Airworthy PrepThe Instrument Rating Airplane written test (FAA test code IRA) has 60 scored questions, a 2-hour time limit and a passing score of 70% (FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix, September 25, 2026, p. 11). Since October 26, 2026 it also includes questions built on images from current FAA charts, not only the printed testing supplement (FAA Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026 Special Edition, p. 6). This guide covers the format, the 8 areas and their weights, the chart questions, what you need before you book, retakes and a study plan.
The test at a glance
| Item | Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Scored questions | 60 | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11 |
| Extra unscored questions | 5 validation questions, not counted in your score | PSI IRA Information Bulletin, March 2024, p. 4 |
| Time allowed | 2 hours (120 minutes) | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11; PSI bulletin, p. 4 |
| Passing score | 70% | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11 |
| Minimum age to take the test | 15 | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11 |
| Authorization needed | Yes: instructor endorsement or pilot school graduation certificate | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11 |
| Figures book | FAA-CT-8080-3F testing supplement | FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11 |
| Chart images from current FAA charts | Yes, from October 26, 2026 | Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026, p. 6 |
| How long a pass lasts | 24 calendar months, counted to the month you finish the practical test | 14 CFR 61.39(a)(1) |
Older pages online often say 2.5 hours. The current FAA matrix lists 2.0 hours for IRA, which is 2 minutes per question, and chart questions take longer than that. Pace yourself.
The 8 areas on the test (and their weights)
The test follows the Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8C). PSI, the FAA’s testing company, publishes how much of the test each area makes up (PSI IRA Information Bulletin, p. 4):
| ACS area | Name | Share of the test |
|---|---|---|
| IR.I | Preflight Preparation | 26% |
| IR.II | Preflight Procedures | 14% |
| IR.III | Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures | 7% |
| IR.IV | Flight by Reference to Instruments | 11% |
| IR.V | Navigation Systems | 8% |
| IR.VI | Instrument Approach Procedures | 26% |
| IR.VII | Emergency Operations | 6% |
| IR.VIII | Postflight Procedures | 2% |
Two areas are more than half the test. Preflight Preparation covers IFR currency and regulations, weather and weather services, and cross-country flight planning. Instrument Approach Procedures covers non-precision and precision approaches, missed approaches, circling approaches and landing from an approach (FAA-S-ACS-8C, Area VI). Put most of your time into those two.
The chart questions (new from October 26, 2026)
The FAA says that from October 26, 2026 the IRA test “will include image-based questions not found in the test supplements”, using images from the latest Sectional Charts, Instrument Approach Charts and Low Altitude Enroute Charts (Airman Testing Community Advisory, September 2026, p. 6). The same advisory shows sample IRA questions built on an enroute chart excerpt.
What that means for you:
- You still get the supplement. The FAA says candidates keep access to the printed supplement for their exam until a removal date is announced (Advisory, p. 5). For IRA that is FAA-CT-8080-3F.
- Some charts will be new to you. A question may show a crop of a current enroute chart or approach plate you have never seen. You cannot memorize those. You need to read the symbols.
- Learn the legend. The FAA’s Aeronautical Chart Users’ Guide explains the symbols on enroute and approach charts. Minimum altitudes (MEA, MOCA, MCA, MRA), airway numbers, changeover points, approach minimums and the missed approach procedure are the things to be able to find fast.
- Practice on current charts. The FAA publishes enroute charts and approach plates free. Pick an airport near you and read its approaches.
Our Navigation Systems topic has practice questions on chart reading as well as the systems themselves.
What you need before you book
- An FTN. Create a profile in IACRA, the FAA’s online application system, to get a Federal Tracking Number before testing (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 1).
- Test authorization. A certificate of graduation or statement of accomplishment from an FAA-certificated pilot school’s ground school, or a written statement or logbook endorsement from an authorized ground or flight instructor certifying that you are prepared for the test (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11; 14 CFR 61.65(a)(4)). Before that, you need ground training from an instructor or a home-study course on the instrument knowledge areas (14 CFR 61.65(a)(3)).
