EASA ATPL(A) Theory Exam Structure, Explained
The EASA ATPL(A) theory phase is examined as 13 separate subject exams, each passed at 75%. The questions are drawn from EASA’s European Central Question Bank (ECQB) and delivered by your national authority. This guide explains the whole system in plain English: the 13 subjects, where the questions come from, the pass mark, where you sit the exams, and the time, sitting and attempt limits that shape your timeline.
The 13 ATPL theory subjects
EASA ATPL(A) theoretical knowledge is examined across 13 subjects, each identified by its EASA learning-objective code and each with its own written exam. They span air law and procedures, aircraft knowledge, navigation, and the human and physical sciences of flight. Every subject below links straight into its structured lessons — see the full subject breakdown for what each one covers.
Note: Communications is examined as VFR (091) and IFR (092) components; EASA counts it as the single subject 090.
Where the questions come from: the ECQB
The exam questions are drawn from EASA’s European Central Question Bank (ECQB) — a central pool of approved questions maintained by EASA. Your national authority (NAA) delivers the exams using questions sourced from the current ECQB edition, which keeps the standard consistent across European member states.
Because EASA periodically updates the ECQB, study material has to keep pace. We keep our question bank aligned to the current ECQB edition so your practice reflects what you will actually see in the exam.
The 75% pass mark
Each subject is passed at a minimum of 75%, and every subject is passed independently of the others. There is no aggregate or average across subjects — you only need to re-sit the specific exams you do not pass, while your passed subjects stay banked.
Where and how you sit them
You sit the exams at your national authority or at an approved examination centre, after completing the theoretical-knowledge course at an ATO (Approved Training Organisation). The ATO course — which can be classroom or distance-learning — is a regulatory prerequisite before you are entered for the official exams, and the ATO recommends you for them.
The limits that matter
A handful of Part-FCL limits shape your exam timeline. Plan around them from the start so the 18-month window never catches you out:
Pass mark
75%
Required in every one of the 13 subjects, each passed independently.
Exam window
18 months
All 13 subjects must be passed within 18 months, counted from the end of the calendar month of your first attempt.
Sittings
Max 6
You may use up to six examination sittings to complete all 13 subjects.
Attempts per subject
Up to 4
Each subject may be attempted up to four times.
Theory credit validity
36 months
Once all subjects are passed, the theory credit is valid for 36 months toward the associated skill test / licence issue.
Important: Limits are set by EASA Part-FCL and applied by your national authority — always confirm the current figures with your ATO/NAA before you plan, as they are periodically updated.
How ATPL Training helps
Passing 13 exams at 75% inside an 18-month window rewards consistent, targeted study — not last-minute cramming. ATPL Training gives you the toolkit for exactly that: 16,000+ practice questions aligned to the current ECQB, per-subject mastery tracking so you know where you stand, full mock exams at the real 75% pass mark, and an AI tutor that explains the reasoning behind every answer.
Frequently asked questions
How many exams are in the EASA ATPL theory?
There are 13 EASA ATPL(A) theory subjects, and you sit a separate written exam for each one: Air Law (010), Airframe & Systems (021), Instrumentation (022), Mass & Balance (031), Performance (032), Flight Planning & Monitoring (033), Human Performance & Limitations (040), Meteorology (050), General Navigation (061), Radio Navigation (062), Operational Procedures (070), Principles of Flight (081), and Communications (090).
What is the ATPL theory pass mark?
The minimum pass mark is 75% in each of the 13 subject exams. Each subject is passed independently, so you only need to re-sit the ones you do not pass.
What is the ECQB?
The ECQB is EASA’s European Central Question Bank — the central pool of questions from which the ATPL theory exams are drawn. National authorities (NAAs) deliver exams sourced from the current ECQB edition, and a good question bank stays aligned to it.
How long do I have to pass all the ATPL exams?
Typically all 13 subjects must be passed within 18 months of your first attempt, within a maximum of 6 sittings. The exact figures are set by EASA Part-FCL and applied by your national authority, so confirm the current limits with your NAA.
How many times can I retake a subject?
Each subject can normally be attempted up to 4 times within the allowed sittings. Limits are applied by your national authority, so always confirm the current figures with your NAA.
How long is the ATPL theory valid once I pass?
Once you have passed all the subjects, the theory credit is generally valid for 36 months toward the associated skill test or licence issue. Confirm the current validity period with your NAA.
How many questions are on each EASA ATPL exam?
The number of questions and the time allowed vary by subject and are set by your national authority (NAA) from the current ECQB edition, so there is no single figure across all 13 exams. Practising with a question bank that mirrors the real ECQB format and difficulty is the best way to know what to expect; always confirm the exact question count and duration for each subject with your ATO/NAA.
Pass all 13 ATPL exams the smart way
Drill thousands of ECQB-aligned questions across every subject, track your readiness, and rehearse with full mock exams at the real 75% pass mark.