How the FAA Private Pilot knowledge test works

The Private Pilot Airplane knowledge test (test code PAR) has 60 scored multiple-choice questions.¹ You get 2 hours, and you need 70 percent correct to pass.¹²³ PSI, the FAA’s testing vendor, lists the fee as $175, and a passing report stays valid for 24 calendar months.³⁴⁵

At a glance

Item	Detail
Test code	PAR, Private Pilot Airplane1
Scored questions	60, plus 5 unscored validation questions2
Format	Multiple choice, one correct answer per question3
Time allowed	2 hours (120 minutes)162
Passing score	70 percent correct2
Minimum age to take it	151
Fee	$175, as listed by PSI in October 20264
Report valid for	24 calendar months5
Testing supplement	FAA-CT-8080-2H, provided by the test center72
Test standard	FAA-S-ACS-6C8

Format and scoring

The test is multiple choice, and each question has a single correct response.³ A correct answer to one question doesn’t depend on another.³

You answer 60 scored questions in 2 hours.¹ PSI also gives you 5 unscored validation questions, and the 2 hours covers them.² The FAA says validation questions don’t count for or against your score.¹

The knowledge test table printed in FAA-S-ACS-6C still shows 2.5 hours for PAR.⁹ The FAA says that figure is incorrect.⁶ Its correction table lists 2.0 hours for PAR, effective April 24, 2023, and the Matrix agrees.⁶¹

Passing is 70 percent correct, which works out to 42 of the 60 scored questions.²

The FAA doesn’t release live test questions, but it points you to sample tests under “Exam Resources” on PSI’s site.¹⁰

Who gives the test and how to schedule

PSI Services, LLC is the vendor for the FAA’s Airman Certificate Testing Service contract.¹¹ The FAA’s Airman Testing page sends you to PSI to schedule, and PSI operates hundreds of test centers.¹²³

1. If you don’t have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) yet, create an IACRA profile to get one before you test.¹³
2. Create a PSI account at faa.psiexams.com.⁴³ You need your FTN and an authenticator app for sign-in.⁴
3. Choose your test, a test center and a time slot, then pay.³
4. Check your name. PSI takes it from IACRA, so correct any error in IACRA.³⁴

You can reschedule up to 24 hours before your appointment.⁴ You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours ahead, if you paid within the past year.⁴ PSI recommends arriving at least 15 minutes early, and a late arrival may be turned away and may forfeit the fee.²

Fee

PSI’s FAA FAQ lists the price of an airman knowledge test as $175, as checked in October 2026.⁴ PSI’s page for organizations lists $175.00 per test voucher, plus applicable tax.¹³ Neither page says whether the price varies by test center, so confirm the total when you pay.⁴¹³

PSI’s FAQ also says some people may be eligible to test at no cost at JSAMTCC testing locations.⁴ The groups are active-duty, guard and reserve U.S. military members and their dependents, military retirees, and DoD or DHS civilians.⁴

Endorsement, age and ID

Before you test, you need an endorsement from an authorized instructor.¹⁴¹⁵ It certifies that you finished ground training or a home-study course and are prepared for the test.¹⁴¹⁵ The FAA’s sample endorsement says you received the training 14 CFR 61.105 requires and the instructor judged you prepared.¹⁶

An authorized instructor is a certificated ground or flight instructor acting within that certificate, or a person the FAA authorizes to give that training.¹⁷ For this test, that includes a flight instructor or a basic or advanced ground instructor.¹⁸¹⁹

Home study counts: the instructor can review your home study before certifying you.¹⁵ At the test center, the Matrix accepts a written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor.¹ It also accepts a graduation certificate from an FAA-certificated pilot school.¹

The Matrix lists 15 as the minimum age to take PAR.¹ Your ID must show you meet, or will meet, the certificate’s age requirement (17 for an airplane rating) before your report expires.¹⁴¹⁵ AC 61-65K reads this as within 24 calendar months of the date you apply.¹⁶

