CARS Exam FAQ: Canadian Aviation Regulations Questions Answered
The CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations) exam is one of the five written tests required for your AME license, and it is often the one that gives candidates the most trouble — not because it is technically difficult, but because regulatory knowledge requires a different approach to studying. This FAQ covers everything you need to know about the exam format, content, scoring, preparation strategies, and how Sky Licence helps you pass with confidence.
Sky Licence Team
AME exam preparation specialists — helping engineers earn their Transport Canada license since 2025
Overview of the CARS Exam
The CARS exam is designed to ensure that every licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer in Canada has a thorough understanding of the legal framework that governs aircraft maintenance. Unlike the airframe, powerplant, and electrical exams — which test your knowledge of how aircraft systems work — the CARS exam tests your knowledge of what the law requires. This distinction is critical because, as a licensed AME, you will be legally responsible for signing maintenance releases, certifying that aircraft are fit for service, and maintaining proper technical records. Transport Canada needs to know that you can be trusted with this legal authority.
The exam is based on the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs), specifically the parts most relevant to aircraft maintenance. The official TP14038E syllabus published by Transport Canada defines the learning objectives for the exam. Topics include regulatory definitions, aircraft registration, maintenance requirements, maintenance releases, technical records, general operating rules, and continuing airworthiness. The exam is identical for both M1 and M2 AME candidates, and it is also required for E and S license applicants in most cases.
One of the key challenges of the CARS exam is the volume of material. The CARs themselves run to hundreds of pages, and knowing which sections to focus on is essential for efficient study. The exam does not test every section of the CARs — it focuses on the sections that directly relate to aircraft maintenance. This is why using a focused study tool like Sky Licence, which maps every practice question to the specific learning objectives in TP14038E, can save you dozens of hours compared to reading the entire CARs document cover to cover.
Another challenge is the precision required. A single word difference in a regulation can change its meaning entirely, and exam questions are carefully worded to test whether you understand these nuances. Terms like "shall" versus "may," "maintenance" versus "repair," and "approval" versus "acceptance" all have distinct legal meanings. Sky Licence addresses this by including detailed explanations for every answer choice — not just why the correct answer is right, but why each incorrect option is wrong, often with direct regulatory references.
Understanding the Exam Format
The CARS exam is administered by Transport Canada at approved testing centers across Canada. It is entirely computer-based, with 50 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit. The pass mark is 70%, meaning you need at least 35 correct answers. Questions are drawn from a large question bank, so no two exams are identical. The exam is available in both English and French, and you can request your preferred language when booking your test.
The question types fall into three general categories. First, definition and recall questions test whether you know specific regulatory terms and section content. Second, application questions present a scenario and ask how the regulations apply. Third, reference questions require you to identify which regulation or standard applies to a given maintenance situation. Sky Licence simulates all three question types in its practice exams, with adaptive difficulty that adjusts as your performance improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CARS exam and who needs to take it?
The CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations) exam is a mandatory written test required for all Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (AME) license applicants in Canada — both M1 (small aircraft) and M2 (large aircraft) ratings. It tests your knowledge of the regulatory framework that governs aircraft maintenance in Canada, including Parts I, II, V, and VI of the CARs. Every AME candidate must pass this exam before Transport Canada will issue a license, regardless of whether they pursue an M, E, or S rating. On Sky Licence, the CARS exam module covers the complete TP14038E regulatory syllabus with over 300 practice questions specifically targeting CARs knowledge areas.
How many questions are on the CARS exam and what is the pass mark?
The CARS exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need a score of 70% (35 out of 50 correct) to pass. The exam is computer-based at Transport Canada-approved testing locations. Questions range from straightforward regulatory definitions to complex scenario-based questions that require applying multiple regulations to a maintenance situation. Sky Licence simulates this exact format — 50 questions in 90 minutes — so you can practice under real exam conditions before test day.
Which sections of the CARs are most heavily tested?
According to Transport Canada exam blueprints, the most heavily tested sections are CAR 625 (Aircraft Maintenance Requirements) and CAR 571 (Maintenance Releases). Together they account for the majority of exam questions. CAR 625 covers maintenance schedules, inspection programs, Airworthiness Directives (ADs), and Service Bulletins. CAR 571 covers the legal requirements for signing maintenance releases and the categories of maintenance. You should also study CAR 101 (definitions), CAR 202 (registration), CAR 602 (operating rules), and CAR 626 (technical records). Sky Licence breaks down the syllabus by topic so you can focus on your weakest regulatory areas first.
Can I use the CARs during the exam?
No, the CARS exam is a closed-book test. You cannot bring any reference materials, including printed copies of the CARs, into the exam room. Some testing locations provide a basic reference sheet with selected regulation numbers, but you should not rely on this. You need to know the regulations well enough to answer questions from memory. The exam evaluates whether you have internalized the regulatory knowledge necessary to perform maintenance safely and legally. Sky Licence helps by using spaced repetition and AI-generated scenario questions that build long-term recall.
