Definition
Standardized written examinations administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (or FAA-authorized testing centers) that assess a candidate's theoretical understanding of aeronautical subjects required for a specific pilot certificate or rating. Each test consists of multiple-choice questions drawn from a defined body of knowledge covering areas such as regulations, weather, navigation, aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and flight planning. A passing score on the appropriate knowledge test is a prerequisite for the practical (checkride) test.
Plain English
The official written exams a pilot must pass to earn a certificate or rating. They test what you know on paper before you're allowed to take the in-aircraft flying test.
Context Anchor
You will see this term when preparing for a pilot certificate, adding a rating, or reviewing how computer-based training can help students prepare for official FAA exams.
Derivation
FAA stands for Federal Aviation Administration, the U.S. agency that sets and administers many aviation rules and certification requirements. In this phrase, “knowledge test” means an official test of what the applicant must know, not just a casual classroom quiz.
Why Pilots Care
Passing these tests is required by regulation to move from ground training to the practical test and obtain or advance a pilot certificate.
Intuition Check
Do not read “knowledge tests” as ordinary school quizzes. In FAA use, FAA knowledge tests are official certification exams; passing one is important, but it does not by itself prove a person is ready to fly safely.
Example Sentence 1
Before scheduling her checkride, she had to pass the FAA knowledge test for the private pilot certificate.
Example Sentence 2
Instructors review weak areas from FAA knowledge tests to focus computer-assisted learning sessions.