Practice tests › MCN
Military Competency practice test and AI study plan
Prepare for the FAA Military Competency Non-Category Specific (MCN) 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
- 50
- Time allowed
- 2 hours
- Passing score
- 70%
- ACS topics
- 27
How it works
What’s on the MCN test
Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Commercial Pilot – Military Competence ACS. Our mock exams spread the 50 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. Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations | 19 | 19 |
| II. Air Traffic | 7 | 7 |
| III. Accident Reporting | 1 | 1 |
Taking the MCN knowledge test
What you need before, during, and after the FAA Military Competency Non-Category Specific test. Requirements change, so confirm with the sources below before you schedule.
Before the test
- Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 to take the MCN test.
- Authorization
- No endorsement is needed to take the knowledge test.
- 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
- 50 multiple-choice questions in 2 hours (120 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
- Apply for an FAA pilot certificate and ratings based on your military pilot qualifications.
Sources: 14 CFR 61.39 · 14 CFR 61.49 · 14 CFR 61.73 · 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 MCN 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.
- GroundSchool - Commercial Pilot Dauntless Aviationtest prep app, works offline
FAA-style questions with explanations, reference figures, study modes, and practice test generation.
- GroundSchool - Military Competence Test Prep Dauntless Aviationtest prep app, works offline
Test prep for the MCN (which replaced the older MCA and MCH tests) and the MCI instructor test, available offline with free updates.
- Military Competency Commercial (MCN) Study Course Sheppard Airtest prep app, works offline
About 345 questions focused on the MCN test used for military-to-civilian conversion under 14 CFR 61.73.
- Online Ground School: Commercial Pilot Gleim Aviationvideo course + test prep
Self-directed course of about 35 hours with study guides, videos, and quizzes; a test endorsement is issued on completion.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are on the Military Competency knowledge test?
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The FAA Military Competency Non-Category Specific (MCN) knowledge test has 50 multiple-choice questions, 2 hours (120 minutes) to answer them, and a passing score of 70%.
What does the Military Competency test cover?
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Questions come from the knowledge and risk management elements of the Commercial Pilot – Military Competence Airman Certification Standards: Commercial Pilot Privileges and Limitations; Air Traffic; Accident Reporting.
How old do you have to be to take the Military Competency test?
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You must be at least 18 to take the MCN test.
Do I need an endorsement to take the MCN test?
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No endorsement is needed to take the knowledge test.
How much does the Military Competency knowledge test cost?
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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 MCN test results valid?
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A passing result is valid for 24 calendar months for the practical test.
What happens if I fail the MCN test?
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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 Military Competency test?
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Take a ground school course to learn the material, then use KTR Helper to track all 27 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.
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