present the following:
• failed Airman Test Report; and
• a written endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying that additional instruction has been given,
and the instructor finds you competent to pass the test.
If you decide to retake the test in anticipation of a better score, you may retake the test after 30 days from
the date your last test was taken. The FAA will not allow you to retake a passed test before the 30-day
period has lapsed. Prior to retesting, you must give your current Airman Test Report to the test
administrator. The last test taken will reflect the official score.
Preparation for Aviation Maintenance Technician Certificates:
After you have successfully passed all the sections of the FAA knowledge test with a grade of at least
70%, you can bring the Airman Test Report to an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner for your oral and
practical tests.
The knowledge tests are used to assure the FAA that you have the required level of knowledge, and
the oral and practical tests are used to determine that you have the basic skills to perform practical
projects on the subjects that are covered by the knowledge tests.
When you schedule your oral and practical tests, get a copy of FAA Form 8610-2 Airman Certificate
and/or Rating Application. Find out what tools you will need and what the DME charges to give you the
tests.
When you take the oral and practical tests, give the examiner this completed form, along with the
Airman Test Report showing that you have successfully passed all of the appropriate sections of the
knowledge tests.
The actual oral and practical tests vary with the examiner, but they all contain questions and projects
that are based on the same subjects covered in the knowledge tests. The time required for these tests
varies, but six hours is considered to be standard for the tests.
The examiner will evaluate your responses with either a satisfactory or unsatisfactory grade and will
record the question number on the back of your Form 8610-2. If, in his/her opinion, you do not have the
needed skills in a subject, he or she will mark that section "Fail." If you fail any section, you must wait for
at least 30 days before you retake that section of the test; or, if you get at least five hours of additional
instruction on this subject by a licensed mechanic holding the rating you are testing for, you may retake it
sooner. This additional instruction must be verified by a signed statement for the examiner so that he or
she can retest you sooner than the 30-day waiting period.
After you satisfactorily pass all sections of the oral and practical tests, the examiner will send your
completed Form 8610-2 to the FAA in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and issue you a temporary Mechanic
Certificate that is good for 120 days. Before the expiration of this time, you should have your permanent
certificate.
