News and Updates – FAA to Improve Airmen Certificate Testing

Washington The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Jan. 13, 2020, will launch improvements to the way it tests all applicants for an FAA airman certificate. This applies to all certified pilots of manned and unmanned aircraft.

One of the most important changes is the requirement that applicants obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating an Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) profile prior to registering for a knowledge test. IACRA is the web-based certification/rating application that guides the user through the FAA’s airman application process. The five-minute process enables the agency to rely on the name in the profile for all actions associated with that applicant.

The FTN enables the applicant and any certifying officer the ability to pull up airman information in a consistent format, leaving little room for errors associated with an applicants name. Previously, name inconsistencies could lead to returned files and lengthy delays in the certification process.

To help educate those who will take an FAA Knowledge Test beginning on Jan. 13, 2020, the FAA will host four webinars, two on Thursday, Dec. 19, and two on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to explain the new testing system, including the FTN requirement. Please use one of the links below to register for a webinar.

• Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 10 a.m. EST
• Thursday, December 19, 2019, at 3 p.m. EST
• Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 10 a.m. EST
• Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at 3 p.m. EST

The FAAs Airman Testing Branch posted information about the new testing system and changesto their web page.

If you have any questions, please contact the Airman Testing Branch at AirmanKnowledgeTesting@faa.gov.