17 March 2026•7 min read

CASA Pilot Theory Exams: Complete Guide for Australian Student Pilots

CASATheory ExamsRPLPPLStudy Guide

Before you can legally fly solo or hold a pilot licence in Australia, you must pass at least one Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) theory exam. These computer-based written tests assess your aeronautical knowledge and are a mandatory milestone on the path to every pilot licence — from the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) all the way to the Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL). Here's everything you need to know.

What are CASA theory exams?

CASA theory exams (also called "written knowledge tests" or just "the written") are multiple-choice exams administered at CASA-approved testing centres. They test your theoretical knowledge across aviation topics including aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, air law, and aircraft systems.

Passing these exams does not give you a licence — you still need to complete the required flight training and skills tests with a CASA-approved instructor. But no licence can be issued without the theory passes.

Which exams do you need?

The number and type of theory exams required depends on the licence you are working toward. Each licence level builds on the last, with higher licences requiring more subjects and a greater depth of knowledge.

RPL — Recreational Pilot Licence

The RPL requires just one theory exam — the Day VFR Syllabus exam. This is a single paper with 37 multiple-choice questions covering all of the key aviation theory topics. You need 70% (26/37) to pass, and it must be completed within 90 minutes.

This is the entry point to Australian recreational flying and the first theory exam for most student pilots. See our RPL topic breakdown study guide for a detailed guide to what's covered.

PPL — Private Pilot Licence

The Private Pilot Licence (PPL) requires a single integrated exam — the PPLA. This is one paper lasting 3.5 hours that covers all seven subject areas in a single sitting:

Air Law
Aircraft General Knowledge
Flight Planning
Human Performance
Meteorology
Navigation
Performance and Loading

The PPLA includes both multiple-choice questions and questions where you type a whole number. You need 70% overall to pass. The exam costs $217.24 ($152.24 invigilator fee + $65 CASA fee). See our complete PPL theory exam guide for study tips on each subject area.

CPL — Commercial Pilot Licence

The Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) typically requires the same 7 theory exams as the PPL, but at a higher standard and with additional topics. Many students complete their PPL exams and then upgrade to CPL-level knowledge during commercial training.

ATPL — Airline Transport Pilot Licence

The ATPL requires 7 advanced theory exams, which are more in-depth versions of the PPL/CPL subjects. ATPL candidates are expected to demonstrate the level of knowledge required to operate large transport-category aircraft as pilot in command (PIC). See our ATPL exam topics guide for a full subject-by-subject breakdown.

Where do you sit CASA theory exams?

CASA theory exams are delivered through a network of approved testing centres across Australia. You can find your nearest test centre through the CASA website.

Key booking information you'll need before sitting an exam:

You must hold a valid Aviation Reference Number (ARN) from CASA before booking.
You can book online through the approved testing provider.
Bring photo ID to your exam.
Results are provided immediately after the exam.

How to get your ARN

Your Aviation Reference Number (ARN) is your permanent CASA identification. You'll need it for every exam, licence application, and interaction with CASA throughout your flying career.

Apply for an ARN through the MyCASA portal. You'll need the following documents and details:

Proof of identity (passport or driver's licence)
A residential address in Australia
An email address for correspondence

The ARN is issued quickly — usually within a few business days.

Pass marks and validity

All CASA theory exams share a common pass mark of 70%, but validity periods differ by licence level. The table below summarises the key details for each licence.

Licence	Exams required	Pass mark	Validity
RPL	1 (Day VFR)	70%	2 years (for licence issue)
PPL	1 (PPLA — 3.5 hrs)	70%	2-year completion window
CPL	7 subjects (advanced)	70% each	2 years from date of pass
ATPL	7 subjects (advanced)	70% each	Perpetual (once all passed within 2-year window)

Important: You have a 2-year window to complete all required exams and apply for your licence. Individual exam passes that fall outside this window may expire. Plan your training timeline carefully to avoid having to resit.

Can you sit exams before completing flight training?

Yes — and most instructors recommend it. For the RPL, many students begin theory study before or early in their flight training, sitting the exam at the 10–15 hour mark. The theoretical knowledge reinforces what you're learning in the aircraft, and vice versa.

For PPL and ATPL, there is no prerequisite flight hour requirement before sitting the theory exams. Some candidates complete all theory exams first, then focus entirely on flight training.

How hard are the exams?

First-attempt pass rates vary by exam type and preparation level. With dedicated study, most candidates pass on their first attempt. The RPL exam has the highest pass rate — most well-prepared students pass with scores well above 70%. PPL and ATPL exams require deeper knowledge and more study hours.

One of the most challenging subjects across all licence levels is Meteorology — its combination of physical principles and detailed weather phenomena trips up many candidates. Give it extra study time.

How to prepare for CASA theory exams

The most effective preparation combines structured study with plenty of exam-style practice. The students who pass first time share one thing: they practise with real exam-style questions under time pressure, not just reading notes.

Structured study materials — CASA's own syllabus documents, Bob Tait's textbooks, and aviation training manuals provide the foundation you need.
Practice questions — The Pilot Exam provides 1,000+ CASA-style theory questions covering RPL and PPL topics.
Performance chart practice — Use interactive performance chart tools for Figure 3 (take-off) and Figure 4 (landing) to build confidence with graphical questions.
Mock exams — Simulate exam conditions with timed, randomised full-length practice tests before your sitting date.

Ready to start studying?

If you're working toward your RPL or PPL, start practising now with The Pilot Exam. Our free tier gives you access to one full practice test and one interactive performance chart — no credit card required. When you're ready to go further, full access to our complete question bank is available from $3 per exam.

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