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Instrument Tests: IRA, IGI, CFII

Asked by: 8563 views Instrument Rating

I am planning to become a Ground Instructor (AGI), and then a IGI and CFII. At this time I am only a Private Pilot. I plan to take the test for my Instrument Rating (IRA) by Nov. 1st. I have been studying the question bank of questions for the IGI. 

My question(s):

1. Can I take all three of the instrument tests (IRA, IGI, CFII) the same day? My understanding is that they are all from the same bank of questions.

2. Can I take the IGI before I have taken the AGI, and the CFII before I have taken the CFI?

My thinking is that I will be taking all of the tests at some time, and why not take them when the questions and study process are fresh. I know there is a time period (2 years?) that the tests are good for, but I plan to accomplish the ratings/certificates within that time period.

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2 Answers



  1. Russ Roslewski on Sep 25, 2014

    You’re right, they are all basically the same test – I’ve taken them all (the CFII twice due to the 2-year limit) and couldn’t tell you any real differences.

    1. Yes, there should be no problem with this. However, I would call your testing center and make sure there are no scheduling conflicts. You’re allowed to take 2.5 hours on each test, so the test center may want to make sure you have that much time (before they close, for example), even if you expect to get done each test in an hour or whatever.

    2. Yes, there is no requirement for taking them in a certain order, and what you’re proposing is not unusual.

    Good luck! Sounds like you’re doing it the smart way.

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  2. Lucas on Sep 28, 2014

    By the way here is the the link to the document in question order 8080.6F:

    http://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/8080.6F.pdf

    Testing centers usually do not have the waiver handy…

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