FAA Instrument Rating Test Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing matrix and knowledge test table list the Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) test at 60 questions in 2 hours with a passing score of 70 percent; the portal mock uses 60 questions and 120 minutes. Some documents print a longer time, so confirm it in the current FAA matrix. Each question has three answer choices, and the FAA publishes the question topics in the Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8C, effective May 31, 2024). The real test includes figures and charts; the portal describes them in words.

The instrument rating lets a pilot fly in instrument conditions, and the knowledge test is a required step on the way to it.

Pilots and student pilots preparing for the FAA Instrument Rating Airplane knowledge test.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

The FAA sets the rules for retaking a failed knowledge test, including any instructor endorsement; confirm them with your instructor and in the current FAA guidance.

The FAA lists a passing score of 70 percent for the Instrument Rating Airplane knowledge test; the portal mock uses the same 70 percent as a self-check target. Format: 60 multiple-choice questions with three answer choices in 2 hours; the portal mock uses 60 questions in 120 minutes, and chart-based questions are described in words. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing matrix and knowledge test table list the Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA) test at 60 questions in 2 hours with a passing score of 70 percent; the portal mock uses 60 questions and 120 minutes. Some documents print a longer time, so confirm it in the current FAA matrix. Each question has three answer choices, and the FAA publishes the question topics in the Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8C, effective May 31, 2024). The real test includes figures and charts; the portal describes them in words. 60 multiple-choice questions with three answer choices · 2 hours · passing score 70. The FAA lists a passing score of 70 percent for the Instrument Rating Airplane knowledge test; the portal mock uses the same 70 percent as a self-check target.

The FAA does not publish weights per area for the knowledge test, so the portal lists the areas without shares.

The FAA requires an endorsement or training record from an authorized instructor or school before you take the knowledge test; ask your instructor and confirm the rules in the FAA regulations.

The testing center charges a fee for each attempt, and a retake needs a new appointment and a new fee; confirm the amount with the provider.

A passed knowledge test is valid for a limited period, and the instrument rating itself needs recent experience to stay current; confirm the rules with the FAA.

Work through the areas one at a time with questions and flashcards, spend extra time on preflight preparation and instrument approach procedures, and finish with the timed 60-question mock.

This guide follows the FAA Instrument Rating Airplane Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-8C, effective May 31, 2024) and the FAA Airman Knowledge Testing matrix, checked October 30, 2026. Check the FAA matrix for changes before you schedule.