FAR 61.37 — Knowledge Test Cheating
FAR 61.37 explains prohibited conduct on FAA knowledge tests, including cheating, plus the 1-year application ban and certificate suspension consequences.
In Plain English
FAR 61.37 spells out what you may not do when taking an FAA knowledge test (the written exam) and the consequences if you break the rules. It exists to protect the integrity of airman testing — the FAA needs to know your certificate is backed by your own knowledge.
As an applicant, you may not:
- Copy or intentionally remove any knowledge test
- Give or receive any part or copy of a test to/from another applicant
- Give or receive assistance during the test
- Take any part of a test on behalf of another person
- Represent, or be represented by, another person for the test
- Use any material or aid during the test unless specifically authorized by the Administrator
- Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any prohibited act
If the Administrator finds you committed any of these acts, you are barred for 1 year from applying for any certificate, rating, or authorization, and from applying for or taking any test. Additionally, any certificate or rating you already hold may be suspended or revoked.
Regulation Text
14 CFR § 61.37§ 61.37 Knowledge tests: Cheating or other unauthorized conduct.
(a) An applicant for a knowledge test may not:
(1) Copy or intentionally remove any knowledge test;
(2) Give to another applicant or receive from another applicant any part or copy of a knowledge test;
(3) Give assistance on, or receive assistance on, a knowledge test during the period that test is being given;
(4) Take any part of a knowledge test on behalf of another person;
(5) Be represented by, or represent, another person for a knowledge test;
(6) Use any material or aid during the period that the test is being given, unless specifically authorized to do so by the Administrator; and
(7) Intentionally cause, assist, or participate in any act prohibited by this paragraph.
(b) An applicant who the Administrator finds has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section is prohibited, for 1 year after the date of committing that act, from:
(1) Applying for any certificate, rating, or authorization issued under this chapter; and
(2) Applying for and taking any test under this chapter.
(c) Any certificate or rating held by an applicant may be suspended or revoked if the Administrator finds that person has committed an act prohibited by paragraph (a) of this section.
Oral Exam Questions a DPE Might Ask
Q1What conduct is prohibited during an FAA knowledge test?
Per FAR 61.37, you may not copy or remove the test, give or receive a test or assistance, take a test for someone else, be represented by another person, or use unauthorized materials during the test.
Q2What are the consequences if the FAA finds you cheated on a knowledge test?
Under FAR 61.37, you are prohibited for 1 year from applying for any certificate, rating, authorization, or test, and any certificate or rating you currently hold may be suspended or revoked.
Q3Can you use reference materials or aids during an FAA knowledge test?
No. FAR 61.37(a)(6) prohibits use of any material or aid during the test unless specifically authorized by the Administrator.
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Related Sections in Part 61