The theoretical examination is an essential part of obtaining an instrument rating (IR). It ensures that pilots have the necessary knowledge to operate safely and efficiently under instrument flight rules (IFR). In this article, we provide an overview of the theoretical examinations for the three types of IR (BIR, CB-IR, IR), the procedure and helpful tips for preparation.
Theory tests for the different types of IR
There are the same 7 theory subjects for all three types of instrument rating, but the scope is different. The 7 IR theory subjects are:
- Air law
- General aviation
- Flight planning and monitoring
- Human performance
- Meteorology
- Radio navigation
- IFR communication (radiotelephony)
Basic Instrument Rating (BIR)
The theoretical examination for the BIR has a modular structure, corresponding to the three training modules of the rating.
After completing each module, a separate exam can be taken, which only tests the theory corresponding to the module completed. However, it is also possible to complete the theory for all modules in one exam.
Competency-Based Instrument Rating (CB-IR)
The CB-IR theory exam covers all 7 subject areas that cover the core competences of IFR operations.
Classic instrument rating (IR)
The theory test for the classic IR is the most comprehensive and includes all subject areas and is more extensive than the theory test for the CB-IR.
Procedure of the theoretical examination
The theoretical examination is organised and standardised by the competent authority (e.g. the national aviation authority). Here are the most important aspects of the examination procedure:
Procedure and format
The exact procedure can be determined by the respective national aviation authority.
Valid for Germany (expand)
The following is the procedure at the German Federal Aviation Authority LBA:
- The exam must be taken on site at the LBA in Braunschweig. There is an extra examination room where everyone sits in front of a PC and has to answer multiple-choice questions in a specific examination programme
- Each question has three to four possible answers, one of which is correct.
- There are precise rules, which you receive in advance or which you can download, on what is and is not permitted in the test. The LBA provides each candidate with the following equipment:
- Scientific calculator
- Recording paper
- Hearing protection (individual hearing protection is generally not permitted. The supervisor decides on exceptions)
- Information on the examination procedure and operating instructions for the calculator
- In addition, everyone is allowed to bring the following items into the examination room:
- Writing utensils (pencils, eraser, sharpener)
- Compasses
- Ruler
- Protractor or course triangle
- Mechanical navigation computer
- An electronic, non-programmable navigation computer is permitted for flight dispatcher examinations
Valid for Austria (expand)
In Austria, the audit is carried out centrally by Austro Control organised.
Procedure:
- Exam results usually available directly or promptly
- Computer-based testing in Vienna (Austro Control)
- Registration via the flight school
- Language: German or English
- Same ECQB question bank as in Germany
- Same format (multiple choice)
Valid for Switzerland (expand)
In Switzerland, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) responsible.
Procedure:
- Languages: German, French, Italian, English
- Testing in Zurich, Bern or regional test centres
- Registration by the flight school
- Computer-based, ECQB database
Contents
The questions come from EASA's own question database. The following information (see: https://www.lba.de/DE/Luftfahrtpersonal/TheoretischePruefungen/EASA_FCL_Pruefungen/Informationen_ECQB.html?nn=3736126)
"The European Central Question Bank (ECQB) is a database of approximately 10,000 multiple choice questions (MCQs) used by all EASA Member States for the theoretical knowledge examinations of aviation personnel (commercial and professional pilots, as well as instrument rating applicants). It is an important standardisation and safety tool that ensures that pilots have the appropriate knowledge and required competencies at European level.
EASA is continuously improving the quality of the question database, e.g. approximately 1200 questions are replaced by new questions each year to keep pace with regulatory and technological developments and to take current safety concerns into account. Furthermore, a detailed review of the questions is carried out to ensure that the examination questions are still up-to-date, correct and relevant.
The question database is the responsibility of EASA. The ECQB is only made available by EASA to the national authorities for the purpose of conducting theoretical examinations. The ECQB is not publicly accessible. It is confidential and subject to the protection of intellectual property rights."
Number of questions
The number of questions varies depending on the type of IR and the subjects tested.
Examples:
- BIR: Fewer questions per module, as it is a modularised examination.
- CB-IR and IR: More comprehensive examinations, as all subject areas are covered.
Exam duration
The examination time is limited depending on the subject, usually between 20 and 90 minutes per subject. All 7 subjects can be completed on one examination day. If you only fail a few subjects, these can be repeated individually.
