Testing
Pilots lives are bench-marked by each of the tests they take. These tests are difficult, requiring hours of study. Fortunately though, passing these tests allow you to practice piloting skills until your license is revoked, you surrender your certificate, or until you pass away, because Pilot Certificates are issued without an expiration date.
Generally, certificates and ratings require three types of tests - a multiple-choice written test, an oral test on the day of the checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), and finally the flying portion of the checkride.
Written Tests
There are many types of test preparation software and packages available on the internet or in book format. Most of these are primarily to prepare you for your written test. Some of the most popular are:
Each of these company's test prep software and literature have their advantages and disadvantages, but I prefer Sporty's for their content, Gleim for their book of practice questions, Jeppesen for their textbooks, and Sheppard Air for their study methodology. Generally, testing software or books can range between $50-450 depending on what course, what level of rating you are trying to achieve, and the quality of the content provided.
How to Sign Up for a Test
All testing takes place at PSI approved testing centers. In larger metropolitan areas, there are usually several locations to choose from; however, signing up takes place through the portal below.
Once you have created an account, each test costs $175. Most tests require testing authorization from an instructor, or a certificate you receive at the end of completing the course. Ensure you have this prior to signing up for the written test. Finally, make sure you are signing up for the right test, as there are no refunds.
Be sure to bring photo ID, the testing authorization, and a snack/water to the testing center.
Checkride
Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) are highly experienced instructors/pilots that the FAA has given the authority to accept certificate ratings and applications. These men and women conduct the oral test and the checkride. Just like anybody else, these professionals are just trying to perform their job to the best of their ability, being fair to their designee and still upholding a standard of safety for the industry. With that being said, there are still some tips and tricks to making your checkride go as smoothly as possible.
Tips:
Act, dress, and present yourself in the most professional way possible. It might not be necessary to wear a suit, but a collared shirt or business casual is generally acceptable.
Highlight and tab your recent copy of the FAR AIM, and bring it to the checkride. You are allowed to bring resources to your checkride. That includes, but is not limited to: aircraft models, printed diagrams, the Pilot's Operating Handbook (POH) for the aircraft you will be flying, the most recent FAR AIM,
Relax. It's YOUR checkride. You can ask for a break when you need one, and you do not have to complete it the same day. You have control over how things can go.
Prepare far, far ahead of time. The earlier you start studying and the more frequent you look at the information, the better you will know the information and the more confident you will feel.
Checkrides generally fluctuate in cost depending on what the applicant is testing for. For a Private Pilot checkride, prices can range from $500-1500 depending on the region and the DPE's availability. DPEs can be very busy at the beginning and end of school semester times, when Part 141 Flight Schools are graduating students.
Study Hard, Fly Safe!
Next, look into Free Online Resources to help you study for your exams!