To sit for the FAA written exam, bring a valid photo ID that meets 14 CFR 61.35, proof you’re authorized to take that specific test (an instructor endorsement or an approved ground school graduation certificate), and your FAA Tracking Number. You can also bring approved calculation tools such as an E6B or electronic flight computer, a plotter, and a protractor. The testing center supplies the reference booklet, scratch paper, and pencils, so what to bring to the FAA written exam comes down to identification, authorization, and any personal calculating aids you plan to use.
Photo Identification
Under 14 CFR 61.35, your ID must show your photograph, signature, date of birth, and a physical residential address. A PO box, flight school address, or rural route number will not satisfy the address requirement.1eCFR. 14 CFR 61.35 – Knowledge Test: Prerequisites and Passing Grades2Federal Aviation Administration. What Do I Need to Bring With Me to Take the Aeronautical Knowledge Test
What counts as an acceptable ID depends on your citizenship:
- U.S. citizens and resident aliens can use a driver’s license or permit from any U.S. state or territory, a government ID card, a military ID card, a passport, or an alien residency card.
- Non-U.S. citizens need two documents: a passport from your home country plus either a U.S.-issued driver’s license or an ID card from any government entity. A foreign passport alone will not get you into the testing room.3Federal Aviation Administration. FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Applicant Identification, Information Verification, and Authorization Requirements Matrix
If Your ID Doesn’t Show a Current Residential Address
When your ID shows a PO box or an outdated address, bring a separate document to verify where you live. The FAA’s testing matrix accepts a current FAA airman or temporary airman certificate, a medical certificate, a public utility statement for water, electric, or gas (cable statements are explicitly rejected), a mortgage statement, or a signed lease agreement.3Federal Aviation Administration. FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Applicant Identification, Information Verification, and Authorization Requirements Matrix
Applicants under 18 who don’t have an acceptable form of ID can be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who presents their own valid ID and vouches for the applicant’s identity.
Proof You’re Authorized to Take the Test
A valid ID gets you through the door. You also need to show you’re eligible for the specific exam you scheduled.
For most pilot certificates and ratings, that means an endorsement from an authorized instructor. Your instructor signs a statement, in your logbook or on a separate document, certifying that you completed the required ground training and are prepared for the exam.1eCFR. 14 CFR 61.35 – Knowledge Test: Prerequisites and Passing Grades If you completed an FAA-approved Part 141 or Part 142 ground school program, a graduation certificate from that school works in place of an individual endorsement.4Federal Aviation Administration. AC 61-65H – Certification: Pilots and Flight and Ground Instructors
Aviation maintenance technician applicants follow Part 65. You generally must meet the experience requirements before testing unless you have documentation from a certificated AMT school confirming you finished the relevant portion of the curriculum.5eCFR. 14 CFR Part 65 – Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers
Check the paperwork before you leave the house. A missing signature or date is enough for a proctor to turn you away.
Your FAA Tracking Number
Have your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) with you. You should already have one from registering as an applicant through IACRA before scheduling; write it down or save the confirmation email so you can present it at check-in.6Federal Aviation Administration. IACRA New User Guide
Calculators, Flight Computers, and Plotters
Advisory Circular 60-11C lists the physical tools you’re allowed to bring for aeronautical calculations:7Federal Aviation Administration. AC 60-11C – Test Aids and Materials That May Be Used by Airman Knowledge Testing Applicants
- Manual or electronic flight computers, such as the E6B and its electronic equivalents, for groundspeed, fuel burn, wind correction, and similar problems.
- Plotters and protractors for measuring distances and courses on the charts in the testing supplement.
- Scales and straightedges related to the test questions.
- Blank log sheets for working through calculations.
Manufacturer instructions permanently printed on these tools, including formulas, conversion tables, weight and balance data, and holding pattern diagrams, are considered part of the tool and are allowed.
Electronic Device Restrictions
Electronic calculators and flight computers face extra scrutiny. Any device with permanent memory that cannot be erased is prohibited. The proctor will inspect your device and needs to verify that stored data has been cleared; if your calculator doesn’t have a screen indicating memory has been erased, the proctor can reject it and offer you a center-provided device instead.7Federal Aviation Administration. AC 60-11C – Test Aids and Materials That May Be Used by Airman Knowledge Testing Applicants
Also banned: magnetic cards, memory modules, computer chips, or anything that can store and retrieve prewritten programs or test-related information. Instructional booklets or manuals for your calculator are not allowed. Dictionaries are prohibited. If your electronic device prints calculations, the proctor will collect the printouts when you finish.
What the Testing Center Already Provides
You don’t need to bring reference charts, scratch paper, or pencils. The center supplies the Airman Knowledge Testing Supplement, a physical booklet containing the figures, charts, legends, and airport diagrams referenced in the test questions. The specific supplement matches the certificate or rating you’re pursuing; a private pilot candidate gets a different booklet than an AMT applicant.8Federal Aviation Administration. Computer Testing Supplements Scratch paper and pencils are also provided.
The supplements are available free on the FAA’s website, so studying with the exact booklet you’ll see on test day is worth doing beforehand.
Leave These Items Outside
Cell phones, smartwatches, bags, and any personal electronics beyond your approved calculator or flight computer stay outside the testing area. The proctor has final say on what enters the room, and most centers have lockers for personal belongings. When in doubt, leave it in the car.7Federal Aviation Administration. AC 60-11C – Test Aids and Materials That May Be Used by Airman Knowledge Testing Applicants
The consequences of bringing prohibited materials or otherwise breaking the rules are severe. Under 14 CFR 61.37, anyone caught cheating or engaging in unauthorized conduct during a knowledge test is barred from applying for any FAA certificate, rating, or authorization, and from taking any FAA test, for one year from the date of the violation. The FAA can also suspend or revoke certificates you already hold.9eCFR. 14 CFR 61.37 – Knowledge Tests: Cheating or Other Unauthorized Conduct
If You’re Retesting
If you failed a previous attempt, bring two extra items along with your ID and FTN. Federal regulations require additional training from an authorized instructor covering the areas where you were deficient, plus a fresh endorsement from that instructor confirming you’re now ready to pass.10eCFR. 14 CFR 61.49 – Retesting After Failure Bring your original Airman Knowledge Test Report showing the unsatisfactory score along with the new endorsement. The report identifies the subject areas where you fell short, and the endorsement must address those specific deficiencies.