The Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX) knowledge test covers what a commercial pilot needs before the checkride: commercial privileges and regulations, weather, cross-country planning, airspace, aerodynamics and performance maneuvers, complex and high-altitude systems, human factors, airport operations and emergencies.
Exam format at a glance
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions in 3 hours, at an FAA airman knowledge testing center. Minimum age to take the test is 16. |
| Cost | Testing fees are set by the testing center — check current pricing when you schedule. |
| Scoring | The passing score is 70 percent. Practice scores here use the same 70% pass line. |
| Validity | A passed knowledge test must be followed by the practical test within 24 calendar months (14 CFR 61.39). |
Who this exam is for
- Private pilots working toward a commercial certificate
- Flight instructors preparing commercial students
- Commercial pilots refreshing their knowledge
How to actually study for it
- Know commercial privileges and limits — including the day VFR, 50 NM limit without an instrument rating.
- Master aerodynamics: load factor, stall speed in turns, and how weight and CG affect performance.
- Learn constant-speed propeller, turbocharging, oxygen and pressurization rules.
- Review weather products, icing and thunderstorm hazards.
Where to go next
Start with the free 10-question diagnostic to see where you actually stand, or go straight to the one-page Commercial Pilot cheat sheet. The full Commercial Pilot practice exam covers every domain at the real exam's weighting, with every answer explained.