Pilot reference
ACS code lookup
Your knowledge test report lists the Airman Certification Standards codes for the areas you missed. Type one in and read the element it points to, in context, from the current FAA standard.
Look up a code from your test report
How to read an ACS code
Every code has four parts. Take PA.I.E.K1:
| Part | Means | In this example |
|---|---|---|
| PA | The standard: Private Pilot Airplane. IR is Instrument Rating, CA Commercial Airplane; the CFI standard uses FI and AI. | Private Pilot, Airplane |
| I | The Area of Operation, in Roman numerals | Area I, Preflight Preparation |
| E | The Task within that area | Task E, National Airspace System |
| K1 | The element: K for knowledge, R for risk management, S for skill, then its number. Some elements have lettered sub-items (K3a). | Knowledge element 1: airspace classes and their requirements |
The standards covered here
| Standard | Document | Effective | Areas | Tasks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot | FAA-S-ACS-6C | May 31, 2024 | 12 | 61 |
| Instrument Rating | FAA-S-ACS-8C | May 31, 2024 | 8 | 22 |
| Commercial Pilot | FAA-S-ACS-7B | May 31, 2024 | 11 | 60 |
| Flight Instructor | FAA-S-ACS-25 | May 31, 2024 | 14 | 85 |
The flight instructor instrument rating (CFII) is still tested against a Practical Test Standard, FAA-S-8081-9E, which does not use ACS codes, so it is not listed. Editions as published on the FAA’s ACS page, checked 11 November 2026.
What to do with the codes you missed
A passing score still lists the codes you got wrong, and they do not go away. Before the practical test, 14 CFR 61.39(a)(6)(iii) requires an instructor’s endorsement that you have demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas you were deficient in on the knowledge test (AC 61-65K endorsement A.2), and the examiner will look at the report. Treat the list as the first page of your checkride preparation.
- Look up each code here and read the whole task, not only the element: the examiner tests the task.
- Go to the handbook chapter behind it (the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, the Airplane Flying Handbook, the Instrument Flying Handbook or the AIM) rather than memorizing a question.
- Take the list to your instructor. Covering those areas, and logging it, is what the endorsement certifies.
- If you did not pass, 14 CFR 61.49 requires an endorsement from an authorized instructor who gave you the additional training before you retest (AC 61-65K A.77).
What does PA.I.E.K1 mean?
Private Pilot Airplane ACS, Area of Operation I (Preflight Preparation), Task E (National Airspace System), Knowledge element 1: airspace classes and associated requirements and limitations.
Why does my knowledge test report list ACS codes?
Knowledge tests built on an Airman Certification Standard report the codes for the elements you answered incorrectly, so you and your instructor know exactly which areas need more work before the practical test.
Do I have to study the missed codes if I passed?
Yes. For the practical test, 14 CFR 61.39(a)(6)(iii) requires an instructor’s endorsement that you have demonstrated satisfactory knowledge of the subject areas in which you were deficient on the knowledge test, and the examiner reviews the report with you.
Is this the current edition of the ACS?
These pages reflect the editions on the FAA’s ACS page as checked on 11 November 2026: Private FAA-S-ACS-6C, Instrument FAA-S-ACS-8C, Commercial FAA-S-ACS-7B and Flight Instructor FAA-S-ACS-25, each the November 2023 edition, effective 31 May 2024. Since then the ACS are incorporated by reference in 14 CFR 61.14, so a new edition needs rulemaking. If the FAA publishes one, the FAA document governs.
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Last updated 11 November 2026.