The Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) knowledge test covers the technical knowledge a CFI must teach: regulations and endorsements, aerodynamics, systems, performance, airspace and navigation, weather, flight maneuvers and emergencies.
Exam format at a glance
| Format | 100 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 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
- Commercial pilots working toward a flight instructor certificate
- CFI candidates preparing alongside the FOI test
- Instructors refreshing endorsement and regulation knowledge
How to actually study for it
- Know the student pilot rules and every endorsement a CFI gives (61.87, 61.93, 61.31).
- Master aerodynamics: stalls, spins, load factor and left-turning tendencies.
- Learn CFI limitations: 8 hours of instruction in 24 hours and renewal every 24 calendar months.
- Review common student errors for each flight maneuver.
Where to go next
Start with the free 10-question diagnostic to see where you actually stand, or go straight to the one-page Flight Instructor cheat sheet. The full Flight Instructor practice exam covers every domain at the real exam's weighting, with every answer explained.