How to Prepare for the ATP Written Test
Posted on: 03/01/2024
The ATP exam is taken as part of obtaining the Airline Transport Pilot Certificate in aviation. The certificate indicates pilot qualification and is mandatory for those who take a job with a Part 121 airline (whether captain or co-pilot), as well as those who upgrade to captain in Part 135 charter operations.
The ATP written test can be of two types – for Single Engine (ATS) and for Multi Engine (ATM). If a candidate plans to obtain an ATP Multi-Engine license, he must pass the ATM written test. The only requirement to be admitted to this test is to complete the ATP-CTP course and receive a certificate of completion of this course. The certificate does not expire, so the candidate can take the written test any time after the ATP-CTP whenever he wants (provided that he has not lost the certificate of completion of the course).
For those candidates who plan to obtain an ATP Single Engine license, it is not necessary to complete the ATP-CTP course because they only need to pass the ATS written test.
When, Where, and How to Pass the ATP ME Written Exam
The only test provider is PSI, which offers the software platform and access to its servers, and local partners are certified and gain access to this software. At our Academy, we have two proctors who specialize in administering tests. These proctors have undergone training and are certified by PSI.
ATP ME Written Exam
If the candidate successfully passes the exam, scoring above 70%, they will receive a Written Test Report that remains valid for 60 months, or 5 years. However, if the candidate fails to pass the practical examination and the practical aircraft or simulator test with an examiner within this timeframe, they will need to retake the written test after 60 months. The good news is, they won’t have to take the ATP-CTP course again in this case.
How to Prepare for a Written Test
It is important to note that while the ATP-CTP course is required for admission to the written test, it does not specifically prepare students for the test itself. The main objective of the ATP-CTP course is to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to work in the airline industry, including familiarizing them with airline operations and flying larger transport category aircraft. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the student to independently prepare for the written test.
There are multiple effective methods that we are familiar with and suggest for preparing for a written test:
- One effective approach is to thoroughly understand all the material and topics that may be covered in the FAA test. This method is especially suitable for experienced pilots, but it can pose a significant challenge for commercial pilots who lack airline or large aircraft experience. Furthermore, if a candidate has never encountered the test questions before, they may feel confused and struggle to grasp how to respond and in what format the answers should be provided.
- We recommend using specialized software products that include questions from the test database. These software products cover questions that are similar to those on the actual test as well as questions from previous years. Our data shows that the FAA updates questions approximately every six months, which means that finding a publicly accessible database containing all the test questions is impossible. However, it is quite realistic to expect a 70-80% overlap with the actual test questions. Such software products include:
- Sheppard Air (https://www.sheppardair.com/atp.htm)
- Gleim (https://www.gleimaviation.com/shop/faatpatp/)
- ASA (https://asa2fly.com/test-prep)
- Dauntless Software (https://www.dauntless-soft.com/products/groundschool/atp.asp)
*Most of our students choose Sheppard, as it offers thoroughness and a unique approach in its preparation methods that yield high results. The majority of students who use Sheppard for their preparation achieve scores of 90% or higher.
- ASA offers a range of study books that contain test questions. These books are designed to be completed within a few days or weeks, covering all the necessary topics and questions. For example, you can discover books with extensive study materials that will assist you in preparing for your examinations (https://www.amazon.com/2023-Airline-Transport-Pilot-Test/dp/1644252546/ref=sr_1_2?crid=134ZPEXT46D4I&keywords=atp+test+prep&qid=1703740860&sprefix=atp+test+prep%2Caps%2C251&sr=8-2).
- Watching video courses and materials as they provide not only valuable information but also visual demonstrations.
Please keep in mind that proper preparation is essential for the test. If you have enrolled in our ATP-CTP course and plan to take a written test at our center the day after completing it, you will need to achieve a minimum score of 90% on test applications like Sheppard Air in order to pass successfully.
If you attended the ATP-CTP course but did not even review the test questions, it is recommended to reserve at least a week or more to thoroughly prepare for the written test.
Who Can Take the ATP Written Test?
To be eligible to take the test, candidates must successfully complete the ATP-CTP course. However, in order to enroll in the ATP-CTP course, you must have a CPL and IR Rating. Additionally, the number of flight hours a candidate has does not affect their eligibility. The only situation where 1500 hours are necessary is when you need to complete a practice test Checkride (on either a real aircraft with an examiner or on a simulator).
FAQ
- How long is the written test result valid? The validity period is either 5 years or 60 months.
- Where can I take the written test? You can take the written test at any FAA-approved testing center.
- How long does the test take? The time limit for completing the task is a maximum of 4 hours.
- What to take with you to the test?
Required documents:
- Proper ID or required endorsements. US citizens and residents must present one form of current, valid ID—at minimum—that contains photo, date of birth, signature, and physical or residential address. Example: Current US driver’s license. Non-US citizens must present a passport AND another government-issued ID.
- If your ID has no address, you will need a document with your name and address. Examples of address verification documents are as follows:
-
- Utility / Electrical bill o Utility / Water bill
- Voter’s registration
- Auto registration
-
- Homeowners / deed / lease / mortgage o Medical certificate
- Airman certificate
- No credit card statements.
- No cell phone bills.
- ATP-CTP Graduation certificate
- What can’t you take with you?
- Cell phones (must be left at the front desk with your ID)
- Jackets, hoodies, coats, hats, baseball caps, scarves, etc.
- Portable music players (MP3 players, iPods, headphones, etc.)
- Any electronic device (other than what’s allowed in the list below)
- Calculators (we will provide you with one).
- Backpacks, tote bags, purses, etc.
- Weapons, including pocketknives and Leatherman-type tools.
- I am a foreigner – what do I need to know before taking the test? How do I verify my foreign address? It is necessary to speak and write English fluently. Your foreign address must be confirmed with a valid document, issued by the authority of the country of residence.
- How much does the test cost? The price for the ATP ME Written test is $175.
- How and where can I pay for it? The written exam is done through PSI, and you will need to make a payment of $175 directly to them.
- Do I need to open an account on the PSI website? To get started, the candidate will need to set up an account on the PSI website, using phone numbers – https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login
- What should I do if I get less than 70% on the test? To proceed with the retest, it is necessary for you to undergo testing with an ATP-CTP instructor and obtain sign off from instructor.
- What should I do if I lose my test report and my practical exam is the day after tomorrow? The test results are automatically uploaded to the FAA Database.
- I want to fly a single-engine aircraft, and I need an ATP Single Engine, what test do I need to take? You are not required to complete the ATP-CTP course; you simply need to pass the ATS test. We are offering such test at our facility too.
- What if I want to fly both Single and Multi? You should pass the ATP written test as it is for both Single-Engine and Multi-Engine.
Ask your question – info@atp.academy
More details about ATP-CTP course: www.atp.academy/atp-ctp
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