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How to Get Your Student Pilot Certificate: Step-by-Step Guide

Complete step-by-step guide to getting your FAA student pilot certificate. Covers the IACRA application, TSA vetting, medical exam process, finding a CFI, first lesson expectations, and costs.

April 2026·8 min read read·Faraim Editorial

KEY POINT

A student pilot certificate is your first official step in becoming a pilot. It's free, it's relatively simple, and most people are surprised by how quickly they can start flying. Here's exactly how to get yours.

Getting a student pilot certificate is the first official FAA step in your journey to becoming a pilot. Without it, you cannot fly solo — meaning you can take lessons with an instructor, but you can't fly the aircraft by yourself until you hold this certificate. The good news: it's free and most people have it within a few weeks of starting the process.

Step 1: Find a CFI or Flight School

You don't need a student pilot certificate to take your first flying lesson. Most pilots start with an introductory flight — sometimes called a discovery flight — before committing to training. This is a great way to find an instructor you click with and determine if flying is right for you. To find a CFI, search the AOPA flight school finder or ask your local airports.

Step 2: Get a Medical Certificate (or Set Up BasicMed)

Before you can solo, you need either a valid FAA medical certificate (third class or higher) or BasicMed authorization. For your first medical, you'll see an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Complete the MedXPress form online first (at medxpress.faa.gov), then schedule your AME exam. For most healthy people, the exam takes 20-30 minutes and results in an immediate certificate.

Third-class medical: good for 60 months if under 40, 24 months if 40 or older
The medical examines vision (corrected is fine), hearing, blood pressure, cardiovascular health, and overall physical condition
Disqualifying conditions include certain heart conditions, epilepsy, substance dependence, and others — but many conditions can be accommodated with a Special Issuance
Consider AOPA's medical certification service (AMCS) if you have any health concerns before seeing an AME — it's free

Step 3: Apply Through IACRA

The Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system at iacra.faa.gov is where you apply for your student pilot certificate. Create an account, fill out the FAA Form 8710-1, and submit. Your CFI will review and sign off on the application electronically.

After submission, the TSA must vet your citizenship status before the FAA issues the certificate. US citizens typically receive a temporary certificate from the CFI immediately and a permanent plastic certificate by mail within a few weeks. Non-US citizens go through an additional TSA vetting process that can take 30-90 days through the Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP).

Step 4: Receive Your Certificate

Once approved, your student pilot certificate arrives by mail. The certificate has no expiration date. It authorizes you to train toward a pilot certificate and, once endorsed by your CFI, to fly solo. Keep it with you whenever you fly.

What Does a Student Pilot Certificate Allow?

Fly with a CFI as a student, receiving dual instruction
Fly solo — alone in the aircraft — after receiving a solo endorsement from your CFI
Fly cross-country solo after receiving the appropriate cross-country endorsement
Log pilot-in-command time during authorized solo flights

Expected Costs to Get Started

Student pilot certificate: Free
Third-class medical exam: $100-$200 depending on AME
Discovery/introductory flight (1 hour): $150-$250 depending on aircraft and school
Training logbook: $15-$30
FAR/AIM book: $20 (or use FARAIM.US for free)
Headset (own vs rent): $0 to rent at most schools, $200-$1,000+ to own

You can take flying lessons before completing all the certificate paperwork. Your first few hours with an instructor don't require a student pilot certificate — just a valid medical. Get your medical first, then work on the IACRA application with your CFI's help.