How to Find FAA Testing Centers (All Tests)

Are you ready to take your FAA exam, but you are not sure how to find a center or how much it’ll cost? We’ve got you covered! If you need Part 107 certification or any other aviation license, you’ll need to find an FAA-authorized testing center.

This guide will help you to:

1. Find the nearest center.
2. Register for your exam.
3. Know what to expect when you arrive.

Once you know how to use the PSI locator and what to bring on test day, you’ll be set.

So take a deep breath, and let’s get ready for your next FAA exam!

Key Takeaways

• To find an FAA testing center, use the PSI website and enter your postal code and exam type.
• Get your FAA Tracking Number from IARCA to schedule your exam with PSI.
• You can cancel or reschedule your test up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or free rebooking.
• Military personnel can enjoy many perks such as financial aid and flexible FAA exam scheduling.

Using the PSI Testing Center Locator

Do you know where FAA testing centers are in your area? With the PSI testing center locator, you can find them easily.

First, visit the PSI website. Once you’re on the website, click “Find a Test Center.” It will bring you to the Testing Center Locator page.

You’ll need to enter the following information:

• Your postal code
• Your country
• Preferred search radius
• The type of exam you’re taking

Fill out these fields and click “Search.” The page will then display a list of testing centers in your area.

It will show you the following information for each:

• Name of the test site
• Distance from your postal code
• Address of the test site with a link to its location pin on Google Maps
• Driving directions to the test site and other exam reminders

From here, take note of your options and decide where you’ll want to take your exam.

Do you know the exam requirements? To find out, go to the PSI home page and click “View Test Authorization Requirements.” The link will pull up the FAA Knowledge Test Matrix, which shows a complete list of requirements and other reminders for all knowledge tests.

The test matrix will show you the following information for each exam:

• Test code
• Number of questions
• Minimum age requirement
• Allotted time
• Passing score

You’ll also see a list of the documents and other requirements you’ll need. Make sure you carefully read the requirements for your exam and have them ready ahead of time.

Registering for Your FAA Test

Once you’ve found a testing center, you’ll be able to register for your knowledge test. So how can you do this?

If you don’t already have an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), getting one should be your place to start. If you’re confused about anything, you can talk with your flight instructor about this process.

Your FTN will serve as your unique identifier in the FAA’s certification records. Whether you’re applying for a Private Pilot Certificate or Part 107 certification, the same FTN will be used throughout your whole aviation career.

Getting Your FAA Tracking Number

Visit the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website. Click “Register” and follow the steps to sign up.

You will need to provide some personal details to create your account. Type in your Airman Certificate Number if you already have one. Otherwise, leave the field blank.

The system will also require your:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Sex
• Email address

Once complete, you will immediately receive your FAA tracking number. You can take a screenshot of this on the webpage, although your FTN will also be sent to your email.

Creating Your PSI Account

You will need your FTN to create an account on the PSI website. Note that this is an entirely separate account from the one you created on the IACRA website, but PSI will require these records to match.

First, go to the PSI website and select “Create an Account.” You will need to provide:

• Your FAA tracking number
• Your full name

• Your email address
• Your preferred PSI login username
• Your new password

After creating your account, you should receive a message from [email protected] in your email inbox. Click the verification link, and it will bring you back to the PSI Registration page.

From here, you’ll need to provide some more personal information by entering:

• Your date of birth
• Your full name and any suffixes
• Your phone number
• The city, state, postal code, and country where you live
• Your citizenship
• Your military status. There will be a Yes or No check box for the question, “Are you an active U.S. military member, a dependent of an active U.S. military member, a U.S. military retiree, a DoD civilian, or a DHS Civilian?”

If you select “Yes” in the last line, you’ll need to specify which category you belong to. 

Once everything’s filled out, click “Register,” and you’ll have a PSI account!

Scheduling Your Test

So what’s next? Well, it’s time to schedule your exam!

Once registered, you’ll be brought to a page where you can select from a long list of exams by the FAA. This list includes exams for all pilot certificates and even other FAA certifications, like for aircraft dispatchers.

Don’t be confused if you see multiple exams for just one type of pilot certification. For instance, “Private Pilot” is still a broad term covering many types and aircraft categories, so carefully read and identify the exam you want to take. 

Once you’ve selected the right exam, you’ll need to fill out a few more details to proceed.

If you completed your training at a pilot school, you will need to provide:

• Your pilot school’s country and state
• The name of your pilot school
• The date of your graduation or completion (This should reflect the date written on your graduation or completion certificate.)

You will also need to provide the type of authorization you have.

Will you need a time extension or a left-handed mouse? You can let the exam center know if you have any special needs that need to be met.

Once you’re on the main schedule selection page, you can browse for nearby testing centers.

Search by:

• Country and postal code
• Preferred search radius
• Preferred date range

The page will then pull up a list of testing centers that fit your preferences. For each testing site, you’ll be able to see:

• The name of the test site
• The distance from your location
• The address of the test site with a link to its location pin on Google Maps
• Available dates and time slots for your exam

Go through each search result, and once you’ve found the testing center you want, select your preferred date and time slot. 

Be extra careful during this step. To avoid any more trouble later on, give the page one last scan to verify that you’ve made the right selection.

FAA Knowledge Exam Costs

Lastly, you will have to pay for the testing fee. FAA knowledge tests on PSI generally cost between $175 and $200, depending on the exam. 

For standard exams like Private Pilot (PPL), Commercial Pilot (CPL), and Instrument Rating (IR), the fee is approximately $175. 

The same applies to the Flight Instructor (CFI) exam. For the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) exam, the fee ranges from $175 to $200. 

