Is it bad to fail an FAA written exam?

You can still fly, you just have to take an instructor or another pilot along with you. You might not be able to be a professional airline pilot.



While failing an FAA Knowledge Test (Written Exam) is discouraging, it is not a "career killer," but it does have practical and financial consequences. If you fail, you must receive remedial instruction from an authorized flight instructor who will then "endorse" you to retake the test. This means you will spend more money on instructor fees and the testing fee itself (which is typically around $175 per attempt). From a long-term perspective, a single "fail" on a written exam rarely impacts your ability to get hired by major airlines, as they are much more concerned with your Practical Test (Checkride) performance. However, multiple failures on FAA exams can be seen as a "red flag" regarding your study habits and technical proficiency. In 2026, many airlines ask for your "FAA record" during the interview process, so it is always better to wait until you are consistently scoring 90% or higher on practice exams before attempting the real thing. A "passing" score is 70%, but most instructors aim for much higher to ensure the student truly understands the critical safety and navigation concepts.

People Also Ask

No one will ask to see your written exam scores EXCEPT (and this is a big EXCEPT) for the examiner who'll be giving you your practical and oral exam for each license and rating.

MORE DETAILS

If you fail the ATM knowledge test, you must accomplish retraining with an ATP CTP approved instructor. The process for obtaining retesting authorization is carefully controlled by the FAA, and ATP Jets has the ATM Airman Knowledge Test Retraining Program available to facilitate the process.

MORE DETAILS

As far as when you want to renew, you can retake the course and/or the physical exam as often as you want. Some pilots have an annual physical and ask their physicians to sign the form each year. That's more a “belt and suspenders” approach, but it's fine to do that.

MORE DETAILS

The ATP test is considered challenging due to its comprehensive knowledge requirements, the ATP-CTP course prerequisite, adherence to FAA standards and regulations, and the need for thorough preparation and study. Passing the ATP test is a significant milestone in your journey to becoming an airline transport pilot.

MORE DETAILS

In 2021, FAA data showed that 78% of all PPL pilots passed on their first attempt. In that same year, 79.5% of pilots passed their commercial pilot checkride, and the pass rate for CFI checkrides was 77.9%. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try.

MORE DETAILS

Failing a check ride is miserable, but it doesn't mean your career as a pilot is over with, and the outcome isn't usually as bad as expected.

MORE DETAILS

In 2021, FAA data showed that 78% of all PPL pilots passed on their first attempt. In that same year, 79.5% of pilots passed their commercial pilot checkride, and the pass rate for CFI checkrides was 77.9%. Although these numbers are high, it is evident that many pilots failed on the first try.

MORE DETAILS

These medical conditions include a personality disorder manifested by overt acts, a psychosis, alcoholism, drug dependence, epilepsy, an unexplained disturbance of consciousness, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, and diabetes requiring medication for its control.

MORE DETAILS

III. If you're retesting to achieve a higher passing score, you may retake the same test after 30 days. If you fail the test, though, you must receive additional training. You also must get an endorsement from an authorized instructor, which can be one of the following: Signed written statement.

MORE DETAILS

Yes. Section 67.409 under 14 CFR sets forth the appeal process within the FAA for applicants who are denied medical certification.

MORE DETAILS

Criminal Background Check Required
  • Aircraft piracy.
  • Aircraft piracy outside the special aircraft jurisdiction of the United States.
  • Armed robbery.
  • Assault with intent to murder.
  • Carrying a weapon or explosive aboard an aircraft.
  • Commission of certain crimes aboard aircraft in flight.
  • Conveying false information and threats.


MORE DETAILS