For aspiring pilots, passing the color vision screening is a critical step in obtaining a medical certificate. As of January 1, 2025, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has implemented significant changes, moving away from traditional paper booklets (like the Ishihara plates) toward computer-based testing for all new applicants.
Below is the definitive guide to the passing scores for both the new computer-based exams and the legacy tests still relevant for some returning pilots.
New Computer-Based Tests (Required for New Applicants)
Effective January 1, 2025, if you are a first-time applicant for an FAA medical certificate, you must take one of the following FAA-approved computer-based tests. These tests are designed to be more accurate and prevent memorization.
1. Colour Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD)
This test measures your color threshold units (SU). You do not need a perfect score to pass; you must simply fall within the “safe” range for aviation.
- To Pass (Normal Vision): Red-Green (RG) score of less than 1.7.
- To Pass (with Deficiency): The FAA allows for specific thresholds even if you have a diagnosis:
- Deutan (Green deficient): Score must be less than 6 standard units (SU).
- Protan (Red deficient): Score must be less than 12 standard units (SU).
- Yellow-Blue (YB): Score must be less than 2.4.
2. Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)
Used heavily by the U.S. military, this test measures the sensitivity of your cone cells (red, green, and blue) individually.
- To Pass: You must score 55 or higher on EACH color cone type (Red, Green, and Blue).
- Note: The test is scored out of 100. A score of 55 is considered the minimum safe threshold for aviation duties.
3. Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (CCVT)
This is a digital adaptation of traditional plate tests but with randomized presentation to ensure validity.
- To Pass (General Screening): A score of 21 or higher (out of 25 plates).
- If You Fail Screening: The software will administer detailed diagnostic sections. You can still pass if you meet all the following criteria:
- Protan (Red): 20 or higher (out of 32).
- Deutan (Green): 20 or higher (out of 32).
- Tritan (Blue/Yellow): 10 or higher (out of 12).
Legacy Standard Tests (Returning Pilots Only)
If you are a returning pilot who has historically passed a standard plate test (before the 2025 rule change), you generally do not need to switch to a computer-based test unless you are upgrading your class of medical or have a new medical condition.
The following are the passing criteria for the most common “legacy” tests found in Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) offices.
| Test Name | Minimum Score to Pass |
| Ishihara (14-plate concise) | Fewer than 6 errors on plates 1-11. |
| Ishihara (24-plate) | Fewer than 7 errors on plates 1-15. |
| Ishihara (38-plate) | Fewer than 9 errors on plates 1-21. |
| Dvorine (2nd Edition) | Fewer than 7 errors on plates 1-15. |
| Richmond (1983 Edition) | Fewer than 7 errors on plates 1-15. |
| Richmond-HRR (4th Edition) | Fewer than 2 errors on plates 5-24. |
| Farnsworth Lantern (FALANT) | Average of 1 error or less per series of 9 pairs. |
Important: While many AMEs still have these books, they are no longer acceptable for initial applicants as of Jan 1, 2025. New pilots must use the computer-based options listed above.
What If I Fail the Test?
Failing the initial color vision screening does not mean you cannot be a pilot. It triggers a specific process:
- Daytime Restriction: You will initially be issued a medical certificate with the limitation: “Not valid for night flight or by color signal control”.
- Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT): You can request a practical test with an FAA safety inspector. This involves reading an aeronautical chart and identifying light gun signals from a control tower (Red, Green, and White).
- Medical Flight Test (MFT): For First or Second Class medicals, you must also pass a flight test to demonstrate you can identify aviation lights and colored cockpit instruments in a real-world setting.
If you pass these practical tests, you will be issued a Letter of Evidence (LOE), which permanently overrides the need for future color vision testing.
Need to Schedule a Test?
If you are unsure about your status or need to take one of the new computer-based exams (CAD, Rabin, or Waggoner), we recommend finding a specialized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) equipped with the latest 2025-compliant technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I become a pilot if I am colorblind? Yes, you can still become a pilot with color vision deficiency. If you fail the standard screening test, you may be issued a medical certificate with the restriction: “Not valid for night flight or by color signal control”. However, you can remove this restriction by passing an alternate computer-based test or a practical operational test (OCVT).
2. What are the new FAA color vision testing requirements for 2025? Effective January 1, 2025, the FAA requires new applicants to take an approved computer-based color vision test rather than traditional paper plates. The approved computer-based tests include the Colour Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD), Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT), and the Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (CCVT).
3. What is the passing score for the CAD (Colour Assessment & Diagnosis) test? To pass the CAD test for an FAA medical certificate, you generally need a Red-Green (RG) score of less than 1.7 standard units (SU) for normal vision. However, the FAA allows scores up to less than 6 SU for Deutan (green) deficiency and less than 12 SU for Protan (red) deficiency.
4. Can I use color-correcting glasses (like Colorkinds or X-Chrom) during the test? No. The FAA strictly prohibits the use of color-correcting lenses, such as Colorkinds or similar sunglasses, during color vision testing or while performing pilot duties. You must pass the test with your natural vision or standard prescription corrective lenses only.
5. What happens if I fail the computer-based color vision test? If you fail the initial screening, you will receive a medical certificate with a limitation restricting night flying and color signal control. You may then request to take an Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT), which is a practical test administered by an FAA safety inspector.
6. What is the Operational Color Vision Test (OCVT)? The OCVT is a practical test designed to prove you can perform aviation duties despite a color deficiency. It consists of two parts: a Signal Light Test (identifying Red, Green, and White lights from a tower) and an Aeronautical Chart Reading test (identifying symbols and terrain colors on a map).
7. Do I need to take the Medical Flight Test (MFT)? You only need to take the Medical Flight Test (MFT) if you are applying for a First or Second Class medical certificate and have failed the standard vision tests. This is an in-flight evaluation where you must demonstrate the ability to identify colored aviation lights and instrument panel indicators.
8. If I pass an alternate test or OCVT, do I have to retake it every year? No. If you pass an OCVT and/or MFT, you will be issued a Letter of Evidence (LOE). This letter serves as permanent proof of your ability to meet color vision standards. You must present this letter at future medical exams, and the AME will not need to retest your color vision.
9. What passing score do I need for the Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)? For the FAA-approved Rabin Cone Contrast Test, you must achieve a score of 55 or higher on each of the three cone types: Red, Green, and Blue.
10. Is it harder to pass the color vision test for a First Class Medical? The screening tests (Ishihara, CAD, etc.) use the same passing criteria regardless of the class of medical you are applying for. However, if you fail the screening and require practical testing, the First and Second Class medicals require the additional Medical Flight Test (MFT), whereas the Third Class only requires the ground-based OCVT
Reference:
1.Colour Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD)