EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Exam Prep
The EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam has 124 questions, a Varies by subject (multi-exam format) time limit and a 75% pass mark. This guide covers the topics it tests, study tips from a former airline pilot, a week-by-week plan.
The exam at a glance
124
Questions
75%
Pass mark
Varies by subject (multi-exam format)
Time limit
Cost
Varies by ATO (approx. EUR 500-800 total)
Prerequisites
PPL or LAPL, enrollment in approved CPL course at an ATO
About the CPL exam
The EASA CPL theoretical knowledge exams cover the same subjects as ATPL but at a reduced depth. Most aspiring airline pilots opt for ATPL theory directly, but CPL theory is sufficient for commercial operations below ATPL level.
Topics Covered
Expert Study Tips
EASA CPL theory is a subset of ATPL — passing ATPL exams exempts you from CPL
The content is less deep than ATPL but covers all subjects
Many students go straight for ATPL theory even if doing CPL training
Focus on commercial operations regulations specific to CPL holders
Performance questions are simpler than ATPL but still require calculation skills
Consider taking ATPL theory instead — it opens more career doors
Suggested Study Timeline
Weeks 1-3
Systematic study of all exam topics, take notes and create summaries
Weeks 4-6
Deep dive into complex topics, work through practice problems
Weeks 7-9
Full practice exams, identify and address knowledge gaps
Weeks 10-11
Targeted review of weak areas, practice under timed conditions
Week 12
Final review and exam day
Recommended Resources
- EASA Part-FCL — Flight Crew Licensing
- Oxford/Bristol/Nordian CPL theory textbooks
- EASA CPL Learning Objectives
More practice by subject
EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL): FAQ
How many questions are on the EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam?
The EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam has 124 questions. You have Varies by subject (multi-exam format) and need 75% or higher to pass.
What are the prerequisites for the EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam?
PPL or LAPL, enrollment in approved CPL course at an ATO
How much does the EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam cost?
The EASA Commercial Pilot License (CPL) exam costs Varies by ATO (approx. EUR 500-800 total). This is the testing fee only and does not include study materials or training courses.
Ready to start studying?
Browse the question banks
Written and reviewed by Renzo Madueño
Former Airbus A320 First Officer (Avianca), FAA commercial pilot · Founder, Rotate Pilot
Exam formats, fees and pass rates on this page come from the authority's published sources where a source is linked; the study advice comes from preparing for these tests and flying the line. Rules and formats change, so if something here is out of date, tell us and we fix it.
Last reviewed . Rotate Pilot is independent and not affiliated with the FAA, PSI or any aviation authority.