Top FAA Written Test Locations & Scheduling Tips for 2025
- Jab Media
- Oct 6
- 13 min read
Updated: Oct 9
Navigating the final step to becoming a certified drone pilot, the FAA Airman Knowledge Test (AKT), can feel like searching for a tiny landing zone in a vast landscape. The key isn't just knowing what to study, but where to go. Many aspiring pilots hit turbulence trying to find a legitimate, convenient testing center, getting lost in a maze of official-sounding websites and outdated information. This guide cuts directly through that confusion.
We have compiled the definitive list of official portals, top-tier third-party guides, and standout local testing centers that simplify finding FAA written test locations. Whether you're ready to book your Part 107 exam today or just mapping out your certification journey, this resource provides the direct coordinates.
Inside, you will find screenshots and direct links to the official scheduling systems, critical tools for getting your required FAA Tracking Number (FTN), and curated lists that make locating a test center near you straightforward. This isn't just a list; it's a practical flight plan to help you locate and book your exam efficiently, ensuring you walk into test day fully prepared. Let's get you airborne.
1. PSI FAA Airman Knowledge Test Portal
The PSI portal is the official and mandatory starting point for scheduling your FAA Aeronautical Knowledge Test (AKT), including the Part 107 drone pilot exam. As the FAA's designated testing vendor, this platform is the central hub where every aspiring pilot must register, search for FAA written test locations, and book their appointment. You cannot schedule your test through any other service, making this your most critical resource.
How It Works
Before using the portal, you must first obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) by creating a profile on the FAA's IACRA website. Once you have your FTN, you can create an account on the PSI platform. From there, you can input your zip code to see a comprehensive list of nearby testing centers, view their real-time calendar availability, select your preferred date and time, and securely pay the exam fee. The current fee for the Part 107 exam is $175.
Pro Tip: Don't wait until the last minute to book. Popular testing centers can fill up weeks in advance, especially around holidays or the end of academic semesters. Schedule your test as soon as you feel prepared.
Website: https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login
2. FAA Airman Testing (Training & Testing)
The FAA's official Training & Testing page is the most authoritative resource for understanding the rules and procedures surrounding the Airman Knowledge Test. While you cannot search for FAA written test locations or book your exam here, this is where the agency publishes all official policies, required materials, and testing supplements. It is an essential preparatory step to ensure you are compliant with all regulations before heading to the test center.
How It Works
This FAA webpage serves as an information hub, not a scheduling tool. It provides direct links to the PSI portal for booking but its primary value lies in its official documentation. Here, you can download the same testing supplements and reference materials you will have access to during your exam, such as sectional chart excerpts and flight manuals. Understanding these documents beforehand is crucial. For an in-depth look at what to expect, you can learn more about mastering the Part 107 test.
Pro Tip: Before your test day, download the official testing supplement for your specific exam from this site. Familiarizing yourself with its layout and content will save you valuable time during the actual test.
3. FAA FAQ: Find the Closest Knowledge Testing Center
Before navigating third-party scheduling systems, it's wise to start with an official source. This FAA Frequently Asked Questions page serves as a crucial verification step, confirming the legitimate process for finding FAA written test locations. While you cannot book your exam here, this page officially directs you to the current, authorized testing administrator, which is PSI. Think of it as the FAA's official stamp of approval, ensuring you don't fall for unauthorized services.
How It Works
This resource is purely informational. It provides a simple, direct answer to the question of how to locate a testing center, pointing you to a specific page on the FAA website that lists all approved centers. This page acts as a safe starting point, giving you the confidence that the scheduling portal you are ultimately directed to (PSI) is the correct one. It eliminates confusion and provides a clear, authoritative path forward in your scheduling journey, preventing you from using outdated or incorrect information.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this FAA FAQ page. If the FAA ever changes its testing vendor from PSI in the future, this official page will likely be one of the first places to reflect that update, keeping you informed.
4. IACRA (Get Your FTN)
While not a place to find FAA written test locations, the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) website is an absolutely mandatory first stop. Before you can even book your exam through PSI, you must register on this official FAA portal to obtain your FAA Tracking Number (FTN). This unique identifier links all your aviation records, including your test results and eventual pilot certificate, directly to you. Think of it as your Social Security Number for all things FAA.
How It Works
The process is straightforward: visit the IACRA website and register as a new user. You will fill out personal information to create your profile, and the system will instantly issue your FTN. It is crucial to save this number, as you will need it to create your account on the PSI testing portal. This system ensures your test scores are correctly associated with your permanent FAA record, streamlining the final certification process after you pass.
