Test guides / IRA
FAA KNOWLEDGE TEST GUIDE
Instrument Rating written test (IRA)
The Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) knowledge test covers the rules, procedures and weather knowledge you need to fly in the clouds. You take it before your instrument checkride.
AT A GLANCE
- Test code
- IRA
- Questions
- 60 multiple choice (3 options each)
- Time allowed
- 2 hours
- Passing score
- 70% (42 of 60)
- Minimum age to test
- 15
- Results valid for
- 24 calendar months
- Where
- PSI testing centers (about $175)
What the IRA covers
- ▸IFR regulations, currency, alternates and fuel requirements
- ▸Instrument approach procedures and approach chart reading
- ▸Departure, enroute and arrival procedures and ATC clearances
- ▸VOR, ILS, GPS/RNAV and other navigation systems
- ▸Flight instruments, gyroscopic errors and system failures
- ▸Aviation weather, icing and weather services for IFR flight
- ▸Spatial disorientation and other aeromedical factors
What you need to take it
- Authorization: A logbook endorsement or written statement from an authorized instructor, or a graduation certificate or statement of accomplishment from an FAA-certificated pilot school.
- ID: a government-issued photo ID with your date of birth, signature and address.
- FAA Tracking Number (FTN): create one in IACRA before you schedule with PSI.
How to prepare
- ✓Spend extra time on approach plates and enroute charts — many questions depend on reading them quickly.
- ✓Know your IFR alternate and fuel rules cold; they show up again on the checkride oral.
- ✓Do timed 60-question practice exams to get comfortable with the 2-hour limit.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Instrument Rating written test?
The IRA test has 60 scored multiple-choice questions, each with three answer choices. A few extra unscored questions may be included; they don't count for or against you.
How long is the IRA test?
You have 2 hours, including time for any unscored questions.
What score do I need to pass the IRA?
70% — at least 42 of 60 correct.
How long are my IRA results valid?
A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months: you need to finish the practical test (checkride) within that window (14 CFR 61.39).
What do I need to bring to the testing center?
A government-issued photo ID showing your date of birth, signature and address, your FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA, and your test authorization: a logbook endorsement or written statement from an authorized instructor, or a graduation certificate or statement of accomplishment from an FAA-certificated pilot school.
What happens if I fail?
If you fail, you can retake the test after an authorized instructor gives you additional training in the areas you missed and signs a retest endorsement (14 CFR 61.49). There is no required waiting period, but you pay the test fee again.
How much does the test cost?
The FAA says knowledge test centers charge about $175. You book and pay through PSI, the FAA’s testing provider.
Study a little every day
AeroPrep gives you three FAA-style IRA practice questions a day for free, with explanations and FAA references, plus a Logbook that shows which topics need work. Pro ($9.99/month) adds unlimited practice and unlimited timed exams.
Start free practice →Test formats are from the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix and 14 CFR Part 61. The FAA updates these from time to time, so confirm details on the current matrix before you book. AeroPrep questions are written in the style of the FAA knowledge tests; they are not actual test questions. AeroPrep is not affiliated with the FAA.