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Register for a professional pilot exam

Information about sitting professional pilot exams

  • The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)  use the European Central Question Bank (ECQB) for professional theoretical knowledge examinations for the grant of professional flight crew licences [the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL),  the Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and Instrument Rating (IR)] for both fixed wing and rotary. This is the common question bank as used by all European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Member States and provides a robust method of assessment of a potential pilot's knowledge in key subjects.

    The CAA uses ECQB 06, the current version required by EASA to be used by Member States.  From 01 August 2020 the CAA will be transitioning to ECQB 2020 in compliance with ED Decision 2018/001/R and which replaces the previous version ECQB 06.

    To prepare for this the CAA will start accepting bookings for ECQB 2020 exams from 4 May 2020. 

    Following further consultation with our stakeholders it has been agreed that ECQB 06 examinations will continue to be made available for first attempt examinations within a Series to be taken up until 31 December 2020.  Those candidates who have started ECQB 06 will be able to complete their examinations as per Commission Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 as amended, Annex I, FCL.025(b) and the validity period will remain as per FCL.025(c). 

    The final examinations using ECQB 06 will be no later than the 30 June 2022 and according to the examination schedule as published by the CAA. After 31st December 2020 no candidate will be permitted to commence a new Series of ECQB 06 examinations, including any candidate wishing to attempt an additional Series due to a breach of sitting rules and attempts within a prior/current Series.

    From the 30 June 2022 only ECQB 2020 examinations will be made available.

    It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure the successful completion of all required ECQB 06 examinations within a Series and prior to cessation of ECQB 06 exams on the 30 June 2022.  Failure to so do will result in the  Series being recorded as incomplete and the candidate will be required to restart all examinations (and associated training) in a new Series and using ECQB 2020.  No cross crediting of examinations between ECQB 06 and ECQB 2020 are permitted and no exceptions will be provided by the CAA.

  • If you have any queries relating to examinations, please email:  FCL-EExams@caa.co.uk

    Please see below for details of the exam format and question styles.

    Supplied, approved and prohibited items

    There are strict rules about what you can take into an exam.

    You will be supplied with the following items:

    • Rough working paper
    • Pen and pencil
    • Workbooks

    Depending on the specific exam you are taking, you may be allowed to bring the following approved items:

    • Clear plastic ruler
    • Approved calculators (the approved models are: Casio FX 83/85/300 series; Sharp EL-W531/531 series; Citizen SR-260 series; Texas Instruments TI-30X/XB/XS)
    • Approved flight computers – CRP-1; CRP-5/CR-3/CR-6; ARC-2; E6B:
    • Jeppesen General Student Pilot Route Manual – GSPRM
    • Protractor / plotter
    • Compass and dividers (without case)
    • Fine tip marker

    You are not allowed to bring the following prohibited items into the exam:

    • Pencil case
    • Mobile phone
    • Watch
    • Recording or communication equipment/devices
    • Writing equipment

    Technical review requests

    Candidates and Approved Training Organisations (ATOs) may raise concerns or challenge the accuracy and effectiveness of an examination question, or supporting materials.  The CAA thoroughly reviews all such instances via the following two protocols and results may be amended where genuine issues are identified.

  • Examination Performance Management Programme

    To maintain the integrity and effectiveness of the examination content.

    This includes:

    • routine review of all presented questions;
    • statistical analysis;
    • trend monitoring of question results;
    • a review of all candidate comments.

    Candidates are able to make comments during an examination.

    Entering a comment during the examination does not constitute a Full Review but every comment is reviewed by the CAA.

    Full Review

    A candidate can request a Full Review which is a comprehensive investigation into the accuracy and integrity of examination content and materials delivered to the candidate during a specific test.

    • The Full Review must be formally instructed by the candidate by requesting a "Review" in their results portal page;
    • It must be requested within 14 calendar days of the examination in question.

    The full examination review fee should be paid by the candidate at the time of request, which is fully refundable if an error is found and the candidate marks are adjusted accordingly.

    The CAA endeavours to complete this service within 10 workings days of receipt of the request. A message notification, explaining the findings and closing actions will be added to the 'User Messages' area in the candidate e-Exam portal.