CGI Practice Test

Applicants seeking a Federal Aviation Administration ground instructor certificate take knowledge tests to authorize ground instruction for airmen. Candidates must be at least 18 years of age, be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, and pass the required tests. This page provides free practice sets, question walkthroughs, and official testing details for the Basic Ground Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor, and Fundamentals of Instructing exams.

CGI Exam at a Glance

What the CGI is and how it works

According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation; knowledge tests delivered by the FAA's Airman, “AGI Ground Instructor (Advanced) 100 16 2.5 70”^[1]

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, issues ground instructor certificates. Candidates take a computer-based test delivered by PSI, the FAA testing vendor. To be eligible, an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, be able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language, and pass the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) knowledge test alongside a rating knowledge test.

The FOI test contains 50 questions with an allotted time of 1.5 hours. The FOI knowledge test is waived for applicants holding a ground instructor certificate or flight instructor certificate, or certified teachers employed at the 7th grade level or higher. Teacher credential rules vary by state; check FAA regulations and local state education boards for documentation requirements.

Rating tests cover specific aeronautical areas: Basic Ground Instructor (BGI) has 80 questions and a time limit of 2.5 hours; Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI) has 100 questions and a time limit of 2.5 hours; Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) has 50 questions and a time limit of 2.5 hours. Every knowledge test requires a passing score of 70%.

A ground instructor certificate does not expire. To perform duties, certificate holders must maintain recent experience within the preceding 12 calendar months. Applicants retesting after failure must submit the failed test report along with an endorsement from an authorized instructor who provided the required training.

CGI content outline and where to practise each area

The content areas below are copied from the official CGI content outline published by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation; knowledge tests delivered by the FAA's Airman. The right-hand column shows which of our practice sets covers it.

Worked examples: how to reason through CGI questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: What is the purpose of the Alternate Airport in a flight plan?

1. To drop off crew
2. To serve snacks
3. To provide a backup landing location
4. To extend flight time

Answer: C. To provide a backup landing location

Explanation:

Option C is correct because an alternate airport serves as a designated backup destination if weather, runway closures, or aircraft emergencies prevent a safe landing at the primary airport. Option A is incorrect because crew drop-offs are scheduled stops rather than safety contingency destinations. Option B is incorrect because passenger and crew meal services do not dictate flight safety diverts. Option D is incorrect because alternate airports conserve fuel reserves rather than deliberately prolonging flight time. The general rule is that alternate planning provides an assured safety diversion whenever the planned destination becomes unsuitable for landing.

Example 2

Question: Why is adapting teaching styles important?

1. To standardize the content
2. To avoid questions
3. To accommodate diverse learning preferences
4. To finish classes early

Answer: C. To accommodate diverse learning preferences

Explanation:

Option C is correct because learners process information through distinct sensory channels and cognitive approaches, so tailoring instructional delivery helps students comprehend and retain aeronautical concepts. Option A is incorrect because adapting methods addresses individual student needs rather than forcing rigid, uniform delivery. Option B is incorrect because effective teaching welcomes questions to assess comprehension rather than dodging student inquiries. Option D is incorrect because instructional speed should support student competence rather than rushing class completion. The general rule is that flexible teaching methods accommodate varying student capabilities and learning preferences to produce better comprehension.

Example 3

Question: Which combination of conditions produces the highest density altitude?

1. Low elevation, cold temperature, dry air
2. High elevation, high temperature, high humidity
3. High elevation, cold temperature, dry air
4. Low elevation, high temperature, dry air

Answer: B. High elevation, high temperature, high humidity

Explanation:

Option B is correct because air density decreases as elevation increases, temperature climbs, or humidity rises, resulting in the highest density altitude. Density altitude represents pressure altitude corrected for nonstandard temperature. Option A is incorrect because low elevation, cold air, and low humidity maximize air density, creating low density altitude. Option C is incorrect because cold temperature and dry air increase air density, reducing density altitude despite high elevation. Option D is incorrect because low elevation and dry air maintain denser air than regions with high elevation and high humidity. The general rule is that high elevation, hot weather, and humid air produce low air density and high density altitude.

How to use these practice tests

Begin preparation by reviewing official FAA handbooks alongside structured subject quizzes. Candidates preparing for rating exams can practise core aeronautical knowledge through targeted modules:

• Study atmospheric conditions and altimetry with the CGI Weather & Meteorology practice test.
• Review aircraft components and flight instruments in CGI Aircraft Systems & Instruments.
• Practise airspace classifications and airfield rules using CGI Airport Operations & Airspace.
• Test navigation planning and diverted arrivals in CGI Cross-Country & Emergency Procedures.
• Work through risk management scenarios with CGI Aeronautical Decision Making & Human Factors.
• Confirm testing authorisations and instructor duties in CGI Endorsements, Logbook Requirements & Instructor Responsibilities.

After working through individual topic areas, simulate full exam conditions with the Start Practice Test session. The passing score on each FAA knowledge test is 70%. When reviewing practice results, inspect every missed question to identify knowledge deficits rather than memorizing answer positions before booking your appointment with PSI.

Sources & last verified

1. faa.gov — number of questions, passing score, retake policy (official source). “AGI Ground Instructor (Advanced) 100 16 2.5 70” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
2. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation; knowledge tests delivered by the FAA's Airman — validity (official source). “A ground instructor certificate is issued without an expiration date.” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
3. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation; knowledge tests delivered by the FAA's Airman — renewal (official source). “The holder of a ground instructor certificate may not perform the duties of a ground instructor unless the person can show that one of the…” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
4. faa.gov — delivery (official source). “The Airman Certificate Testing Service (ACTS) vendor’s ( PSI ) software provides an opportunity for airman applicants to enter comments on each individual knowledge test…” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
5. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation; knowledge tests delivered by the FAA's Airman — eligibility, other (official source). “To be eligible for a ground instructor certificate or rating a person must: ( 1 ) Be at least 18 years of age; ( 2…” Verified Oct 21, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.