What happens if I fail the CARS exam?
If you do not pass the CARS exam, you can retake it after 30 days. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but Transport Canada keeps a record of all attempts. Each attempt requires a new exam fee at the Transport Canada testing location. The 30-day waiting period is designed to give you time to study the areas you struggled with. Sky Licence tracks your performance by topic and identifies exactly which regulatory sections you need to review, so you can focus your re-study time efficiently instead of re-reading the entire CARs.
How does the CARS exam differ from the other AME written exams?
The CARS exam is fundamentally different from the technical exams (Airframe, Powerplant, Electrical) because it tests regulatory and legal knowledge rather than mechanical or systems knowledge. While the technical exams ask about how systems work and how to troubleshoot them, the CARS exam asks about what the law requires — maintenance release authority, record-keeping obligations, AD compliance, and operating rule limitations. Many AME candidates find the CARS exam more challenging because it requires a different study approach: understanding legal language and regulatory structure rather than physical principles. Sky Licence separates the CARS module from the technical modules, allowing you to switch study modes between regulatory and technical content.
How long should I study for the CARS exam?
Most AME candidates spend 4 to 8 weeks studying for the CARS exam, depending on their prior exposure to regulatory material. If you are studying full-time at an approved training organization (ATO), you will typically cover the CARs as part of your program over several months. For self-study candidates, a focused 6-week plan with daily practice is recommended. The key is consistency — studying 30–60 minutes daily is far more effective than cramming for several hours once a week. Sky Licence's adaptive difficulty system automatically adjusts to your performance level, ensuring you spend time on the sections where you need the most improvement.
Are the questions scenario-based or just definition recall?
The CARS exam includes both types. Approximately half the questions are direct recall — testing whether you know a specific regulation number, definition, or requirement. The other half are scenario-based questions that describe a maintenance situation and ask you to determine the correct regulatory response. For example, a scenario might describe a situation where an AME discovers a cracked engine mount during a scheduled inspection and ask which regulation governs the repair approval process. These scenario questions are where most candidates lose marks because they require applying multiple regulations simultaneously. Sky Licence includes over 150 scenario-based CARS questions that mirror this format with detailed explanations for each answer choice.
Do I need to memorize CAR part and section numbers?
Yes, to a certain extent. While you do not need to memorize every section number in the CARs, you should know the major part numbers (e.g., CAR 101, 202, 571, 602, 625, 626) and what each part covers. Many exam questions require you to identify which part of the CARs applies to a given situation. You should also know subpart structure — for example, knowing that CAR 625 covers maintenance requirements and CAR 626 covers technical records is essential. Sky Licence includes a dedicated CARs numbering reference module that helps you build this mental map through interactive flashcards and quiz questions.
How often are the CARs updated and how do I stay current?
The Canadian Aviation Regulations are amended periodically through the Canada Gazette process. Amendments can be triggered by ICAO standard changes, industry safety recommendations, or Transport Canada policy updates. Major amendments typically occur once or twice per year. You should always study from the most current versions. Transport Canada publishes consolidated versions of the CARs on their website, and Sky Licence updates its question bank within 30 days of any regulatory amendment to ensure your practice material stays aligned with the current exam. If you are using older study materials, verify that they reference the current regulation numbers.
Can I take the CARS exam before completing my AME training?
Yes, you can take the CARS exam before completing your full AME training program. Many students take the CARS exam midway through their training because the regulatory knowledge is somewhat independent of the practical skills taught in later semesters. However, you should have completed at least the introductory portion of your training that covers regulatory fundamentals. Transport Canada does not require you to complete all training before attempting written exams, but you must pass all five written exams before you can apply for your license. Sky Licence allows you to study for the CARS exam alongside your technical modules, so you can take the CARS exam as soon as you feel prepared.
What study resources does Sky Licence offer specifically for the CARS exam?
Sky Licence offers a dedicated CARS exam module with over 300 practice questions organized by regulatory topic area. Features include AI-powered adaptive difficulty that adjusts to your performance, scenario-based questions that simulate real regulatory situations, detailed answer explanations with direct CARs references, timed mock exams that match the real 90-minute format, and performance analytics that show your accuracy by CAR part. The platform covers all TP14038E syllabus topics including definitions (CAR 101), registration (CAR 202), operating rules (CAR 602), maintenance requirements (CAR 625), maintenance releases (CAR 571), and technical records (CAR 626). Start with a free account at Sky Licence to begin practicing today.
For more detailed information about the CARS exam structure and study strategies, check out our complete CARS exam guide and our CARs regulatory deep dive. You can also visit the main Sky Licence FAQ for platform questions.
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