PPL e-Exams
- What can you do to prepare?
- How do I sit an e-Exam?
- How many exams do I need to sit?
- What is the pass mark?
- How are exams marked?
- Are the exams timed?
- When do I find out the results? (e-Exams)
- Who marks the e-Exams?
- What happens if I fail an exam?
- Do the exams have an expiry date?
- How much are the e-Exams?
- Why are the e-Exams more expensive?
- English is not my first language, can I take the exam in a different language?
- Will the IMC exam be moving online?
- I’ve been told I can take the written communications exam as part of my practical radio test. Is this true?
The new Private Pilot Licence (PPL) e-Exams online system, which replaces Part-FCL PPL aeroplane and helicopter paper-based theoretical knowledge exams, is now live.
What can you do to prepare?
Candidates need to first register for PPL e-Exams on the CAA portal. A candidate needs to register on the portal only once. There is approximately a five working day lead time on this activity as the CAA need to approve each candidate, therefore it is important that you register in advance of sitting your first exam.
Please see the attached link to register
https://www.caa.co.uk/Our-work/About-us/Doing-business-with-the-CAA/Customer-portal/
How do I sit an e-Exam?
Guidance material on the e-Exams can be found on the CAA website and via the link below. However, your instructor will talk you through it prior to your first use of the system.
https://publicapps.caa.co.uk/docs/33/CAP1903A%20PPL%20Candidate%20Tasman%20Guide.pdf
How many exams do I need to sit?
There are nine theoretical examinations you need to sit:
- Air Law
- Principles of Flight
- Operational Procedures
- Meteorology
- Communications
- Flight Planning and Performance
- Navigation
- Human Performance and Limitations
- Aircraft General
What is the pass mark?
All exams have a pass mark of 75%
How are exams marked?
The exams are multiple-choice. To be awarded a mark, you must select an answer from a selection of four possible answers. There is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
Are the exams timed?
Yes. The timing varies depending on the number and nature of the questions.
When do I find out the results? (e-Exams)
Immediately upon completion of the e-exam.
Who marks the e-Exams?
The e-Exams are marked by the computer.
What happens if I fail an exam?
If you sit an e-Exam, then you have four attempts to pass, each time sitting a variation of the same exam.
If you fail the four attempts, you will be barred from making further attempts for a period of three months. All previous exam results are rendered void.
Do the exams have an expiry date?
Yes. The 18-month rule:
- You have 18 months to complete all nine theory exams from the end of the calendar month in which you first attempted a theory exam.
The 24-month rule:
- You have 24 months to take your skills test from the date you passed your last theory exam.
How much are the e-Exams?
The e-Exams are £50.
Why are the e-Exams more expensive?
The cost of the e-Exams reflects the additional service charge imposed by the CAA.
English is not my first language, can I take the exam in a different language?
No. All ground exams for the PPL and associated ratings and certificates are only conducted in English.
Will the IMC exam be moving online?
Not for the foreseeable future.
I’ve been told I can take the written communications exam as part of my practical radio test. Is this true?
Yes. The communications exam is the only exam that can be taken in such a way. It is unusual, but if you so wish, you can sit the paper with the RTF examiner, in which case you would not be required to sit the communications paper with us.