Step 01 · Foundation
FOI
Fundamentals of Instruction
50 questions · Written only
FOI · AGI · IGI · CFI · CFII
Instructor Pathway
Prepare for every FAA instructor knowledge exam in one place, from the Fundamentals of Instruction to the Advanced Ground, Instrument Ground, and Flight Instructor certificates.
// THE PATHWAY
One exam opens
four certificates.
The Fundamentals of Instruction is the shared prerequisite. Ground instructor certificates require written tests only. Flight instructor certificates also require an oral exam and a practical flight test.
Ground instructorWritten tests only · No checkride
Flight instructorWritten · Oral · Checkride
// THE CERTIFICATES
Instructor certificates and requirements.
Select a certificate
FOI · Knowledge test
Fundamentals of Instruction
The foundational FAA knowledge domain covering the psychology of learning, human behavior, barriers to communication, and instructional teaching methods.
Knowledge test
50 Q
1.5 HRS
Test endorsement
Coming soon
Oral & checkride
None
Prerequisite for
AGI · IGI · CFI · CFII
What it allows you to do
Passing the FOI allows you to apply for both Ground Instructor (AGI/IGI) and Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) certificates.
Exemption
You are exempt if you already hold a current FAA Ground or Flight Instructor certificate, or if you are a certified high school or college teacher.
// ADVANTAGES FOR INSTRUCTORS
Why add ground instructor certificates.
01
Instructor credentials without a checkride
By passing three knowledge tests (FOI, AGI, IGI) and visiting an FAA office, you can earn Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor certificates without aircraft rental or examiner fees.
02
Gold Seal eligibility
A ground instructor certificate with an advanced or instrument rating is one of the qualifying criteria for the FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor designation, together with student pass-rate requirements.
03
Teach before your CFI checkride
With an AGI and IGI you can charge for ground instruction, run test-prep classes, and endorse students for knowledge tests while you are still building flight hours or completing your Commercial certificate.
// THE SAME STUDY SYSTEM IN EVERY COURSE
One study system, consistent progress.
01 · KNOWLEDGESmart Study System
Study exam-style questions, review clear explanations, and track your performance across every subject area until you're consistently exam-ready.
EXPLANATIONS · SUBJECT ANALYTICS →
02 · PRACTICEMock Exams & Endorsement
Take unlimited FAA practice exams. After scoring 80% or higher twice consecutively, request the test endorsement where applicable once this coming-soon service is established.
PRACTICE EXAMS · TEST ENDORSEMENT COMING SOON →
03 · CHECKRIDE PREPPersonalized Oral Prep
For CFI and CFII applicants: after passing the knowledge test, upload your AKT report. CHECKRIDE PREP analyzes your deficiency codes to build personalized study prep for the oral.
REPORT ANALYSIS · ORAL STUDY PREP →
// WHO BUILT THIS
Developed by professionals.
CHECKRIDE PREP was written and reviewed by a team of aviation professionals, military personnel, and academics.
01
Pilots & Certified Ground Instructors
02
Aerospace & Software Engineers
03
A&P Mechanics & Military Aircrew
04
College Educators & Veterans
Instructing starts here.
Create an account and work a sample of any course before you pay. Your progress, your test reports, and every rating you add stay in the same place.