The CASA RPL exam, without the guesswork.
One supervised theory exam is part of the path to your Recreational Pilot Licence. Here's what CASA currently publishes — and how to walk in ready.
What the RPL theory exam actually is
Unlike the CPL's seven separate subject exams, RPL theory is a single supervised exam with specified permitted materials. CASA says it includes multiple-choice and whole-number-entry questions, allows 2 hours, and requires a 70% pass mark. CASA's current exam pages do not state a fixed question count. You sit RPLA if you're training in aeroplanes or RPLH for helicopters — the aircraft knowledge differs by category.
One paper sounds easier than seven. In practice it means the exam can reach into any corner of the syllabus — a met question, then an engine question, then air law — so patchy knowledge gets found out. CASA says a mark below 100% but above 51% produces a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) identifying deficient competency standards for follow-up.
The content is drawn from the aeronautical knowledge standards in the Part 61 Manual of Standards, Schedule 3 — which is exactly where PilotIQ's question bank is grounded.
The nine knowledge areas
The exam samples across nine working knowledge areas at recreational depth. None of them is optional — a 70% pass mark leaves little room to write off a whole subject.
How PilotIQ gets you ready
Practice questions, every area
1,400+ practice questions across RPL and PPL, covering every knowledge area for aeroplane and helicopter — and every question comes with a worked explanation, so a wrong answer teaches you something instead of just costing a mark.
Timed mock exams
Practise against CASA's published 2-hour limit and 70% pass standard, so pacing and working under time pressure are familiar before exam day. The live exam's question count and mix may differ.
Readiness tracking
See your performance by knowledge area and watch it climb. You'll know when you're consistently clear of 70% — and exactly which areas still need work.
Theory library included
Plain-English notes and diagrams across the syllabus, so when an explanation points at a gap, the material to fix it is one click away.
Full RPL access is $65 AUD for 6 months — no 3-month expiry, no re-buying access because life got busy — and it includes the Core logbook. Moving on to the PPL afterwards? The PPL exam prep track picks up where the RPL leaves off, and you can browse the whole question bank to see what's inside.
RPL exam FAQs
What question types are in the CASA RPL exam?
CASA's current RPLA and RPLH exam pages say the exam includes multiple-choice questions and questions where you type a whole number. CASA publishes a 2-hour time limit but does not state a fixed question count on those pages.
What is the RPL exam pass mark?
The pass mark is 70%. CASA says candidates who score below 100% but above 51% receive a Knowledge Deficiency Report (KDR) identifying the competency standards in which they were deficient.
How should I study for the RPL theory exam?
Work through each of the nine study areas rather than cramming a single subject, practise questions with worked explanations so you understand the why behind each answer, and finish with timed mock exams aligned to CASA's published 2-hour limit and 70% pass standard.
Can I sit the RPL exam for helicopters?
Yes. The RPL is issued by category — RPL(A) for aeroplanes and RPL(H) for helicopters — and each has its own exam (RPLA or RPLH). PilotIQ covers both, with helicopter-specific practice questions, not just relabelled aeroplane ones.
How much does PilotIQ RPL prep cost?
PilotIQ's RPL track is $65 AUD for 6 months of full access — practice questions with explanations, timed mock exams, the theory library and readiness tracking, plus the Core logbook included. No 3-month expiry.
Start your RPL theory today
Create a free account, try the practice questions, and unlock the full RPL track — $65 AUD for 6 months, aeroplane or helicopter.
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