Bring valid, current ID that shows your photo, date of birth, signature and physical residential address.¹ More than one ID can cover these.¹

• U.S. citizens and resident aliens: an ID card from any U.S. state, territory or government entity, a passport, or an alien residency card.¹
• Non-U.S. citizens: a passport, plus either a driver permit or license from a U.S. state or territory or an ID card from any government entity.¹
• If your ID doesn’t show your residential address, you can use a parent’s address or an approved address document, such as a utility statement. A P.O. box, rural route or employer address isn’t acceptable.¹
• Under 18 without acceptable ID: a parent or legal guardian must come with you and can attest to your identity.¹

Arriving without the required ID counts as a missed appointment, and you can’t test.²

What to bring and what’s provided

The proctor scans your ID and authorization documents at check-in.¹ The test center provides the supplement book, scratch paper and a writing instrument.²²⁰ You can’t bring your own pen or pencil.²²⁰

You may bring your own scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers (flight computers), blank logsheets and calculators directly related to the test.²²⁰ A calculator whose memory can’t be erased is prohibited, and the proctor may refuse any calculator whose erasure capability they can’t confirm.²²⁰ PSI’s testing software also has a built-in four-function calculator.²

Dictionaries aren’t allowed, and the proctor makes the final call on aids and test materials.²⁰³

The testing supplement and figures

The FAA says the figures, charts and diagrams on your test are in the testing supplement.¹⁰ For PAR, that is FAA-CT-8080-2H, Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot, effective June 11, 2018.⁷ The Matrix lists the same edition for PAR.¹

You can study the figures before test day: download FAA-CT-8080-2H from the FAA.²¹

The FAA says the Private Pilot test now includes questions with the image embedded in the question, and those images can’t be previewed.¹¹ It suggests PSI’s sample questions to get used to the new format.¹¹ It hasn’t set a date to remove supplements from test centers, and you keep access to yours until it does.¹¹

Your results

When you finish, the test center prints your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR).¹⁰ It shows your name, FTN and score, plus codes for any questions you missed.¹⁰ For PAR those are ACS codes, such as PA.I.C.K2 for Area I, Task C, knowledge element 2.¹⁹

You can look up each code in the ACS to see what to review.¹⁰ The test center prints one copy, and you can reprint it from your PSI account.²¹⁰

You must pass the test within the 24 calendar months before the month you complete the practical test.⁵ You present the report when you apply for the practical test.⁵ Your evaluator reviews it and assesses any noted areas of deficiency during the oral portion.³

Your instructor’s practical test endorsement must also certify you showed satisfactory knowledge of the areas you missed.⁵ If your report expires first, the Matrix accepts the expired report as authorization to retake the test.¹

If you fail

You can reapply only after training from an authorized instructor who has decided you’re proficient to pass, and who endorses you.²² Bring the failed AKTR and that endorsement to the test center.¹³

The endorsement can be a signed written statement, a signed logbook entry, or the instructor’s statement section on the failed AKTR.¹ For PAR, the Matrix lists the failed report and the endorsement as the retest requirements, and it lists no waiting period.¹

What the test covers

The test follows the Private Pilot for Airplane Category ACS, FAA-S-ACS-6C.⁸⁹ The FAA encourages applicants and instructors to use the ACS when preparing for the knowledge test.⁹ The regulation lists the aeronautical knowledge areas, including weather, charts, weight and balance, aerodynamics and aeronautical decision making.¹⁵²³

PSI’s bulletin gives the share of questions by ACS area, based on a 2020 job task analysis.²

ACS area	Code	Share of questions
Preflight Preparation	PA.I	22%
Preflight Procedures	PA.II	13%
Airport and Seaplane Base Operations	PA.III	7%
Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds	PA.IV	20%
Performance and Ground Reference Maneuvers	PA.V	3%
Navigation	PA.VI	8%
Slow Flight and Stalls	PA.VII	8%
Basic Instrument Maneuvers	PA.VIII	7%
Emergency Operations	PA.IX	7%
Night Operations	PA.XI	3%
Postflight Procedures	PA.XII	2%

StudyWren is an independent study tool and isn’t affiliated with the FAA or PSI.

