Definition
An assessment method in which a learner answers questions in writing — typically multiple-choice, true/false, matching, or short-answer — to demonstrate knowledge of aeronautical subjects. In FAA training, written testing is most commonly used to evaluate factual recall and comprehension of regulations, procedures, aerodynamics, weather, navigation, and other ground-school content.
Plain English
A test where the student writes or selects answers on paper or on a computer screen to show what they know.
Context Anchor
You will see this term in instructor training, ground lessons, stage checks, and FAA knowledge-test preparation.
Derivation
Written comes from the older English idea of making marks or recording words. Testing comes from the idea of examining something to find out its quality or condition. Together, written testing means finding out what a learner knows through recorded answers rather than by watching the learner perform a task.
Why Pilots Care
Written tests are a required gate in pilot certification. The FAA airman knowledge test must be passed before taking the practical test, and instructors use written quizzes throughout training to confirm a student is ready to move on. Knowing what written testing measures — and what it doesn't — helps a student prepare properly rather than just memorizing answers.
Intuition Check
Do not assume written testing always means a paper test. In aviation training, it can also mean a computer-based test or any assessment where the answer is recorded in words, numbers, or selected choices.
Example Sentence 1
Before scheduling the checkride, the student completed written testing at an FAA-approved testing center and earned a passing score on the Private Pilot knowledge test.
Example Sentence 2
Results from written testing helped the instructor focus ground lessons on the student's weak areas.