You passed (or you didn't) and now you're holding a test report full of codes. Here is what the FAA's Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix and Part 61 say.
70% passes every FAA pilot knowledge test. On the Private Pilot test that's 42 of 60.
The PAR (Private Pilot Airplane) is 60 questions in 2 hours and passes at 70. The FAA may add unscored validation questions on top of the 60; they don't count for or against you, and the allotted time already covers them. Your score is final when you finish: the proctor hands you your test report.
Checked October 18, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
Take the free Private Pilot practice test60 questions, ACS codes on every miss, no sign-up| Test | Questions | Time | Pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) | 60 | 2.0 h | 70 (42 right) |
| Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) | 60 | 2.0 h | 70 (42 right) |
| Commercial Pilot Airplane (CAX) | 100 | 2.5 h | 70 (70 right) |
| Flight Instructor Airplane (FIA) | 100 | 2.5 h | 70 (70 right) |
| Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) | 50 | 1.5 h | 70 (35 right) |
| Remote Pilot, Part 107 (UAG) | 60 | 2.0 h | 70 (42 right) |
From the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, revised September 25, 2026. The question counts don't include validation questions.
Your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) shows your score and an ACS code for each question you missed, like PA.I.C.K2: PA = the Private Pilot Airplane ACS, I = Area of Operation, C = Task, K2 = the second knowledge element. Paste them into the ACS code lookup to see exactly what each one means.
Keep the original. On your checkride the examiner must test "any elements in which the applicant was shown to be deficient on the knowledge test" (Private Pilot ACS), and your instructor's endorsement must certify that you've shown satisfactory knowledge of those areas (14 CFR 61.39(a)(6)(iii)). A 90% with three codes is a shorter list to fix than a 72% with seventeen, but both pass.
You have to pass the practical test within the 24-calendar-month period preceding the month you complete it (14 CFR 61.39(a)(1)(i)). In practice: your knowledge test is good through the end of the 24th month after the month you took it.
There's no waiting period for the pilot tests. To retest you need additional training from an authorized instructor who decides you're ready, and their endorsement (14 CFR 61.49(a)). Bring the failed AKTR; the instructor can sign the Authorized Instructor's Statement right on it. The testing matrix also lists a passing report as valid retest authorization, so you can retake a test you passed.
Mechanic (A&P) tests are different: a 30-day wait unless you bring a signed statement from someone holding the certificate and ratings you're after, saying they gave you more instruction in each subject you failed and consider you ready.
70%. The Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) test is 60 questions in 2 hours, so 42 correct passes.
You must complete the practical test within the 24-calendar-month period preceding the month of the practical test (14 CFR 61.39). The ATP knowledge test is good for 60 calendar months.
They are Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes for the questions you missed. The examiner reviews those areas on your checkride, and your instructor must endorse that you have shown satisfactory knowledge of them.
Not for pilot tests. You need additional training and an endorsement from an authorized instructor (14 CFR 61.49). The Part 107 drone test has a 14-day wait instead.