How Hard is the FAA Written Test? A Guide for Aspiring Pilots

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI

Flight training can be challenging enough, and the thought of having to pass a written test takes the intimidation factor to the next level. Every student pilot wants to not only pass the written test on the first try, but also have a decent score. 

There are many resources available such as online ground schools, FAA handbooks, apps, your instructor, YouTube videos, and podcasts to help you through the study process. The amount of information available can quickly lead to analysis paralysis. The subjects you need to master range from weather to regulations to navigation. How does one tackle the job of preparing for it? 

Let’s look at some common questions about the Private Pilot written test and how to best prepare for it.

First, how hard is the FAA written test?

The FAA written test for Private Pilots is challenging, but with adequate studying and smart test-taking skills, you can easily pass the test and move on to preparing for your checkride. In fact, the statistics from 2023 reveal that the first-time pass rate for the exam was 90% with an average score of 84%. Not too bad!

What is the format of the test?

The Private Pilot knowledge test (PAR) is taken at a PSI testing center on a desktop computer. It’s comprised of 60 multiple choice questions, and you must score 70% to pass. Scheduling is done online, and when you arrive to check in you must show your ID and endorsement to take the exam. The time limit is 120 minutes. After completion, you’ll receive a print-out with your score and codes that reference the subject areas of any incorrect answers.

The test results are valid for 24 calendar months. That means you must pass your checkride within that timeframe before having to retake the written test.

Do I need ground school?

One of the best things you can do during training is to invest your time, and even money, into a quality ground school. A great option is an online ground school which has a mix of video and reading content, visuals, quizzes, and FAA references with each lesson. Many students rush through the video content and falsely think they’re ready for the exam.

Your ground school is there to lay a foundation of knowledge, but it’s not everything you need to know to pass the test or your checkride. It’s an introduction to the various knowledge subjects and a guide to further study.

If the ground school only covers basic knowledge, how do I study for the written test?

The key is to study smart and hard! Here are some study tips I offer my students:

1. SET A GOAL: Whether you’re meeting a training deadline or not, determine a projected date to pass the test. When you finish your ground course, schedule your test so it’s on the calendar and you have a firm commitment. Try to stick to the date, and don’t procrastinate!
2. SCHEDULE YOUR STUDY TIME: For many of us life easily gets in the way of our study time. It could be your job, schoolwork, family responsibilities, or activities. I’ve found for me it’s best to devote 1-2 hours a day of uninterrupted study time. Ask your family not to disturb you, get up early or stay up later to study. Write your study sessions on the calendar and treat those times as if you were attending an important business meeting.
3. GATHER YOUR RESOURCES: Incorporate FAA handbooks and other aviation publications into your ground study and test prep. Always have them readily available during your scheduled study sessions. Tab, underline, highlight, and make notes in the margins as you work through the ground study subjects. When it comes time for your checkride, you’ll already be very familiar with these important books! Here are two examples:

When your ground school suggests additional references or reading, take the time to read it. This will help deepen your understanding. If you get caught on a subject you still don’t understand, consider scheduling a one-on-one ground session with an instructor.

How do I know I’m ready to take the exam?

Practice, practice, and more practice!

Practice exams are invaluable for assessing your level of knowledge, identifying weak areas, and familiarizing yourself with the testing format. As you complete more practice tests, it will ease your anxiety going into the real exam because you’re more familiar with the types of questions you’ll see and how they’re worded. 

Many websites offer free practice tests: King Schools, Sporty’s, and the PSI website (where you’ll register for the exam) are a few. There’s also a code to access multiple practice tests on the inside over of every ASA Test Prep Workbook. Set yourself up for success by simulating the testing environment as best you can. Use a laptop or desktop computer, set a timer for the allotted time, do the full test in one sitting with no distractions, and only use the allowable resources. These include a manual or approved electronic E6B, plotter, simple calculator, pencil, and a piece of blank paper. 

When you take practice tests repeatedly, it will only reinforce the knowledge you’ve gained and help you recall key concepts. 

Are there any additional FAA written test tips?

• The night before your exam: Take care of yourself by putting away the books and resting your mind, eat healthy, stay hydrated, and get a good night’s sleep.
• Don’t rush through the exam but work at a steady pace.
• Before beginning, take a moment to write down any formulas, acronyms, or memory aids on the provided paper.
• Don’t forget to breathe and take an occasional stretch break.
• Read the questions and every answer very carefully. The FAA exams are notorious for mixing words around, and it can cause you to miss an easy question if you rush through it.
• Answer the “easy” questions first, and mark/save the others for later. Save the questions with computations for the end.
• Don’t leave anything blank. Make the most educated guess if you’re not sure.
• Use the process of elimination. There’s typically one answer that’s an obvious distractor. 
• Double check your work before submitting. Use the remaining available time to confirm every question is answered. Don’t change an answer unless you’re sure you marked it incorrectly. Usually, your first instinct is the correct one!

The pressure to pass the written test is very real. It’s a requirement before you can take your checkride, and the amount of information can be overwhelming. However, with strategic preparation, a commitment to learning, and with repeated practice, you can not only pass the exam, but walk out with a score that will impress your CFI and the examiner.

By Leslie Caubble, CFI/IGI

Northstar Aviation References brings you the Pre-Tabbed ASA FAR/AIM, DIY tabs for your FAR/AIM and other pilot resources so that you can more easily study the regulations that form the foundation of your flying career or hobby. Have any questions? Check out our FAQs page or contact us. Check out other blog posts here.