The Kenya Civil Aviation Authority (KCAA), under the Directorate of Aviation Safety, Security and Regulations (DASSR) – Personnel Licensing (PEL) department, conducts knowledge tests for licensing in various aviation professions. These include Private Pilot Licence (PPL), Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL), Flight Dispatch (FD), Air Traffic Control (ATC), Radiotelephony (RTF), English Language Proficiency Rating (ELPR), Aircraft Maintenance Engineer Licence (AMEL), Remote Pilot Licence (RPL), and others.
The Administrative AIC (AIC 02/26 – WHITE 299), published January 1, 2026, outlines the 2026 examination timetable, rules, and requirements. This cancels AIC 02/25 (White 285). The timetable covers multiple sessions throughout the year at the KCAA Examination Centre (Aviation House, Wing B, Ground Floor, Nairobi), unless otherwise advised.
Official Source: Download the full timetable PDF from kcaa.or.ke or check the Personnel Licensing section on www.kcaa.or.ke.
Key Contacts:
- Tel: +254 794 471 825
- Email: info@kcaa.or.ke or ais@kcaa.or.ke
- Website: www.kcaa.or.ke (E-Citizen portal: www.ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke for applications)
Important General Rules and Notes (from AIC 02/26):
- Refer to current Advisory Circular CAA-AC-PEL006 (Theoretical knowledge testing for a license or rating) and CAA-AC-PEL013 (for re-sits).
- Candidates provide own CRP navigation computer, pens, pencils, and instruments. No electronic/programmable devices, cell phones, cameras, or gadgets allowed. Non-programmable digital nav computers (CX-1, CX-2, CX-3) permitted only for CPL, ATPL, FE, FD (batteries removed, checked by invigilator). PPL candidates prohibited from digital nav computers.
- Venue: KCAA Aviation House, Wing B, Ground Floor (unless notified otherwise).
- Applications: Via E-Citizen portal (www.ecitizen.kcaa.or.ke). Submit Form PEL015 (duly completed; FD, PPL, CPL forms signed by KCAA-approved ATO instructor). Bookings before closing date only.
- Re-sits: Allowed per ACs; submit Form PEL015 with proof of refresher course signed by approved instructor.
- Identification & Payment: Present original ID/Passport and payment receipt to invigilator.
- Cheating: Severe sanctions, disqualification, possible prosecution.
- Reporting: Arrive by 8:15 AM; exam starts 8:30 AM. Latecomers (after 30 mins) not admitted.
- Attendance: Sign register with full details.
- Platform Upgrade: Transition from PEXO2 to PEXO3 for improved efficiency/security.
Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, phones, digital watches, earphones, wired gadgets.
2026 KCAA Knowledge Tests Timetable Summary
Exams are grouped by month, with specific dates, papers/exams, and closing dates for bookings. Sessions cover PPL, CPL, ATPL, FD, AMEL, ELPR, RTF, ATC, RPL, Specials/Conversions, TTR/Performance A/Basic Gas Turbines, Maintenance, and more.
January 2026
- 13–14 Jan: CPL & Flight Dispatch (Closing: 8 Jan)
- 15 Jan: Specials & Conversions (15 Jan); Radio Telephony (RTF) (15 Jan)
- 16 Jan: Maintenance (16 Jan); ELPR (16 Jan)
- 20 Jan: PPL (15 Jan closing)
- 21 Jan: PPL
- 22 Jan: Conversions (22 Jan); RTF (22 Jan)
- 23 Jan: AMEL (23 Jan); ELPR (23 Jan)
- 26 Jan: ATC & RPL (22 Jan closing)
- 27–28 Jan: ATPL & CPL
- 29 Jan: Specials (29 Jan); RTF (29 Jan)
- 30 Jan: TTR, Performance A & Basic Gas Turbines (30 Jan); ELPR (30 Jan)
February 2026
- 3–4 Feb: PPL & Flight Dispatch (29 Jan closing)
- 5 Feb: RTF (5 Feb); Specials & Conversions (5 Feb)
- 6 Feb: AMEL (6 Feb); ELPR (6 Feb)
- 9 Feb: ATC & RPL (5 Feb closing)
- 10–11 Feb: PPL & CPL
- 12 Feb: Specials & Conversions (12 Feb); RTF (12 Feb)
- 13 Feb: TTR, Performance A & Basic Gas Turbines
- 16 Feb: RTF (12 Feb closing)
- 17–18 Feb: ATPL & Flight Dispatch
- 19 Feb: Specials & Conversions (19 Feb)
- 20 Feb: AMEL (20 Feb); ELPR (20 Feb)
- 23 Feb: ATC & RPL (19 Feb closing); RTF (23 Feb)
- 24–25 Feb: PPL & CPL
- 26 Feb: Specials & Conversions (26 Feb); RTF (26 Feb)
- 27 Feb: TTR, Performance A & Basic Gas Turbines (27 Feb); ELPR (27 Feb)
- 2 Mar: ELPR (26 Feb closing)
March 2026
- 3–4 Mar: ATPL & Flight Dispatch
- 5 Mar: Specials & Conversions (5 Mar); RTF (5 Mar)
- 6 Mar: AMEL (6 Mar); ELPR (6 Mar)
- 10–11 Mar: PPL & CPL (5 Mar closing)
- 12 Mar: Specials (12 Mar); RTF (12 Mar)
- 13 Mar: TTR, Performance A & Basic Gas Turbines (13 Mar); ELPR (13 Mar)
- 16 Mar: ATC & RPL (12 Mar closing); RTF (16 Mar)
- 17–18 Mar: PPL & Flight Dispatch
- 19 Mar: Specials & Conversions (19 Mar)
- 20 Mar: AMEL (20 Mar); ELPR (20 Mar)
- 23 Mar: Maintenance (19 Mar closing)
- 24–25 Mar: PPL & CPL
- 26 Mar: Specials & Conversions (26 Mar); RTF (26 Mar)
- 27 Mar: TTR, Performance A & Basic Gas Turbines (27 Mar); ELPR (27 Mar)
- 31 Mar–1 Apr: PPL & ATPL (26 Mar closing)
- 2 Apr: Specials & Conversions (2 Apr); RTF (2 Apr)
- 3 Apr: Public Holiday – Good Friday
(And so on for April–December; full details in the PDF linked above. Patterns include recurring sessions for PPL/CPL/ATPL/FD, AMEL, ELPR, RTF, Specials/Conversions, ATC/RPL, Maintenance, TTR/Performance, with public holidays noted like Labour Day (1 May), Madaraka Day (1 Jun), Mashujaa Day (20 Oct).)
This KCAA 2026 aeronautical knowledge tests guide covers the full-year timetable and strict rules for pilots, engineers, dispatchers, controllers, and remote pilots. Book early via E-Citizen, prepare per ACs, and arrive on time.
For the complete timetable PDF, Form PEL015, ACs (PEL006/PEL013), or updates, visit www.kcaa.or.ke or the E-Citizen portal. Safe skies and successful licensing in 2026! Contact KCAA for any clarifications.
