How to Book the RPL Theory Exam in Australia: Step-by-Step Guide

Most RPL students know they need to pass the theory exam but aren't sure how the booking process actually works. This guide walks through the complete booking process — from eligibility to what to bring on the day.

Step 1: Make sure you're eligible

Before booking, confirm you meet CASA's eligibility requirements for the RPL theory exam:

• Age: You must be at least 14 years old to sit CASA aviation theory exams. Note that the minimum age for the grant of the RPL licence itself is 15 — but you can sit the theory exam from age 14.
• No other prerequisites: Unlike the flight test, there are no minimum flight hours required to sit the theory exam. You can sit it early in your training or even before starting flight lessons.

Step 2: Create a CASA Connect account

All CASA exams are booked through CASA Connect — CASA's online portal. If you don't have an account:

1. Go to casaconnect.casa.gov.au
2. Select "Register"
3. Create a login with your personal details
4. Verify your email

If you're already in the system (for example, if you've previously interacted with CASA), you may already have an account — try logging in with your email first.

Step 3: Book the exam through CASA Connect

Once logged in:

1. Navigate to Examinations
2. Select Book an Examination
3. Choose RPL Theory Examination from the list
4. Select your nearest test centre (listed by state and city)
5. Choose an available date and time
6. Pay the examination fee — the current total cost is $189.53, comprising a $124.53 invigilator fee and a $65.00 CASA fee. Check the current CASA fee schedule to confirm, as fees may be updated periodically.

You'll receive a booking confirmation email. Keep this — you'll need your candidate ID number on exam day.

Step 4: Locate your test centre

The RPL theory exam is administered by CASA (via PEXO/Aspeq), not by individual flight schools. Exams are conducted at CASA-approved test centres around Australia, including:

• CASA offices in major cities
• Approved invigilated testing centres
• Selected regional testing locations

Test centres are listed in CASA Connect when you select your location. Some regional areas have limited availability — book early if you're in a smaller town.

What to bring on exam day

Make sure you have the following before you arrive at the test centre:

• Photographic ID — driver's licence, passport, or Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC) are all accepted forms of photographic ID as per the VFRG. This is mandatory; without it, you cannot sit the exam.
• Candidate ID — from your booking confirmation email
• Aviation calculator (if permitted) — check the specific exam conditions when booking. Some CASA exams allow calculators; some don't. Confirm beforehand what is permitted for the RPL exam.

Do not bring mobile phones (which must be switched off or left outside the exam room), notes, or study materials. The exam is closed-book.

What the exam looks like

The RPL theory exam is computer-based — you'll answer on screen, not on paper. Questions are presented one at a time, and you can flag questions to review and change answers before final submission.

• Format: Multiple-choice questions — the exact number of questions is not publicly specified by CASA
• Time allowed: 2 hours
• Pass mark: 70%

The computer marks your exam immediately after submission — you receive your result and a topic-by-topic breakdown before you leave the centre.

Your result

If you pass

Your pass is recorded in the CASA system and you'll receive a Statement of Attainment. This pass is valid permanently — it does not expire. Keep your Statement of Attainment as proof for your flying school.

If you don't pass

There is a 5 business day waiting period before you can rebook, and you must pay the exam fee again. There is no limit on the number of attempts.

When you receive your result, CASA provides a topic breakdown showing how you performed in each subject area. Use this to target your study before rebooking — don't just study everything again randomly. Focus on your weakest areas first.

How to prepare before you book

The exam costs $189.53 and there's a 5 business day wait if you don't pass — so it's worth being genuinely ready before you book. A good target is to consistently score 80% or higher on practice exams before sitting the real thing. This gives you a solid buffer above the 70% pass mark for exam-day nerves.

The Pilot Exam offers free access to a full timed mock exam in the same CASA format. Run through it a few times, identify your weak areas, and target those before booking. The performance chart practice (a common stumbling block) is also available.

When to book during your training

There's no requirement to complete the theory exam at any particular point in your flight training. Many students sit it around the 5–10 hour mark in their training — once they've covered enough theory in lessons to feel ready. Others sit it before their first flight.

A common approach is to start theory study independently, reach 80% on practice exams, sit the exam, and then focus completely on flying. This avoids the mental overhead of studying theory while also learning to fly.