What is the BAK Exam? Australia's Basic Aeronautical Knowledge Test Explained

If you've been searching for "BAK exam" or "BAK practice exam" in Australia, you're likely preparing for your first pilot licence theory test — and you've stumbled on an older name for what is now called the RPL theory exam. Here's what you need to know.

What was the BAK exam?

The Basic Aeronautical Knowledge (BAK) exam was the name used for the entry-level pilot theory test administered by CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) in Australia. It tested the foundational aviation knowledge required before a student pilot could fly solo and progress towards their first licence.

The BAK was closely associated with the old Student Pilot Licence (SPL) pathway, which was the standard starting point for Australians learning to fly before the licensing system was updated.

How did it change?

In 2014, CASA restructured Australia's pilot licensing system. The key changes were:

• The Student Pilot Licence (SPL) was replaced by new pathways.
• A new entry-level licence — the Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) — was introduced.
• The BAK exam was replaced by the RPL theory exam.

The RPL theory exam covers similar foundational material but is aligned to the new RPL licence standard and CASA's updated study materials.

BAK vs RPL theory exam: what's the difference?

If you're searching for BAK exam practice materials, here's how the old and new formats compare:

• BAK exam: Was associated with the SPL, tested basic aeronautical knowledge, and typically contained around 20–30 questions.
• RPL theory exam: 37 multiple-choice questions, 90-minute time limit, 70% pass mark required, covering 10 topic areas in depth.

The RPL exam is more comprehensive than the old BAK, covering aerodynamics, meteorology, navigation, regulations, performance, loading, human factors, and flight rules.

Do I need to do the BAK exam?

No. The BAK exam no longer exists in Australia's current licensing system. If you are starting your pilot training today, you will sit the RPL theory exam (if pursuing the RPL) or the appropriate CASA written exams for the PPL or other licences.

If someone refers you to "BAK exam resources" or "BAK practice tests," they are using outdated terminology — but the underlying content is largely applicable to the RPL theory exam.

What is the RPL theory exam?

The Recreational Pilot Licence (RPL) theory exam is your first major milestone as a student pilot in Australia. Key facts about the exam are listed below.

• Format: 37 multiple-choice questions.
• Time limit: 90 minutes.
• Pass mark: 70% (26 out of 37 correct).
• Topics: Aerodynamics, Engines, Instruments, Meteorology, Navigation, Regulations, Performance, Loading, Human Factors, and Flight Rules.
• Administered by: CASA-approved testing centres across Australia.

How to prepare for the RPL theory exam

Whether you've been searching for BAK practice exams or RPL study resources, the preparation approach is the same:

1. Study the CASA materials — The official Day VFR Syllabus is the source of all exam questions.
2. Take practice exams — Simulate the real exam with timed, multiple-choice practice.
3. Focus on performance charts — These follow a predictable method and are worth free marks.
4. Revise meteorology and regulations — These are the most challenging topics for most students.

Start practising now

The Pilot Exam offers 1,000+ practice questions covering all RPL and PPL exam topics, verified against current CASA study materials. Our timed mock exams replicate the real test format so you know exactly what to expect on exam day.

Whether you searched for "BAK exam practice" or "RPL practice test" — you've found the right place.