Appendix 2: Knowledge Test Procedures and Tips
Before starting the actual test, the testing center will provide an opportunity to practice navigating through the test. This practice or tutorial session may include sample questions to familiarize the applicant with the look and feel of the software. (e.g., selecting an answer, marking a question for later review, monitoring time remaining for the test, and other features of the testing software.)
Acceptable Materials
The applicant may use the following aids, reference materials, and test materials, as long as the material does not include actual test questions or answers:
Acceptable Materials |
Unacceptable Materials |
Notes |
Supplement book provided by proctor |
Written materials that are handwritten, printed, or electronic |
Testing centers may provide calculators and/or deny the use of personal calculators |
All models of aviation-oriented calculators or small electronic calculators that perform only arithmetic functions |
Electronic calculators incorporating permanent or continuous type memory circuits without erasure capability |
Unit Member (proctor) may prohibit the use of your calculator if he or she is unable to determine the calculator’s erasure capability |
Calculators with simple programmable memories, which allow addition to, subtraction from, or retrieval of one number from the memory; or simple functions, such as square root and percentages |
Magnetic Cards, magnetic tapes, modules, computer chips, or any other device upon which pre- written programs or information related to the test can be stored and retrieved |
Printouts of data must be surrendered at the completion of the test if the calculator incorporates this design feature |
Scales, straightedges, protractors, plotters, navigation computers, blank log sheets, holding pattern entry aids, and electronic or mechanical calculators that are directly related to the test |
Dictionaries |
Before, and upon completion of the test, while in the presence of the Unit Member, actuate the ON/OFF switch or RESET button, and perform any other function that ensures erasure of any data stored in memory circuits |
Manufacturer’s permanently inscribed instructions on the front and back of such aids, e.g., formulas, conversions, regulations, signals, weather data, holding pattern diagrams, frequencies, weight and balance formulas, and air traffic control procedures |
Any booklet or manual containing instructions related to use of test aids |
Unit Member makes the final determination regarding aids, reference materials, and test materials |
Test Tips
When taking a knowledge test, please keep the following points in mind:
•Carefully read the instructions provided with the test.
•Answer each question in accordance with the latest regulations and guidance publications.
•Read each question carefully before looking at the answer options. You should clearly understand the problem before trying to solve it.
•After formulating a response, determine which answer option corresponds with your answer. The answer you choose should completely solve the problem.
•Remember that only one answer is complete and correct. The other possible answers are either incomplete or erroneous.
•If a certain question is difficult for you, mark it for review and return to it after you have answered the less difficult questions. This procedure will enable you to use the available time to maximum advantage.
•When solving a calculation problem, be sure to read all the associated notes.
•For questions involving use of a graph, you may request a printed copy that you can mark in computing your answer. This copy and all other notes and paperwork must be given to the testing center upon completion of the test.
Cheating or Other Unauthorized Conduct
To avoid test compromise, computer testing centers must follow strict security procedures established by the FAA and described in FAA Order 8080.6 (as amended), Conduct of Airman Knowledge Tests. The FAA has directed testing centers to terminate a test at any time a test unit member suspects that a cheating incident has occurred.
The FAA will investigate and, if the agency determines that cheating or unauthorized conduct has occurred, any airman certificate or rating you hold may be revoked. You will also be prohibited from applying for or taking any test for a certificate or rating under 14 CFR part 61 for a period of 1 year.
Testing Procedures for Applicants Requesting Special Accommodations
An applicant with learning or reading disability may request approval from the Airman Testing Standards Branch (AFS-630) through the local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office/International Field Unit (IFO/IFU) to take airman knowledge test using one of the three options listed below, in preferential order:
Option 1: Use current testing facilities and procedures whenever possible.
Option 2: Use a self-contained, electronic device which pronounces and displays typed-in words (e.g., the Franklin Speaking Wordmaster®) to facilitate the testing process.
Note: The device should consist of an electronic thesaurus that audibly pronounces typed-in words and presents them on a display screen. The device should also have a built-in headphone jack in order to avoid disturbing others during testing.
Option 3: Request the proctor’s assistance in reading specific words or terms from the test questions and/or supplement book. To prevent compromising the testing process, the proctor must be an individual with no aviation background or expertise. The proctor may provide reading assistance only (i.e., no explanation of words or terms). When an applicant requests this option, the FSDO or IFO/IFU inspector must contact the Airman Testing Branch for assistance in selecting the test site and assisting the proctor. Before approving any option, the FSDO or IFO/IFU inspector must advise the applicant of the regulatory certification requirement to be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.