Pro Tip: Double-check that your legal name and personal details on your IACRA profile exactly match your government-issued photo ID. Any discrepancies between your ID, IACRA profile, and PSI registration can prevent you from taking your test on exam day.
Website: https://iacra.faa.gov/
5. Sporty’s Academy
While not a direct booking portal, Sporty’s Academy serves as a prime example of an independent, third-party FAA testing center. Their website provides an excellent blueprint for what to expect when searching for physical FAA written test locations. Located at the Clermont County Airport in Ohio, Sporty’s offers on-site, proctored FAA knowledge exams, including the Part 107 test. Their site demystifies the process by providing clear, step-by-step instructions for scheduling your test through the official PSI portal.
How It Works
Sporty’s website acts as an informational guide, directing you to the necessary FAA and PSI websites to get your FTN and book your exam. They transparently list their testing hours (typically Tuesday-Saturday) and the current exam fee of $175, ensuring there are no surprises. This approach is common for flight schools and aviation academies that are also certified PSI testing centers. Using their site as a reference can help you understand the end-to-end process, from online registration to arriving at a physical location on test day.
Pro Tip: If you find a flight school or FBO listed as a testing center in the PSI portal, check their website. Like Sporty's, they often provide helpful details about parking, check-in procedures, and what to bring on exam day.
6. MacAir Aviation
For candidates in Ohio, MacAir Aviation offers a localized and user-friendly resource for understanding the testing process. As a PSI-affiliated testing center located at the Cincinnati-Lunken Municipal Airport, their website provides specific details that larger, national directories often miss. This makes it an excellent example of the type of local FAA written test locations that offer a more personal touch and direct support for test-takers in their vicinity.
How It Works
The MacAir Aviation website details their specific testing hours and provides a clear, step-by-step checklist for registration. They strongly emphasize the critical first step of getting an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) from IACRA and ensuring your personal information matches exactly across your IACRA profile, PSI registration, and government-issued ID. This guidance helps prevent common day-of-test issues. While booking still happens through the official PSI portal, their site offers direct contact information for local staff to answer site-specific questions.
Pro Tip: If you're testing at a smaller, independent center like MacAir, use their local contact info to ask about parking, building access, or what to expect upon arrival. This can help ease test-day anxiety.
Website: https://www.macair.us/flight-test
7. Oracle Aviation Testing Center
For candidates in the Omaha, Nebraska area, the Oracle Aviation Testing Center website is a valuable local resource. While scheduling must still be completed through the official PSI portal, this site provides hyper-local information, making it one of the more transparent FAA written test locations. It clearly lists the standard FAA exam fee, offers direct on-site contact information for last-minute questions, and provides helpful links for PSI support and scheduling.
How It Works
The website acts as a local information hub rather than a booking platform. Aspiring pilots can use it to confirm the test center’s address, find their phone number for location-specific inquiries, and verify the current FAA-mandated exam price, which is $175. It includes direct links to the PSI scheduling portal and help desk, streamlining the process for test-takers who have already decided this is their preferred location. Its primary benefit is consolidating all necessary local details and official links in one convenient place.
Pro Tip: If you live near Omaha, bookmark this page. Having the center's direct phone number is useful if you run into travel issues on test day or have a specific question about the facility that PSI cannot answer.
8. A-Cent Aviation Testing
Based in Jacksonville, Florida, A-Cent Aviation Testing is a prime example of a local, PSI-affiliated test center that offers a more personalized scheduling experience. While all official booking must go through the PSI portal, their website serves as an excellent informational resource, clearly outlining the steps required, from getting your FTN on IACRA to finalizing your appointment. This local focus makes them a noteworthy find for candidates searching for specific FAA written test locations in the North Florida region.
How It Works
A-Cent Aviation’s site provides direct links to both the IACRA and PSI websites, streamlining the registration process. Its main advantage is its flexibility and local support. The center offers extended weekday hours and, subject to proctor availability, can sometimes accommodate same-day appointments for last-minute test-takers. This can be a significant benefit when national PSI schedules are booked solid. You still pay the standard $175 exam fee through the PSI portal, but you gain the advantage of a local point of contact.
Pro Tip: If you're in the Jacksonville area and need to test urgently, check the PSI portal for slots at A-Cent first. If none are available, consider calling them directly to inquire about potential last-minute openings or cancellations.