Additionally, the Part 107 certification exam fee for drone pilots is also around $175.

However, keep in mind that pricing may vary slightly depending on the testing center and exam type.

You can pay for your exam with a credit card or voucher. Fill out your billing information, and once the transaction is complete, your schedule is all set!

Preparing for Your Exam: What to Bring

After booking your schedule, all that’s left to do is prepare for exam day. But before heading on to the test site, do you know what you’ll need to bring? Look at the FAA Knowledge Test Matrix and complete the requirements for your type of exam.

An FTN is required for all exam applicants, which you should already have.

Be sure to bring a valid, up-to-date identification card that includes the following details:

• Your full name
• A recent photograph
• Date of birth
• Signature
• Physical residential address

Which IDs can you bring?

U.S. citizens and resident aliens can use an ID issued by any U.S. state, territory, or government entity. This can be a driver’s permit or license, government identification card, or military identification card. Alternatively, you can bring your passport or your alien residency card. 

Non-U.S. citizens must bring their passports along with either a driver’s license issued by a U.S. state or territory or an identification card issued by any government entity. 

If you’re under 18 and do not have an ID, you should have your parent or legal guardian accompany you. They will need to present their own ID and verify your identity.

You must also prepare the documents required for your type of exam. For example, for the Private Pilot Airplane exam (PAR), you’ll see that you must bring one or more of the following:

• A certificate of graduation issued by your pilot school
• A written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor certifying that you’ve completed your course and are prepared to take the test

You may also need a simple, non-programmable calculator, a pen, and an E6B flight computer or plotter for calculations if you’re taking a pilot exam. It’s also a good idea to bring a printed confirmation of your test appointment or payment receipt.

Take note of the items that are prohibited in the testing room. Generally, you’ll have to leave your electronic devices like your phone or tablet, books, notes, backpack, food, and drinks outside the testing room. 

You also won’t be allowed to use a programmable calculator. If you need to use scratch paper, the testing center will usually provide them.

Keep in mind that each testing center has its own list of requirements and prohibited items, so this may be different for you. Check the reminders sent to your email address or contact the testing center before exam day.

What Happens if You Fail the Test?

We’re sure nobody wants to have this problem, but what should you do if you fail the knowledge test? 

Unless otherwise stated in the FAA Knowledge Test Matrix, you can retake your test after a 14-day waiting period. You should use this time to review the material and better prepare for your next test.

You won’t see exactly which questions you got wrong after the exam. However, you’ll be able to see your overall score and a breakdown of your performance for each subject area. You would also have a better idea of the questions to expect this time around. 

Depending on your exam, you might also need additional classes from an authorized instructor to ensure you’re better prepared.

These should be enough to guide you with your review and help you ace your next (and hopefully last) attempt!

You might also need some additional requirements to retake your exam. Check the test matrix and have them ready beforehand. For the Private Pilot Airplane exam (PAR), you will need to submit:

• Your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) indicating failure (whether valid or expired)
• An endorsement from an authorized instructor who provided extra training and confirmed that you’re ready to pass the test

The price for retaking an FAA exam is the same as your exam fee. Each attempt generally costs $175 to $200, whether it’s your first or a retake. 

There’s also no limit on how many times you can retake the knowledge test, but you will have to pay for each attempt.

How to Cancel or Reschedule Your Exam

If you change your mind and want to cancel or reschedule your exam, PSI has made this process easy!

First, visit the PSI website and sign in to your account. Then, head to the “Overview” section and select “View My Tests.” 

You will then see the details of your knowledge test. If you want to cancel your exam, click “Cancel.” Then, simply follow the succeeding steps.

The good news is that you can refund the test fee as long as:

• You cancel your exam at least 24 hours before your appointment
• The payment was made within the past year

You’ll be sent the receipt in your email inbox, and the amount will be reflected in your account within a few days. However, if you do this later, your test fee will be automatically forfeited.

If you wish to reschedule your exam, click “Re-Book” under your exam details. This will take you back to the process of selecting a test site and booking a new schedule. 

There’s no need to worry about any additional fees. If you reschedule at least 24 hours before your appointment, your original payment will apply to your new exam schedule. If you miss this time allowance, you might need to pay again for a new appointment.

Take note that test slots and locations run out fast if they are limited in your area. You should reschedule your exam as soon as you’re certain of your decision.

Special Considerations for Military FAA Tests

If you’re a military personnel, you’ll be glad to know about the benefits and special considerations for you!

You can transfer your military training and experience into civilian pilot certificates with the Military Competency Non-Category (MCN) and Military Competency Instructor (MCI) exams. These exempt you from meeting some of the standard civilian pilot training requirements, such as an instructor endorsement or other form of written authorization.

When it comes to recurrent exams, you may find it more convenient to access FAA-approved testing centers located on military bases.

If you’re an active duty military member or veteran, there are financial benefits you can take advantage of. Programs like the GI Bill may cover the costs of your exams, either through fee waivers or reimbursements, reducing the financial burden associated with obtaining or maintaining FAA certifications.

The FAA also provides flexibility in scheduling exams, especially for active-duty service members with fluctuating schedules due to deployments 0or other duties. These accommodations make it easier for you to stay current with your FAA qualifications.

Conclusion

PSI has made finding and registering for an FAA testing center much easier than in the past. You can quickly search for locations and book your spot online.

Before starting, have your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) ready. Bring your ID and materials when you arrive for your test.

And, don’t forget—you can cancel or reschedule your test if needed. But, you must act at least 24 hours in advance.

If you’re taking your first test or renewing your certification, the process is simple if you know the right steps to take.

Happy testing!