Practice tests › IRA
Instrument Rating practice test and AI study plan
Prepare for the FAA Instrument Rating - Airplane (IRA) knowledge test. Track every topic on the test, master each one with an AI tutor that cites the FAA handbooks, and take timed mock exams weighted like the real thing.
- Questions
- 60
- Time allowed
- 2.5 hours
- Passing score
- 70%
- ACS topics
- 183
How it works
What’s on the IRA test
Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Instrument Rating – Airplane ACS. Our mock exams spread the 60 questions across its areas in proportion to how many topics each has; the FAA does not publish its exact weighting.
| Area of operation | Topics | Mock exam questions |
|---|---|---|
| I. Preflight Preparation | 55 | 17 |
| II. Preflight Procedures | 22 | 7 |
| III. Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures | 12 | 4 |
| IV. Flight by Reference to Instruments | 18 | 6 |
| V. Navigation Systems | 10 | 4 |
| VI. Instrument Approach Procedures | 43 | 13 |
| VII. Emergency Operations | 21 | 7 |
| VIII. Postflight Procedures | 2 | 2 |
Taking the IRA knowledge test
What you need before, during, and after the FAA Instrument Rating - Airplane test. Requirements change, so confirm with the sources below before you schedule.
Recent changes
- Starting October 26, 2026, some questions include images from current charts that are not in the printed testing supplement.
Before the test
- Minimum age
- You must be at least 15 to take the IRA test.
- Authorization
- Bring a graduation certificate or statement from a pilot school, or an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you completed the required ground training or home study.
- Registration
- Get an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile in IACRA, then schedule with PSI, the FAA's testing vendor, online or by phone at 844-704-1487. Cancel or reschedule at least 24 hours ahead, and arrive about 15 minutes early.
- Cost
- PSI charges $175 per knowledge test, plus tax where it applies.
On test day
- Format
- 60 multiple-choice questions in 2.5 hours (150 minutes). You need 70% to pass.
- Bring
- A current government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth, signature, and physical residential address (a P.O. box doesn't count). Applicants under 18 without an acceptable ID need a parent or guardian to attest to their identity.
- Provided
- The test center provides the testing supplement, scratch paper, and a pen, and the test software has a built-in calculator. You may bring an E6B, plotter, or a basic or aviation calculator if you clear its memory in front of the proctor, though the center can refuse any personal calculator.
After the test
- Results
- You get your printed Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) at the test center as soon as you finish. It shows your score and a code for each knowledge area you missed.
- Validity
- A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months for the practical test.
- If you fail
- You need additional training and a written endorsement from the authorized instructor who gave it, then present the failed test report at the retest. There is no required waiting period.
- Higher score
- You can retake a passed test to improve your score after 30 days; the most recent score is the one that counts.
- Next step
- Pass the instrument rating practical test, where the examiner must evaluate every area you missed on the knowledge test.
Sources: 14 CFR 61.35 · 14 CFR 61.39 · 14 CFR 61.49 · 14 CFR 61.65 · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix · FAA airman testing · PSI FAA testing programs · FAA Order 8080.6H. Checked October 2026.
Online ground school courses for the IRA test
A course teaches the material; KTR Helper helps you master it and track what’s left. Here are the options we know of. Listings marked Sponsored are paid placements and appear first; the rest are shown in a rotating random order.
- Instrument Pilot eGround School Rod Machadovideo course + test prep
26 online courses with 686 video lessons, 151 quizzes, and 3 practice exams, with a completion certificate to present at the testing center.
- Free FAA Practice Test – Instrument Pilot King Schoolspractice examFree
Free practice exam of up to 60 FAA-style instrument questions.
- Instrument Rating Course - Online Ground School Sporty'svideo course + test prep
In-flight video and 3D animations with interactive written test prep and practice tests, plus a written test endorsement on completion.
- Instrument Pilot Course MzeroAvideo course
12 lesson modules from instrument basics through IFR flight planning, aimed at the instrument knowledge test and checkride.
- GroundSchool - Instrument Rating (IFR) Dauntless Aviationtest prep app, works offline
FAA-style questions with explanations, reference charts, study modes, and unlimited practice tests that work offline.
- Prepware Online ASAtest prep
Cloud-based question bank with study sessions and practice tests for one chosen FAA knowledge test, with 24 months of access.
- Study Buddy (Free FAA Practice Tests) Sporty'stest prepFree
Free custom study sessions and timed 60-question practice tests from a 1,000+ question database, with no account required.
- Instrument Rating Made Easy Pilot Institutevideo course + test prep
20 hours of video in 320+ short lessons, 900+ practice questions with explanations, flashcards, and an instructor endorsement.
- Instrument Rating Study Course Sheppard Airtest prep app, works offline
Question-based study software that installs on your device and works offline, with telephone support.
- Instrument Rating Ground School & Test Prep King Schoolsvideo course + test prep
About 16 hours of short video lessons with 960+ FAA-style questions, explanations, and unlimited randomized practice exams.
- FAA Test Prep Online: Instrument Rating Gleim Aviationtest prep
950+ multiple-choice questions with explanations, study sessions, and unlimited exam-style practice tests.
- Online Ground School: Instrument Rating Gleim Aviationvideo course + test prep
About 35 hours across 11 units with short videos, study guides, and quizzes; the test endorsement is included.
- Instrument Pilot Online Ground School ASAvideo course + test prep
About 10 hours of video with ASA study materials and practice tests, an endorsement letter on completion, and 24 months of access.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Instrument Rating knowledge test?
+
The FAA Instrument Rating - Airplane (IRA) knowledge test has 60 multiple-choice questions, 2.5 hours (150 minutes) to answer them, and a passing score of 70%.
What does the Instrument Rating test cover?
+
Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Instrument Rating – Airplane Airman Certification Standards: Preflight Preparation; Preflight Procedures; Air Traffic Control (ATC) Clearances and Procedures; Flight by Reference to Instruments; Navigation Systems; Instrument Approach Procedures; Emergency Operations; Postflight Procedures.
How old do you have to be to take the Instrument Rating test?
+
You must be at least 15 to take the IRA test.
Do I need an endorsement to take the IRA test?
+
Bring a graduation certificate or statement from a pilot school, or an endorsement from an authorized instructor certifying you completed the required ground training or home study.
How much does the Instrument Rating knowledge test cost?
+
PSI charges $175 per knowledge test, plus tax where it applies. You schedule through PSI after getting an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) in IACRA.
How long are IRA test results valid?
+
A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months for the practical test.
What happens if I fail the IRA test?
+
You need additional training and a written endorsement from the authorized instructor who gave it, then present the failed test report at the retest. There is no required waiting period.
How should I study for the Instrument Rating test?
+
Take a ground school course to learn the material, then use KTR Helper to track all 183 ACS topics, master each one with the AI tutor and practice questions, and take timed mock exams. After the test, add your knowledge test report and the codes you missed move to the top of your plan for the checkride.
Ready to start studying for the IRA?
Free account. No credit card.