Sources

1. FAA, “FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix” (PDF, revised September 25, 2026; General Requirements, pages 1 to 4, and Recreational & Private Pilot section, PAR, page 13). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/testing_matrix Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶ ↩¹⁷ ↩¹⁸ ↩¹⁹ ↩²⁰ ↩²¹ ↩²² ↩²³ ↩²⁴ ↩²⁵

2. PSI, “Private Pilot Airplane Applicant Information Bulletin” (PDF, March 2024; the FAA’s September 2026 advisory links it as the PAR candidate information bulletin). https://media.psiexams.com/faa/PAR_Information_Bulletin.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³ ↩¹⁴ ↩¹⁵ ↩¹⁶

3. FAA, “Airman Certification Standards Companion Guide for Pilots” (FAA-G-ACS-2, November 2023, with Changes 1 and 2, Change 2 dated December 26, 2024, PDF; Sections 1 and 2). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/acs_companion_guide_pilots.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹ ↩¹² ↩¹³

4. PSI, “FAA Airman Knowledge Testing” (Home and Frequently Asked Questions tabs, faa.psiexams.com; fee as listed October 2026). https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶ ↩⁷ ↩⁸ ↩⁹ ↩¹⁰ ↩¹¹

5. 14 CFR 61.39(a), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.39 ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

6. FAA, “ACS Knowledge Test Table: Correct Allotted Times” (PDF, updated October 2024). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/acs_knowledge_test_table.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³

7. FAA, “Airman Knowledge Testing Supplements and Computer Testing Supplements” (page last updated September 29, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/supplements Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩²

8. FAA, “Airman Certification Standards” (page last updated September 16, 2026; lists FAA-S-ACS-6C, effective May 31, 2024). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩²

9. FAA, “Private Pilot for Airplane Category Airman Certification Standards” (FAA-S-ACS-6C, cover dated November 2023, PDF; Appendix 1, Private Pilot Airplane Knowledge Test Table, page 66). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/private_airplane_acs_6.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

10. FAA, “Frequently Asked Questions” (Airman Testing FAQs, PDF, updated 6/1/26). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/Frequently_Asked_Questions.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵ ↩⁶

11. FAA, “Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026 Special Edition” (PDF). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/September_2026_Special_Edition.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴

12. FAA, “Airman Testing” (page last updated September 17, 2026). https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩

13. PSI, “PSI Services for FAA Testing Programs” (FAA test voucher program). https://www.psiexams.com/faa-testing-programs/ Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩²

14. 14 CFR 61.35(a), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.35 ↩ ↩² ↩³

15. 14 CFR 61.103, eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.103 ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

16. FAA, Advisory Circular 61-65K, “Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors” (11/14/25; paragraph 11.3, Appendix A.36). https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-65K.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩²

17. 14 CFR 61.1(b), definition of “authorized instructor,” eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.1 ↩

18. 14 CFR 61.193(a)(9), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.193 ↩

19. 14 CFR 61.215(a)(3) and (b)(3), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.215 ↩

20. FAA Order 8080.6H, “Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests” (effective 9/22/17; Chapter 3, paragraphs 4 and 6). https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/FAA_Order_8080.6H.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩ ↩² ↩³ ↩⁴ ↩⁵

21. FAA, “Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement for Sport Pilot, Recreational Pilot, Remote Pilot, and Private Pilot” (FAA-CT-8080-2H, 2018, PDF). https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/supplements/sport_rec_private_akts.pdf Accessed 2026-10-21. ↩

22. 14 CFR 61.49(a), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.49 ↩

23. 14 CFR 61.105(b), eCFR (current as of 2026-10-19). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-61.105 ↩