9. Air Fleet Training Systems
Based in Fairfield, New Jersey, Air Fleet Training Systems is an FAA/PSI-approved testing center that stands out for its operational flexibility and comprehensive pre-test guidance. While it is a specific physical location rather than a nationwide search tool, its website is an excellent resource for candidates in the tri-state area. It clearly outlines everything a test-taker needs to know before arriving, making it a model example of what to look for in local FAA written test locations.
How It Works
The Air Fleet website serves as an informational hub that directs you to the official PSI portal for booking. Its value lies in the detailed preparatory information it provides. The site features an exhaustive list of acceptable forms of identification, links directly to the FAA’s Knowledge Testing Matrix for specific exam requirements, and offers clear, step-by-step instructions for scheduling. This focus on preparation helps eliminate common day-of-test issues, ensuring you arrive ready and with the correct documentation. Their seven-day-a-week availability is a significant advantage for those with demanding schedules.
Pro Tip: Even if you aren't testing in New Jersey, review Air Fleet's ID requirements page. It’s a fantastic checklist to ensure you have the proper documents, as these FAA standards apply to all testing centers nationwide.
10. Century Air
For aspiring pilots in the New Jersey and New York City area, Century Air offers a detailed local resource for understanding the testing process. While it is a PSI-affiliated testing center, its website serves as a valuable preparatory hub. It provides clear information on exam fees, required endorsements for various tests, and what to expect from the on-site testing environment, making it a great place to find one of the more transparent FAA written test locations.
How It Works
Century Air's website acts as an informational gateway to the official PSI scheduling portal. It clearly posts the current FAA exam fee ($175) and provides direct links and hotline numbers for booking. What sets it apart is the guidance on preparation and day-of expectations, which helps demystify the process for first-time test-takers. After reviewing the information, users are directed to the PSI website to officially schedule their exam at the Century Air facility or another nearby center.
Pro Tip: Before booking, double-check the specific endorsement requirements for your test on the Century Air site. Forgetting necessary documentation, like a sign-off from a certified flight instructor for certain exams, is a common reason for being turned away.
11. Gleim Aviation
Gleim Aviation, a household name in flight training materials, offers a streamlined resource page designed to bridge the gap between studying and scheduling your exam. While not a direct scheduling portal, it serves as an excellent starting point, especially for first-time test-takers who may find the official process confusing. It simplifies the steps and provides a direct link to the PSI search tool to find FAA written test locations.
How It Works
The Gleim page acts as a trusted guide. It presents a clear, plain-English overview of the testing process, from preparing for the exam to showing up on test day. The primary feature is its direct launcher to the official PSI test center locator, ensuring you land on the correct page without confusion. It also provides direct contact numbers for scheduling assistance, offering a human touch that the official sites sometimes lack. This integration makes it a valuable resource for students using Gleim’s study courses.
Pro Tip: Use this page as your pre-scheduling checklist. Read through Gleim’s simple process explanation to ensure you have everything you need before jumping into the PSI portal to book your test.
12. Pilot Institute: Part 107 Test Locations Guide
While not an official booking platform, Pilot Institute offers an exceptionally useful guide specifically for aspiring drone pilots looking to find Part 107 FAA written test locations. This third-party resource simplifies the process by providing a detailed walkthrough of how to use the official PSI test center locator, tailored directly to the needs of UAS operators. It serves as a perfect supplementary guide, demystifying the steps required before, during, and after finding a testing site.
How It Works
This guide is essentially a beginner-friendly roadmap. It walks you through creating your IACRA profile, finding a testing center using PSI's search tool, and understanding what to expect on test day. As you prepare for your Part 107 exam, it's important to be familiar with fundamental terminology like the distinctions explained in this UAV vs UAS: Key Differences Explained guide. Pilot Institute also includes valuable preparation tips and links to free study materials, making it a comprehensive starting point for anyone feeling overwhelmed by the official process. For more in-depth study strategies, you can explore this Part 107 test prep guide.
Pro Tip: Use this guide to understand the process, then use the official PSI portal (listed first in our guide) to perform the actual search and booking. Always cross-reference scheduling details on PSI to ensure accuracy.
