ASA Test Prepware FAQ
• Why does the ASA prepware have so many more questions than the FAA website ?
The FAA website only includes
samples of typical questions. They do not provide the complete database of FAA
Knowledge Exam questions. The ASA prepware materials include a much wider
sampling of the questions you may be asked during your official test at the FAA
testing centers. All of the questions you find in the ASA materials are true candidates
for your test; you should study them as directed in the instructions to ensure
your preparedness for the test.
• Why do I always get a lot of the same
questions when I take a test in Prepware ?
Prepware generates
questions in a random manner, just like the actual FAA knowledge exam does.
However, because of the way the tests are structured, you may get some of the
same questions on a new test.
Consider the Private
Pilot Knowledge Exam. There are 11 areas of concentration within the exam. Each
of these areas has a different number of possible questions you could be asked
on your test: Basic Aerodynamics (44), Aircraft Systems(45), Flight Instruments
(57), Regulations (153), etc.
A certain percentage of questions will be drawn from each area. So, if 10% of
your test questions are to be on Basic Aerodynamics, the system will choose 6
questions from the 44 questions in that section. Likewise, if 10% of your test
questions are to be on Regulations, the system will choose 6 questions from the
153 questions in that section.
As you can see, even
though the test is generated randomly, the likelihood of you receiving the same
questions from the Basic Aerodynamics section is higher than that of the
Regulations section.
• Why were there questions on my test
that were not in Prepware ?
The FAA updates the
question databases three times a year (February, June, and October). In order
to provide you with the most current information, we must review the changes
the FAA makes, and then publish them. This takes a little bit of time (usually
a few weeks) If you take your test after the FAA has made the changes, but
before we make the changes to our database, there is a chance you will see a
new or changed question we have not yet published.
To stay as current as
possible, you should obtain updates, by choosing "Check For Updates"
in the Help menu within Prepware.
• I am having trouble getting prepware to work on my Mac. How can I fix this?
If you are having
problems with installing the program, or getting it to run, there are a few
common issues you can check out before giving us a call:
- Confirm that your computer meets the system
requirements for the version of Prepware you have (Prepware 2011 requires
OS X 10.5 or higher)
- Often times people move the program out of it's folder
in an attempt to create a shortcut. If you have done this, you can try
putting it back, and use your computer's Help menu to find out how to
correctly create a shortcut. If putting it back doesn't work, you may need
to call customer service.
- Make sure the disk is not in the computer when you
attempt to put in the activation code.
- Double, and then Triple check your activation code. 95%
of the time an activation code presents a red X, it is due to the code
being entered incorrectly. Enter the code exactly as it appears, including
the dashes, and with no spaces. If you received your code via email, copy
and paste it into the box to reduce the chance of error.
For further
assistance, contact customer service at 1-800-ASA-2-FLY
• Where can I find a record of the tests I've taken ?
Your test results are
stored in the Performance menu. Click on "Performance" and choose
“Open Test Performance History”. Here you will see a performance history of the
tests you have taken.
• Why doesn't Prepware fit on my screen ?
There are particular
screen settings and system requirements for prepware to run properly. First,
confirm that your operating system will support the version of software you are
using. You can find this information on the back of the cd packaging, or in the
User's Guide. Also, make sure your screen resolution is set to a minimum of
1024x768 and the dpi is set to 96. If you still have problems, contact ASA’s
Tech Support.
• What is the difference between Prepware and Prepware for iPhone ?
The full desktop
version of Prepware is a comprehensive study and test utility. Test mode
allows you to take timed tests, and to email scores from those tests to receive
an endorsement. It also has a study mode, which provides the ability to select
questions by subject or to search the full database. It is supported with a
study guide for review, as well as explanations of the answers. Also included;
the QuizMaker tool for creating customized quizzes, recording of your
performance history, and the ability to re-test missed questions.
The Prepware Apps for
iPhone and iPad provide many, though not all, of the functions available in
the full desktop version and is therefore best suited as a supplement rather
than a stand-alone study program. This application also has test and study
modes. Study mode allows you to choose an area of study, review all related
questions, and receive immediate feedback as to the accuracy of your answer.
Explanations are provided on demand, so you may review as you work your way
through the study session. Test mode offers a set number of test questions,
grades your test, and when completed, provides a review of all test questions,
correct and incorrect answers, and a score. Performance History is not saved
beyond the current test, as it is in the full desktop version, and completed
tests cannot be submitted to obtain an endorsement.
• Does Prepware contain all of the FAA
questions ?
While it is true the
FAA no longer makes the complete database of questions available to the public,
ASA has been providing FAA Knowledge Exam preparation materials for more than
40 years. It is this experience and close interaction with the tests that help
us maintain a true representation of the tests for your studying purposes. We
have the largest sample of representative questions available – much more than
what you might find in the FAA’s public data or in any competitive product.
When used with a comprehensive ground school (class, DVD, textbook, etc.), ASA
materials will prepare you for your test.