FAR 61.35 — Knowledge Test Prerequisites
FAR 61.35 covers what you need before taking an FAA knowledge test: instructor endorsement, proper photo ID, age, and the Administrator-set passing grade.
In Plain English
FAR 61.35 sets the requirements you must meet before you can sit for an FAA knowledge test (the written exam) for a pilot certificate or rating.
To take the test, you must have:
- An instructor endorsement (when required by Part 61) certifying you completed the appropriate ground training or home-study course and are prepared for the test.
- For the ATP airplane multiengine knowledge test, a graduation certificate from the ATP Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) required by § 61.156.
- Proper identification at the time of application showing your photo, signature, and date of birth. The DOB must prove you'll meet the age requirement for the certificate before your knowledge test report expires (or that you're at least 18 for an ATP multiengine under § 61.159 or § 61.160).
- If your mailing address is a P.O. box, you must also provide a current residential address.
The Administrator sets the minimum passing grade (currently 70%). This rule matters because showing up without the right endorsement or ID will get you turned away at the testing center — wasting time and the test fee.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.35§ 61.35 Knowledge test: Prerequisites and passing grades.
(a) An applicant for a knowledge test must have:
(1) Received an endorsement, if required by this part, from an authorized instructor certifying that the applicant accomplished the appropriate ground-training or a home-study course required by this part for the certificate or rating sought and is prepared for the knowledge test;
(2) For the knowledge test for an airline transport pilot certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating, a graduation certificate for the airline transport pilot certification training program specified in § 61.156; and
(3) Proper identification at the time of application that contains the applicant's—
(i) Photograph;
(ii) Signature;
(iii) Date of birth, which shows:
(A) For issuance of certificates other than the ATP certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating, the applicant meets or will meet the age requirements of this part for the certificate sought before the expiration date of the airman knowledge test report; and
(B) For issuance of an ATP certificate with an airplane category multiengine class rating obtained under the aeronautical experience requirements of § 61.159 or § 61.160, the applicant is at least 18 years of age at the time of the knowledge test;
(iv) If the permanent mailing address is a post office box number, then the applicant must provide a current residential address.
(b) The Administrator shall specify the minimum passing grade for the knowledge test.
[Docket 25910, 62 FR 16298, Apr. 4, 1997, as amended by Amdt. 61-104, 63 FR 20286, Apr. 23, 1998; Amdt. 61-124, 74 FR 42548, Aug. 21, 2009; Amdt. 61-130, 78 FR 42373, July 15, 2013; Amdt. 61-130B, 78 FR 77573, Dec. 24, 2013; Amdt. 61-149, 86 FR 62087, Nov. 9, 2021]
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What do you need to bring to the testing center to take your private pilot knowledge test?
Per FAR 61.35, you need an instructor endorsement certifying you completed the required ground or home-study training and are prepared, plus proper ID showing your photo, signature, and date of birth. If your mailing address is a P.O. box, you must also bring a current residential address.
Q2Who establishes the minimum passing grade for an FAA knowledge test?
Under FAR 61.35(b), the Administrator specifies the minimum passing grade for the knowledge test.
Q3Are there any extra prerequisites for the ATP airplane multiengine knowledge test?
Yes. FAR 61.35(a)(2) requires a graduation certificate from the ATP Certification Training Program in § 61.156, and the applicant must be at least 18 years old at the time of the test if qualifying under § 61.159 or § 61.160.
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Related Sections in Part 61