FAA set to launch changes to airmen testing in January

Beginning January 13, 2020, the FAA will launch improvements to the way it tests airman certificate applicants and affects. This information pertains to ASI’s, ASI’s with TPE and DPE oversite, as well as the TPE’s, and DPE’s.
 
Any applicant wishing to take any Airmen Knowledge Test (AKT) for any of the airmen certificates (Mechanic, Inspection Authorization, Parachute Rigger, and any Pilot certificate) will be required to have an 8-digit FAA Tracking Number (FTN) prior to taking the test.
 
The FTN, which replaces the applicant ID number, is unique and permanent number assigned to each registered user in the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system.
 
It is up to the applicant to obtain an FTN and information and instructions on obtaining a FTN can be found on the FAA’s Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system website  where applicants will need to register.
 
Applicants for FAA certificates such as Mechanic, Parachute Rigger, Dispatcher, etc. that do not yet have an electronic certification path in IACRA will continue to use the paper application forms. For those certificate types, IACRA is only used for obtaining an FTN prior to registering for an airman knowledge test. There are also instructions for those who have lost their AKTR test results. For all knowledge tests taken before January 13, 2020, applicants must contact the FAA Airmen Certification Office (AFB-720) for copies of AKTRs.
 
As previously reported, the FAA will host four webinars, two on Thursday, Dec. 19, and two on Wednesday, Jan. 8, to explain the new testing system, including the FTN requirement. The FAA notice on the changes can be found here.