Preparing for EASA CPL theory? The ATPL bank has you covered.
EASA CPL(A) theory covers 13 subjects, all of which sit within the ATPL syllabus. Students on the airline track typically complete full ATPL theory rather than CPL-only theory, because a full ATPL pass satisfies the CPL theory requirement under Part-FCL FCL.035. SkyStudy's 31,032-question bank covers every one of those subject areas with explanations, timed sessions, and spaced repetition. The question bank is free to use during beta, no card required.
SkyStudy questions are independently authored revision questions written to the EASA learning objectives. They are not ECQB exam dumps and they are not affiliated with EASA or any civil aviation authority.
13
The full EASA CPL(A) theoretical knowledge syllabus
31,032
ATPL-depth bank covering all CPL subject areas; July 2026
Free
Free during beta: the full bank, no card required
EASA
Questions written to the EASA learning objectives, not taken from the ECQB
The 13 EASA CPL theory subjects
EASA CPL(A) theoretical knowledge is assessed across 13 subject areas. Every one of these sits within the ATPL syllabus, which means an ATPL-depth question bank covers the full CPL knowledge base. The depth required for CPL exams is generally shallower than ATPL in subjects like Performance and Flight Planning, so ATPL-level preparation leaves a generous margin.
| Code | Subject |
|---|---|
| 010 | Air Law |
| 021 | Aircraft General Knowledge: Systems and Powerplant |
| 022 | Instrumentation |
| 031 | Mass and Balance |
| 034 | Performance |
| 033 | Flight Planning and Monitoring |
| 040 | Human Performance and Limitations |
| 050 | Meteorology |
| 061 | General Navigation |
| 062 | Radio Navigation |
| 071 | Operational Procedures |
| 081 | Principles of Flight |
| 090 | Communications (VFR and IFR) |
Subject codes and scope are set by EASA Part-FCL. Always confirm the current syllabus with your approved training organisation (ATO) and national aviation authority before relying on any list you read here. SkyStudy is an independent study aid, not affiliated with EASA or any civil aviation authority.
How the ECQB works for CPL, ATPL, IR, and BIR exams
How the ECQB works for CPL, ATPL, IR, and BIR exams
EASA draws all its theoretical knowledge exam questions from a single source: the European Central Question Bank (ECQB). The ECQB serves every European licence type, including the ATPL, CPL, IR, and BIR. This matters for CPL candidates for two reasons.
- The same subject areas and learning objectives underpin CPL and ATPL theory. Preparing for ATPL-level questions in those subjects covers the CPL knowledge base and then some.
- SkyStudy questions are independently authored to cover the EASA learning objectives. They are not ECQB questions and are not exam dumps. They are a study aid designed to build and test the knowledge the learning objectives require.
Want to understand which subjects the CPL and ATPL exams share? The ATPL subjects hub maps every subject area and its learning objectives in detail.
The FCL.035 route: why most students sit full ATPL theory
The FCL.035 route: why most students sit full ATPL theory
Under EASA Part-FCL FCL.035, an applicant who has passed the full ATPL theoretical knowledge examinations receives credit for the theoretical knowledge requirements of the CPL (and the IR, in the same aircraft category). ATPL theory passes remain valid for 36 months for CPL and IR issue purposes.
The practical result: students aiming for an airline first officer seat almost always complete the full ATPL theory syllabus rather than the narrower CPL theory. Completing full ATPL theory satisfies the CPL theory requirement at the same time, so there is no efficiency in stopping short. Studying with an ATPL-depth bank means you are covered for CPL theory either way.
CPL-only theory route
Valid if you are not pursuing an airline career path. CPL theory covers 13 subjects at a level sufficient for a Commercial Pilot Licence. It does not by itself satisfy ATPL theory requirements.
Full ATPL theory route (credits CPL)
Full ATPL theoretical knowledge passes, under FCL.035, credit the CPL theory requirement. Most airline-track students take this route because it covers CPL, IR, and ATPL requirements in one pass.
These are summary descriptions of a regulatory route, not legal advice. Confirm your exact credit position with your ATO and national aviation authority. Rules can change and individual circumstances vary.
What SkyStudy gives CPL theory candidates
What SkyStudy gives CPL theory candidates
SkyStudy is an ATPL-depth question bank and study system. For a CPL candidate, every relevant subject is fully covered.
Practice by subject
Work through every CPL subject area, filter by topic, and see exactly where your knowledge is solid and where it needs work.
Timed mock sessions
Shift from open practice into exam-pace sessions as your sitting approaches, so accuracy holds under time pressure.
Weak-area tracking
Analytics show which subjects and topics need the next revision block instead of guessing where to spend limited study time.
Spaced repetition
Questions you miss come back on a spaced schedule so earlier subjects stay alive while you study new ones.
- All 13 CPL theory subject areas covered at ATPL depth.
- Every question mapped to an EASA learning objective so you can see exactly which topics need more work.
- Explanations after every answer: a miss becomes a lesson, not just a wrong tick.
- Installable as a PWA for offline study: questions sync back when you reconnect. See /get-the-app.
- Free during beta: the full bank, no card required.
Competitors including Aviationexam, BGS Online, and ATPLquestions bundle CPL and IR access with their ATPL subscriptions. SkyStudy gives you the full bank free during beta, with no tier or paywall on any subject area.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Can I use SkyStudy to prepare for CPL theory exams?
What subjects are in EASA CPL theory?
Does passing ATPL theory exempt me from CPL theory?
Are ATPL questions harder than CPL questions?
What is the ECQB and does SkyStudy use it?
How is CPL theory different from ATPL theory?
Related guides
These pages cover the CPL licence itself, the ATPL question bank, and the full list of ATPL subjects.
What a CPL lets you do, requirements, and how it connects to ATPL theory.
31,032 questions across every EASA ATPL subject, with question counts per subject.
Every ATPL subject area mapped to learning objectives and exam structure.
Preparing for the IR theory exams? The 7 IR subjects are covered in the same bank.
ATPL preparation covers CPL theory and more.
The SkyStudy ATPL question bank combines 31,032 ATPL-depth questions with explanations, timed mock sessions, and spaced repetition. Every CPL subject area is included. Free during beta, no card needed.
Important information
This page is general educational information for student pilots and may be out of date.
Aviation rules, training requirements, costs, medical standards, and exam details change over time and vary by country, authority, and training organisation, so details here may no longer be current or may differ in your case.
Always confirm the current details with your approved training organisation (ATO) and national aviation authority before relying on them.
SkyStudy is an independent study aid, is not affiliated with EASA or any aviation authority, and does not guarantee any exam or licence outcome.
Last reviewed July 2026