FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test: questions, passing score and what it covers
Commercial Pilot
111 ACS tasks
Last reviewed: 2026-10-10
The FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test is a multiple-choice test. Commercial Pilot Airplane: CAX — 100 questions, 3.0 hours, passing score 70. Commercial Pilot Helicopter: CRH — 100 questions, 3.0 hours, passing score 70. Each question maps to an Airman Certification Standards (ACS) task code, which your knowledge test report lists for every area you missed.
How many questions are on the FAA Commercial Pilot Knowledge Test, and what is the passing score?
Commercial Pilot Airplane: CAX — 100 questions, 3.0 hours, passing score 70. Commercial Pilot Helicopter: CRH — 100 questions, 3.0 hours, passing score 70. These figures come from the knowledge test tables in the FAA Airman Certification Standards for each certificate.
What does the test cover?
It covers the knowledge elements in the FAA-S-ACS-7B and FAA-S-ACS-16 Airman Certification Standards: 111 tasks across the areas of operation listed on this page.
What do the codes on my knowledge test report mean?
Each code names the ACS area, task and element you missed, for example PA.I.F.K1. Look the code up in the ACS, study that element, and practice it before your practical test.
How long is a passing knowledge test score valid?
A passing score is valid for 24 calendar months for use in completing the practical test. Check the FAA or your testing center for current rules and fees.
Areas of operation on the test
Commercial Pilot for Airplane Category (FAA-S-ACS-7B)
- Area I: Preflight Preparation (9 tasks)
- Area II: Preflight Procedures (6 tasks)
- Area III: Airport and Seaplane Base Operations (2 tasks)
- Area IV: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds (14 tasks)
- Area V: Performance Maneuvers and Ground Reference Maneuvers (5 tasks)
- Area VI: Navigation (4 tasks)
- Area VII: Slow Flight and Stalls (5 tasks)
- Area VIII: High-Altitude Operations (2 tasks)
- Area IX: Emergency Operations (7 tasks)
- Area X: Multiengine Operations (4 tasks)
- Area XI: Postflight Procedures (2 tasks)
Commercial Pilot for Rotorcraft Category (Helicopter) (FAA-S-ACS-16)
- Area I: Preflight Preparation (9 tasks)
- Area II: Preflight Procedures (4 tasks)
- Area III: Airport and Heliport Operations (3 tasks)
- Area IV: Hovering Maneuvers (5 tasks)
- Area V: Takeoffs, Landings, and Go-Arounds (7 tasks)
- Area VI: Performance Maneuvers (3 tasks)
- Area VII: Navigation (4 tasks)
- Area VIII: Emergency Operations (13 tasks)
- Area IX: Special Operations (2 tasks)
- Area X: Postflight Procedures (1 tasks)
Browse every task code in the ACS Code Directory, read how the ACS works, or see retakes, endorsements and how long a score lasts.
How do I prepare?
- Take a diagnostic practice test to see which ACS areas you miss.
- Study each missed element in the FAA source it cites.
- Drill those elements with practice questions and read every explanation.
- Retest, and review the report again before your practical test.
Every pass unlocks the full Study Hub, interactive animations, unlimited practice tests and drills, and a study plan mapped to the ACS from your own results.
Or take the diagnostic test first →
More FAA study guides
- FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS) explained: areas, tasks and element codes
- Part 107 airspace for remote pilots: classes, ATC authorization and restricted areas
- Part 107 weather and operating limits: sources, minimums and performance effects
- 14 CFR 91.205 Required VFR and IFR Aircraft Equipment Guide
- FAA VFR Weather Minimums and Cloud Clearances Guide (14 CFR 91.155)
- FAA Knowledge Test: Retakes, Endorsements and How Long a Score Lasts (14 CFR 61.35, 61.39, 61.49)
- How to Read a METAR and TAF: A Group-by-Group Decoding Guide for FAA Pilots
- Density Altitude Explained: How Temperature, Pressure and Humidity Change Aircraft Performance
- US Airspace Classes A, B, C, D, E and G Explained for VFR Pilots
- Weight and Balance for Pilots: Arm, Moment, Datum and a Worked CG Calculation
- How to become a pilot in the USA: the private pilot path from zero
- US student pilot paperwork: FAA medical, IACRA, BasicMed, TSA and endorsements
- What do US student pilots study? FAA ground school explained
- Aviation terms, units and conversions for US student pilots
Also see the FAA glossary and the visual study plates.
Sources
Aero Academic is an independent study platform, not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA, PSI or CATS. Test fees, scheduling and rules are set by the FAA and testing centers; check them before you book.
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