FAA Written Test Locations Comparison Matrix
Item | Core Features/Functions | User Experience/Quality ★ | Value & Pricing 💰 | Target Audience 👥 | Unique Selling Points ✨ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PSI FAA Airman Knowledge Test Portal | Nationwide test-center locator, scheduling, payment | ★★★★☆ Reliable, official hub | 💰 Standard FAA pricing | Aspiring FAA certificate holders | 🏆 Official FAA vendor, real-time slots |
FAA Airman Testing (Training & Testing) | Testing policies, supplement downloads, compliance | ★★★★☆ Authoritative, regularly updated | 💰 Info only, no booking | All FAA airman test candidates | 🏆 Most authoritative FAA source |
FAA FAQ: Find Closest Knowledge Testing | Verified test center guidance | ★★★☆☆ Useful verification tool | 💰 N/A | FAA test takers verifying centers | ✨ Ensures legitimate scheduling |
IACRA (Get Your FTN) | FTN creation/lookup, FAA record linkage | ★★★★☆ Essential FAA step | 💰 Free FAA tool | All FAA certificate applicants | 🏆 Required ID for all FAA tests |
Sporty’s Academy | On-site PSI testing, booking help, fee transparency | ★★★★☆ Trusted brand, clear instructions | 💰 Transparent, site-specific fees | Ohio-based candidates | ✨ Physical PSI test center presence |
MacAir Aviation | Local test center info, registration guidance | ★★★☆☆ Clear process for Dayton/Cincinnati | 💰 Regional pricing | Local Ohio candidates | ✨ Local proctor support |
Oracle Aviation Testing Center | Scheduling, pricing, support contacts | ★★★★☆ Transparent upfront fees | 💰 Published exam prices | Omaha metro test candidates | ✨ Full FAA exam coverage |
A-Cent Aviation Testing | Same-day appointments, extended hours | ★★★★☆ Flexible scheduling | 💰 Clear fees | Jacksonville local candidates | ✨ Last-minute booking options |
Air Fleet Training Systems | 7-day testing, ID info, FAA matrix links | ★★★★☆ Broad hours, clear requirements | 💰 Standard PSI fees | NJ candidates | ✨ Extensive test-day ID guidance |
Century Air | PSI links, fee transparency, FAA/FCC exams | ★★★☆☆ NJ/NYC regional clarity | 💰 Transparent FAA & FCC pricing | NJ/NYC region candidates | ✨ Supports multiple exam types |
Gleim Aviation | PSI locator link, process overview, support | ★★★★☆ Helpful for beginners | 💰 Pricing at PSI checkout | First-time FAA test takers | ✨ Study resource integration |
Pilot Institute: Part 107 Test Locations | PSI locator guide, prep tips, UAS-specific reminders | ★★★★☆ Beginner-friendly, detailed instructions | 💰 Free guide, no booking | Drone pilots, Part 107 seekers | ✨ Focused on UAS Part 107 test prep |
Final Approach: Scheduling Your Success
Navigating the final steps to your Part 107 certification can feel like preparing for landing after a long flight. You've studied the regulations, mastered the principles of flight, and now all that stands between you and your license is the official exam. This comprehensive guide has equipped you with the essential tools and a detailed list of potential FAA written test locations, transforming a potentially confusing process into a clear, manageable checklist.
The key takeaway is that the system is more straightforward than it appears. The process is standardized: first, secure your FTN through IACRA, which is your unique identifier in the FAA system. Then, leverage the official PSI portal, the exclusive administrator of the exam, to search for, select, and schedule your test at a center near you. Tools like the FAA's own FAQ and dedicated guides from Pilot Institute offer valuable supplementary information, ensuring you have multiple ways to verify locations and understand the procedures.
From Portal to Pilot: Your Action Plan
Your journey from this article to the testing center is a direct path. The most critical step is using the PSI portal effectively. Remember to filter by "Unmanned Aircraft General - Small (UAG)" to see the correct exam and available slots. While the portal is the official scheduler, the individual testing centers highlighted, from Sporty’s Academy to Century Air, represent the real-world experience you'll have on test day. These are not just addresses on a map; they are often flight schools and aviation businesses staffed by professionals who understand the importance of this milestone.
When selecting from the list of FAA written test locations, consider these practical factors:
Proximity and Accessibility: How easy is it for you to get to the location on test day?
Availability: Some centers, especially in major metropolitan areas, fill up quickly. Be prepared to book a few weeks in advance.
Reviews and Reputation: A quick online search for reviews of a specific testing center can provide insight into the environment and staff professionalism.
Final Checks Before Your Exam
Ultimately, finding the right FAA written test location is the final logistical piece of the puzzle. You have the resources to locate a convenient center, the official channels to book your appointment, and the knowledge to pass the test. Treat the scheduling process with the same diligence you applied to your studies. Double-check your appointment time, review the identification requirements, and plan your route to the testing center in advance. Arriving calm, prepared, and confident is half the battle. Your Part 107 certificate is a gateway to incredible opportunities, and successfully scheduling your exam is the final, crucial step to unlocking them.
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