- ID with your photo, date of birth, signature and residential address (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 1).
- A booking with PSI at a testing center. See what the Instrument Rating written test costs.
You do not need to hold a private pilot certificate already: the instrument rating rule allows a person who holds one “or” is “concurrently applying for a private pilot certificate” (14 CFR 61.65(a)(1)). Our guide on taking the Private and Instrument written tests together covers that path.
If you already hold an instrument rating in another category, such as helicopter, you do not have to take another instrument knowledge test (14 CFR 61.65(a)(7)).
How the test is scored
You need 42 correct out of 60. The 5 validation questions do not count (PSI bulletin, p. 4), and the bulletin does not say how to tell which they are. Your Airman Knowledge Test Report lists the ACS codes of the topics you missed (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11), and your instructor must endorse that you have shown satisfactory knowledge of them before the checkride (14 CFR 61.39(a)(6)(iii)). Look any code up in our free knowledge test code lookup.
In calendar year 2025 the FAA recorded 27,143 IRA tests with a pass rate of 94.38% (FAA CY2025 Airman Knowledge Test statistics). Those figures are from before the current-chart questions started, and they count tests, not people.
If you fail: retakes
Part 61 sets no waiting period. Before you retest you need additional training from an authorized instructor who has decided you are proficient to pass, and an endorsement from that instructor (14 CFR 61.49(a)). You also hand over the failed test report at the testing center. The endorsement can be a signed statement, a logbook entry, or the instructor’s statement section on the failed report (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11).
A four-week study plan
About an hour a day. Adjust it to your pace.
Week 1: regulations and weather. IFR currency, equipment and flight plan rules in 14 CFR 61 and 91, and the IFR chapters of the Aeronautical Information Manual. Then aviation weather: reports, forecasts, icing and thunderstorms.
Week 2: flying by instruments and navigation. The Instrument Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-15B) on instruments, attitude instrument flying, VOR, GPS and holding patterns. Practice hold entries until they are automatic.
Week 3: charts and approaches. The Instrument Procedures Handbook (FAA-H-8083-16B), plus enroute charts and approach plates. Find the minimums, the missed approach and the minimum altitudes on several real plates.
Week 4: full timed tests. Take full 60-question, 2-hour practice tests including chart questions. Review every miss. Book the real test when you score well above 70% on tests you have not seen.
Common mistakes
- Relying on memorized answers. The new chart images change with each chart edition, so a memorized bank cannot cover them.
- Running out of time on chart questions. Finding one altitude on an enroute chart can take a minute. Skip, flag and come back.
- Old sources. The Instrument Flying Handbook dates from 2012, with later addenda. Where it and the AIM or current regulations differ, the regulations and AIM are current.
- Leaving the endorsement to the last minute. Arrange it with your instructor before booking.
Free FAA study materials
- Instrument Rating Airplane ACS, FAA-S-ACS-8C
- Instrument Flying Handbook and Instrument Procedures Handbook
- Aeronautical Information Manual
- FAA IRA sample questions
- Testing supplement FAA-CT-8080-3F
To see where you stand, try the free 10-question Instrument Rating mock, no sign-up, or see the full Instrument Rating practice test course.
Common questions
How many questions are on the instrument written test?
60 scored questions, plus 5 unscored validation questions (FAA Testing Matrix, p. 11; PSI bulletin, p. 4).
How long is the instrument rating knowledge test?
2 hours, per the FAA testing matrix dated September 25, 2026 (p. 11).
Does the instrument written use current charts now?
Yes. From October 26, 2026 the IRA test includes image questions from current sectional, approach and low altitude enroute charts that are not in the supplement (Advisory, September 2026, p. 6).
Do I need my private pilot certificate before the instrument written?
No. You need an instructor’s endorsement for the test. For the rating itself you must hold a private pilot certificate or be applying for one at the same time (14 CFR 61.65(a)(1)).
How long is the instrument written good for?
You must pass it within the 24 calendar months before the month you complete your instrument practical test (14 CFR 61.39(a)(1)).