FAA General Written Test Prep
The FAA General written test is 60 questions, 2 hours, and a 70% pass mark — 42 correct answers. It is the one knowledge test every mechanic candidate must pass. SkyLicense gives you free, ACS-aligned General test practice covering electricity, drawings, weight & balance, materials, and FAA regulations — the same format you will see at a PSI testing center.
60
Questions
2h
Time Limit
70%
Pass Mark (42 correct)
AM.I
ACS Subject Area
What the FAA General Written Test Covers
The General written test is defined by the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1), subject area AM.I. It covers the fundamental knowledge common to all aircraft maintenance work. SkyLicense practice questions cover every AM.I subject area:
- Basic electricity — circuits, components, and measurement
- Aircraft drawings — blueprints, schematics, and symbols
- Weight & balance — weighing aircraft and computing CG limits
- Aircraft materials and processes — metals, composites, and corrosion control
- Physics and mathematics — applied science for maintenance tasks
- FAA regulations — 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91, maintenance records, FAA Form 337
- Ground operation and servicing — towing, jacking, fueling, and safety
- Maintenance practices — inspection, documentation, and return to service
Key references for General study: AC 43.13-1B (accepted methods and practices) and the FAA General Handbook (FAA-H-8083-30), alongside 14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91.
Sample FAA General Written Test Question
Sample Question · AM.I — Basic Electricity
What is the unit of electrical resistance?
A. The volt
B. The ohm
C. The ampere
D. The watt
Answer: B — The ohm
The ohm (Ω) is the unit of electrical resistance, representing how much a material opposes the flow of current. Voltage is measured in volts, current in amperes, and power in watts. This relationship is expressed by Ohm's law: voltage = current × resistance.
How to Prepare for the FAA General Written Test
- 1
Learn the AM.I subject areas first
Study each ACS subject area with the FAA General Handbook (FAA-H-8083-30) and AC 43.13-1B before testing yourself. Electricity and regulations deserve extra time.
- 2
Take timed full-length simulations
Run the 60-question, 2-hour General simulation on SkyLicense. Practice pacing — you have about 2 minutes per question on test day.
- 3
Review explanations and retake weak areas
Use your per-subject score report to target weak topics, then retake simulations until you consistently score above 80%.
For a complete study plan, see the FAA A&P study checklist and the complete A&P licensing guide.
FAA General Written Test FAQ
How many questions are on the FAA General written test?
The FAA General written test has 60 multiple-choice questions. You have 2 hours to complete it and must score 70% or higher — 42 correct answers — to pass. It covers ACS subject area AM.I (General) and is required for every mechanic certificate.
What topics are covered on the FAA General written test?
The FAA General written test covers the fundamentals every mechanic needs per the Aviation Mechanic ACS (FAA-S-ACS-1), subject area AM.I: basic electricity, aircraft drawings, weight & balance, aircraft materials and processes, physics and mathematics, FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, and 91), and ground operation and servicing.
Is the General written test required for the A&P certificate?
Yes. The General knowledge test is required for every mechanic certificate — whether you pursue the Airframe rating, the Powerplant rating, or both (A&P). It is the first of three knowledge tests and is typically taken first because it builds the foundation for the other two.
What is the passing score for the FAA General written test?
The passing score is 70%. On the 60-question General test, that means you must answer at least 42 questions correctly. The Airframe and Powerplant tests (100 questions each) also require 70%, or 70 correct answers.
Is the FAA General practice test free on SkyLicense?
Yes. The FAA General practice test is included free on the SkyLicense Free plan, with no credit card required. Pro ($29.99/month) and Lifetime ($199 one-time) plans add Airframe and Powerplant practice tests, AI-generated questions, and the AI Tutor.
How long should I study for the FAA General written test?
Most candidates study 4–6 weeks for the General test. Focus on the ACS AM.I subject areas — especially basic electricity and FAA regulations, which appear heavily — and practice with timed 60-question simulations until you consistently score above 80%.
Start Your FAA General Written Test Prep Free
Practice 60-question timed simulations, review ACS-aligned explanations, and track your score on every AM.I subject area — free, no credit card required.
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