You’ve studied and feel you are ready to take the exam. The question is, what happens in the exam?
Well, there are a few things that must be adhered to, and in this final post in the series I will discuss setting up an exam and what to do one you get there.
Setting Up an Exam
First thing you need to do is set up a test. You do this by going to http://candidate.catstest.com/sitesearch.php and signing up for “Unmanned Aircraft General - Small.” From here you will set up a time and place to take the exam.
When you sign up you will pay 150 dollars for the test. Now, if you fail, you must wait two weeks before you can take it again and you will also have to pay the fee again.
Before going, I would recommend buying a magnifying glass to help read the supplements and maps. Also, take take the time to purchase a basic pocket calculator to do the mathematical calculations. You can get buy without these, but they do make things easier.
The Test
Before taking the test, get a good night’s sleep and eat a hardy breakfast. Whatever you do, do not stress. Make sure you get to the testing facility early, because you only have two hours to take the test and if you are late, you don’t get the time back.
When you enter, you will be asked to give up your phone. The test is monitored to prevent cheating.
Settle in, because you have 60 questions to get through. Luckily they are multiple choice.
After the Test
Since the test is on a computer, you will find out immediately if you passed or not. Upon passing you will be lead out of the testing room and have your phone returned to you.
You will also be asked if you want to retest. In my opinion, if you don’t pass with a B+ you should retest to make sure you understand all that is required of you. The idea of C’s get degrees is a horrible one. I wouldn’t want a surgeon who had that opinion cutting on me and I sure don’t like the idea of someone with a machine up in the air thinking that they can get buy knowing the bare minimum.
But, I digress.
Before you leave, you will be given a temporary license, much like a temporary drivers license, and the permanent one will be mailed to you.
With that, I don’t think there is more I can tell. I hope you’ve enjoyed this primer series on drones.
‘Til next time.
Cheers,
Shane H. Wilder