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Free FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam Prep

FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR)

Prepare for the FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) exam without spending hundreds on expensive prep courses. Free study guides, practice questions, flashcards, and related exam resources.

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Your Study Path

FAA FAA Airman and Aviation Certificates License: Complete Roadmap

Follow this path to organize your licensing and exam preparation

1

Master Part 43 and Major vs MinorYou are here

Study Part 43 scope, major vs minor repairs and alterations, 43.13 performance rules, and Appendix A/B/D preventive maintenance and recording.

16
hours
2

Airworthiness Determination and Inspections

Drill the two-part airworthiness standard, annual/100-hour/progressive inspections, 91.409, and Appendix D scope and detail.

12
hours
3

ADs, STCs, TCDS, Forms 337 and 8130-3

Review Part 39 AD compliance, service bulletins, STCs, TCDS, approved vs acceptable data, Form 337 execution, and 8130-3 traceability.

12
hours
4

Part 65 IA Rules and Recordkeeping Under Time

Practice 65.91/65.92/65.93/65.95 IA eligibility, validity, renewal, and privileges, plus recordkeeping and return-to-service entries in mixed timed sets.

10
hours
Estimated total study time
50 hours
That's about 5 weeks at 10 hours/week

Can You Take the FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam?

Check if you meet the basic eligibility requirements

Age
No separate minimum age beyond the A&P certificate requirements
Education
Hold a currently effective mechanic certificate with airframe and powerplant ratings for at least 3 years
Additional Requirements
  • Be actively engaged in maintaining certificated aircraft for at least the 2 years before applying (14 CFR 65.91)
  • Have a fixed base of operation and the equipment, facilities, and inspection data required
  • Pass the FAA IA knowledge test (code IAR) administered by PSI
  • The IA is effective until March 31 of each odd-numbered year and must be renewed under 14 CFR 65.93

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Quick Facts

Time to Get Licensed

4-8 weeks typical regulatory and technical preparation

From start to license in hand

Exam Provider

PSI

In-Person Only
Schedule Your Exam

Retake Policy

A failed knowledge test may be retaken after meeting current FAA retest conditions; confirm the live FAA/PSI policy before scheduling.

Total Cost Breakdown

Exam Fee~$175 PSI knowledge-test fee
Total Estimated Cost~$175 plus optional IA renewal seminar or test-prep materials
Why Choose Us

Free FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Prep Tools

Reported exam pass rate: FAA does not publish a single official IAR pass rate; 70% is the required score. These figures describe exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep user outcomes. Check the exam sponsor’s website for published statistics.

100 Practice Questions

Covers all seven FAA IA knowledge areas including Part 43, Part 65, Form 337, ADs, and STCs with detailed rationales.

Current 2026 FAA-G-8082-11 Aligned

Built to the FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test Guide and current 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 65 requirements.

Free Prep

Use the full bank without a paywall while targeting weak regulatory areas before the PSI IAR test.

Compare:
Kaplan $300+Achievable $200+OpenExamPrep $0

What You'll Study

12 chapters covering the exam topics in this guide

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)-Specific Topics Covered

The official FAA IA knowledge test (code IAR) is 50 multiple-choice questionsAllowed testing time is 3 hoursA score of 70% is required to passThe test is computer-based and delivered by PSI at authorized centersIt is built to FAA-G-8082-11 and 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 65Applicants must hold an A&P certificate for at least 3 years and meet 14 CFR 65.91 eligibilityThis free bank provides 100 practice questions across all seven IA knowledge areas

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam Details

FAA Inspection Authorization Knowledge Test (IAR)

Administered by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

Official Source
70%
Passing Score
50
Questions
3
Hours
~$175 (PSI testing fee)
Exam Fee
Study time: 4-8 weeks of regulatory and technical review
Prerequisites: Hold A&P certificate >=3 years; meet 14 CFR 65.91 IA eligibility

Exam Content Breakdown

Based on the official Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) content outline

Part 43 — Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance & Alterations25%

14 CFR Part 43 scope, major vs minor repairs and alterations, performance rules under 43.13, supervised maintenance under 43.3, and Appendix A/B/D preventive maintenance and recording requirements.

Determining Airworthiness & Conducting Inspections18%

Two-part airworthiness standard, conformity to type design and condition for safe operation, and conducting annual, 100-hour, and progressive inspections per 43.15, 91.409, and Appendix D scope and detail.

ADs, Service Bulletins, STCs & Type Certificate Data15%

Part 39 Airworthiness Directive compliance and recurring AD tracking, service bulletin mandatory status, Supplemental Type Certificates, Type Certificate Data Sheets, and approved versus acceptable data.

FAA Form 337, Form 8130-3 & Required Records14%

Executing and distributing FAA Form 337 for major repairs and alterations, FAA Form 8130-3 parts release and traceability, field approvals, DER 8110-3 data, and required return-to-service maintenance records.

Part 65 Subpart D — IA Privileges, Limitations & Renewal12%

14 CFR 65.91 eligibility, 65.92 validity to March 31 of odd-numbered years, 65.93 activity and refresher-course renewal, and 65.95 IA privileges and limitations.

Publications, Data Acceptability, MMEL/MEL & Manufacturer Instructions8%

AC 43.13-1B acceptable methods, FAA-G-8082-11 test guidance, data precedence, instructions for continued airworthiness, MMEL/MEL relief, and manufacturer maintenance manual use.

Recordkeeping & Return-to-Service Responsibilities8%

14 CFR 43.5, 43.9, 43.10, 43.11 entries, life-limited part records, owner responsibilities under 91.405, and record retention and transfer under 91.417 and 91.421.

What's Included

12 Chapters

Complete exam coverage

Practice Quizzes

With detailed explanations

Free to Start

No credit card required

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FAA Inspection Authorization (IA) Exam FAQ

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