Below are the individual processing times per subject at the LBA. The same applies to Austria and Switzerland and can be found on the websites of the respective aviation authorities:
BIR
- Module 1: 01:20
- Module 2: 01:30
- Module 3: 01:30
- Total therefore: 04:20
CB-IR
- Air law: 00:30
- General aviation: 00:20
- Flight planning and monitoring: 01:00
- Human performance: 00:30
- Meteorology: 00:50
- Radio navigation: 00:40
- IFR communication (radiotelephony procedure): 01:00
- Total therefore: 04:50
IR
- Air law: 00:45
- General Aircraft Studies: 00:30
- Flight planning and monitoring: 01:15
- Human performance: 01:00
- Meteorology: 01:30
- Radio navigation: 01:00
- IFR communication (radiotelephony procedure): 01:00
- Total therefore: 07:00
Exam registration
Registration takes place via the flight school (ATO/DTO) or directly with the responsible aviation authority.
Audit result
To pass a subject, a certain percentage of questions must be answered correctly (at least 75%).
If a subject is not passed, the examination can be repeated. A total of 4 attempts are possible per examination subject and a maximum of 6 examination sessions. The following applies to the BIR: 4 attempts per module. If you do not manage this, you must undergo additional training and retake the examination again.
The total examination period is 18 months, i.e. from the moment you take an examination for the first time, it must be completed after a total of 18 months - as you may not pass individual subjects and have to repeat them.
Depending on the authority, you will receive the result immediately or (at the LBA in Germany) only after 1-2 weeks by post.
From the time of passing, the result is valid for 36 months for IR and CB-IR and indefinitely for BIR. During this time, you must then pass the practical test, otherwise the theory must be repeated.
The theory must be passed before you can register for the practical test. However, some flight schools handle this in such a way that the complete theoretical part always comes before the practical part.
Preparation for the theoretical exam
Use course materials
It is advisable to divide the theoretical training conceptually into two parts. During the theoretical training at the flying school - where there are different learning materials depending on the school - it is advisable to deepen the learning content through your own studies.
Always use the official training materials provided by your training organisation (ATO/DTO). The materials are tailored to the requirements of the examination and cover all relevant subject areas.
You should also actively participate in theory lessons to better understand the content and clarify questions directly. If possible, you should take mock exams in between to identify your strengths and weaknesses and then focus on areas where you have room for improvement.
Online learning platforms
The second part can be seen as pure preparation for the exam itself. Unfortunately, no matter how well you have understood the theory, this does not necessarily mean that you will pass the exam. Some of the questions are very specific. There is a lot of discussion about this in the community, as some consider the questions to be "unworldly" and not practical. This certainly doesn't apply to all questions, but it does apply to some of them. But it doesn't help. To pass the exam, you have to prepare for these questions.
Many flight schools offer access to digital platforms with practice questions and simulated exams. These are particularly helpful for familiarising yourself with the multiple-choice format.
The AviationExam learning platform is frequently used: www.aviationexam.com or Bristol Ground School: https://bgsi.bristol.gs/
The products available for exam preparation are generally very similar. Depending on the subject area, you can go through all the available questions or simulate exams. The various software providers also offer different evaluation options for checking learning progress.
Some platforms also offer the option of learning the questions directly with the correct answer displayed (and not only receiving the correct answer after selecting an answer option or - in the case of a simulated test - only at the end of the test run). For didactic reasons, it can make sense to go through the questions once directly with the correct answer displayed and only then switch to "exam mode". Ultimately, however, everyone has to find their own way of learning.
Time management and practical application
Allow sufficient time for theory training and then again separately for pure preparation for the exam and the multiple-choice questions. Create your own study plan that covers all subjects and provides enough time for revision.
If possible, combine theoretical preparation with practical flight exercises to better understand the relevance of theory in flight operations. Unfortunately, this is not possible in many well-organised flight schools, as theory is always completed before practical training.
Summary
The theoretical examination is a central component of obtaining an IR authorisation. It varies in scope and structure depending on the type of rating (BIR, CB-IR, IR) and covers key subject areas such as aviation law, navigation, meteorology and avionics. Good preparation, especially for the exam questions with the help of appropriate software, is essential. By passing the theory exam, pilots lay the foundation for practical training to become an IR. Comprehensive training in this area is essential to ensure both the safety and efficiency of air traffic.
Source references:
EASA FCL