FAA Knowledge Test Passing Score: What You Need in 2026

Understanding FAA Knowledge Test Passing Scores

Every FAA pilot certificate and rating requires passing a knowledge test. The passing score for all FAA knowledge tests is 70%. However, the passing score and the score you should aim for are very different things. This guide explains what each score means, how it affects your checkride, and why targeting a higher score pays dividends.

Passing Scores by Certificate and Rating

Why 70% Is Not Good Enough

While 70% is technically passing, there are compelling reasons to aim much higher:

1. Checkride Oral Exam Focus

Your DPE receives a report of the knowledge areas where you scored below proficiency. They are required to probe these areas during your oral exam. A low score means a longer, harder oral.

2. Professional Perception

Airlines and employers can request your knowledge test scores. Regional airlines may not care much, but competitive positions at major airlines consider every data point. A 72% on your ATP test sends a different message than a 95%.

3. Knowledge Retention

Scoring 70% means you do not understand 30% of the material. This is not just a test score issue -- it represents gaps in knowledge that could matter in real-world flying situations.

4. Checkride Confidence

Walking into your checkride with a 93% on the written gives you confidence. Walking in with a 71% adds stress and self-doubt to an already stressful day.

How the Scoring Works

Raw Score vs Scaled Score

The FAA uses a straightforward percentage scoring system:

• Each question is worth 1 point
• Your score = (correct answers / total questions) x 100
• There is no penalty for wrong answers
• There is no curve or scaling

Subject Area Codes

Your score report includes Airman Certification Standards (ACS) or Practical Test Standards (PTS) codes for every question you got wrong. These codes map to specific knowledge areas:

• PLT012 -- Aircraft performance and limitations
• PLT059 -- Weather services and products
• PLT161 -- Regulations and procedures
• PLT263 -- Navigation and flight planning

Understanding these codes helps you identify exactly what to study if you need to retake the test or before your checkride.

Retake Policy

If you fail (below 70%):

1. Wait 30 days before retaking the same test
2. Get a new endorsement from an instructor certifying additional training in deficient areas
3. Focus study on the ACS codes listed on your score report
4. No limit on the number of retakes (but each requires a 30-day wait and new endorsement)

If you pass but want a higher score:

• You cannot retake a test you have already passed
• Your score stands for 24 calendar months
• Use the time before your checkride to deeply study weak areas

Test Validity Period

All FAA knowledge tests are valid for 24 calendar months from the date of the test. If you do not complete your checkride within 24 months, you must retake the knowledge test.

Planning tip: Schedule your knowledge test when you are 2-4 months away from being checkride-ready. This gives you enough time to prepare for the practical test without risking expiration.

Tips for Maximizing Your Score

Before the Test

• Take at least 5 full-length practice exams scoring 85%+ consistently before scheduling
• Study the ACS document for your certificate or rating -- it defines exactly what is testable
• Do not cram. Spread your study over weeks, not days.
• Sleep well the night before. Cognitive performance drops 25% with poor sleep.

During the Test

• Read every question twice before selecting an answer
• Eliminate obviously wrong answers to improve your odds
• Flag uncertain questions and return to them after completing the full test
• Watch for absolute words like "always" and "never" -- these are often wrong
• Use all available time. Rushing leads to careless errors.

Common Test Traps

• Double negatives -- "Which of the following is NOT incorrect" -- rephrase in your head
• Similar numbers -- Questions where 3 of 4 answers differ by small amounts
• Regulation specifics -- Part 91 vs Part 135 vs Part 121 -- make sure you are applying the right regulation
• Unit conversions -- Nautical miles vs statute miles, feet vs meters, knots vs mph

State of FAA Testing in 2026

The FAA has been modernizing its testing system:

• PSI (formerly CATS and LaserGrade) is the primary testing provider
• Computer-based testing at over 700 locations nationwide
• Updated question banks are refreshed periodically -- do not rely on outdated study materials
• ACS integration -- Tests are now aligned with the Airman Certification Standards, which replaced the older PTS for most certificates

The Bottom Line

The 70% passing score is a floor, not a ceiling. Every percentage point above 70% makes your checkride easier, your knowledge deeper, and your professional record stronger. Invest the time to score well -- it costs no more to take the test with excellent preparation than with mediocre preparation.

*Build your knowledge to checkride-ready levels with our [comprehensive question bank](/tools/quiz) covering all FAA knowledge test subjects, or explore our [study guides](/guides) for structured learning paths.*