Your Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the FAA Knowledge Test
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The FAA utilizes a third-party testing provider, PSI Services, to administer all FAA written exams.
Scheduling your FAA knowledge test is an exciting step toward achieving your goals, but navigating the process can feel overwhelming if you’re unsure where to begin. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partners with PSI Services to administer these exams, offering flexible scheduling options at numerous locations. Whether you’re taking the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam or another test, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from creating your account to selecting your testing center. Let’s simplify the path to your test day and help you focus on what matters most—acing the exam!
PSI exams are available at a number of testing locations throughout the US and abroad and can be scheduled online. Many local flight schools or FBOs host testing centers so you may not have to travel very far. Locating a written testing center is accomplished as part of the test registration process. The cost is $175 and which is paid online with a credit card before you complete the exam scheduling process.
Scheduling your exam
The first step to scheduling your FAA written exam is to visit https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login. First time users will be required to create an account and set up two-factor authentication. This can be done with an app such as Google Authenticator for iOS or Google Authenticator for Android. You may also review exam eligibility requirements from the link on the homepage.
After signing in, you’ll be asked to verify your eligibility which includes entering your unique FAA Tracking number (FTN). If you’ve not already obtained an FTN, you may choose the IACRA link, register for an online account via IACRA, and receive your FTN.
After verifying eligibility, you’ll be asked to select the written exam you wish to take. If you are a Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course user, likely you’ll be choosing the Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) exam.
Choose Private Pilot Airplane (PAR)
Once you’ve selected the appropriate exam, you’ll be asked to verify the number of times you’ve attempted the test. If this is your first time signing in, the exam attempts should default to 1 or you may correct the number of attempts in the editable field. You’ll then be asked to select your authorization category.
School Or Experience selection will be “Other” and Authorization Category from the drop-down will be “Other Statement or Endorsement of Eligibility”
Please note, if you are a Sporty’s online course user, your “school or experience” selection will be “other” and your authorization category from the drop-down menu will be “other statement or endorsement of eligibility” if you intend to utilize your certificate of completion from the Sporty’s course.
Next you’ll be asked to select the testing center you intend to utilize. Before moving on to the selection screen, you will be asked to agree to the “scheduling procedures” which includes proper identification for your exam, the requirement to be at your appointment no more than 30 minutes beyond the scheduled time, permitted materials, and what actions would be considered cheating on the exam.
Once you’ve reached the scheduling page, you may search by country, postal code, and distance from your location. You’ll also be asked to choose a date range for completing the exam to display a list of available testing locations. You’ll be able to select a testing location and time for your exam from the search results.
After selecting your location, date and time for the exam, you’ll be taken to the payment page to complete the final transaction. If you later cancel or postpone your exam, you’ll have up to 12 months to complete. The cost for the exam is $175 which can be paid online via credit card.
A final confirmation of your transaction will be provided and a receipt emailed.
It’s advisable to bring a copy (or have digital access) to your test confirmation when you arrive at the testing center. Be sure to have your certificate of completion in the case of completing the Sporty’s online course or your logbook endorsement from your instructor. A government-issued photo ID will also be required.
What materials are permitted for the FAA Knowledge Test?
All models of aviation-oriented calculators may be used, including small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions (add, subtract, multiply, and divide). Simple programmable memories (which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one number from the memory) are permissible. Also, simple functions, such as square root and percent keys, are permissible. Applicants may use scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, blank logsheets, holding pattern entry aids, and electronic or mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test.
The testing center will provide you with a test supplement which will contain any charts and/or figures you may need to reference during the test. You may review the test supplements in advance. They are available at https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements.
FAA knowledge test taking tips
Familiarize Yourself with the Format—the Private Pilot written test FAA test contains 60 multiple-choice questions, and you have 2 hours to complete it. Any of the written tests may also include validation questions, which are questions used to accumulate data for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are non-scored questions, and do NOT count for or against your final test score. The posted number of questions does NOT include validation questions.
A description of each test, allotted times, and total questions are available via the Airman Knowldge Testing Matrix.
Take Practice Tests— you have an unlimited number of practice tests available in Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course. Aim to consistently score 90% or higher on practice exams before taking the real test. New questions representing emphasis areas are also routinely added. See the most recent additions here and check back regularly at FlightTrainingCentral.com.
Focus on Weak Areas— Identify topics where you struggle and revisit those sections in your study materials. Sporty’s Learn to Fly Course allows you to create study and testing sessions based on weak subject areas.
Bring the Essentials
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Your FAA Tracking Number (FTN).
- A basic calculator, E6B, plotter.
- The appropriate testing authorization or endorsement.
Pace Yourself—Allocate about two minutes per question. Flag difficult ones and return to them later.
Read Carefully—Pay close attention to each question and all answer choices. Look for distractors like “always” or “never.”
Use Process of Elimination—Narrow down choices to two, then choose the best answer.
Mark Questions to Review Later—If unsure, mark the question and revisit it after answering easier ones.
Stay Calm and Confident—Take deep breaths if you feel stressed. Trust your preparation. You got this!
Congratulations on this important milestone and best wishes on your exam!
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