The True Cost of a CogScreen-AE Evaluation: A 2026 Financial Guide for Pilots

One of the most frequent questions in the r/FAAHIMS and r/flying communities isn't about the subtests or the scoring—it's about the bill.

"I just got quoted $3,000 for a CogScreen. Is this a ripoff?"

The answer is usually: It depends on what's included.

The CogScreen-AE itself is a computerized test, but the FAA rarely accepts "just the scores." They require a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified neuropsychologist. In 2026, pilots are seeing total costs range from $1,500 to over $3,500.

This guide breaks down exactly where that money goes, why prices vary so wildly, and how to make sure you're getting the report the FAA actually wants.

💰 The Price Breakdown

When you pay for a "CogScreen," you aren't just paying for the 60 minutes you spend at the computer. You are paying for a professional's expertise, their clinical liability, and a specialized reporting process.

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
CogScreen-AE Software Fee	$150–$250	The "cost-plus" fee the doctor pays to the test vendor.
Clinical Interview & Intake	$300–$500	1–2 hours of face-to-face time with the neuropsychologist.
Test Administration	$400–$800	Includes the CogScreen-AE and any supplemental FAA-required tests.
Scoring & Interpretation	$300–$600	Analyzing your data against pilot-normed baselines.
Comprehensive FAA Report	$500–$1,500	The most variable and critical cost. 10–20 pages of clinical analysis.
TOTAL	$1,650–$3,650

📉 Why the Huge Range?

Why does one pilot pay $1,800 in Florida while another pays $3,200 in California?

1. Geography & Specialist Density

There are fewer than 200 neuropsychologists in the U.S. who are specifically trained and vetted for the FAA's specialized evaluations. In regions with higher concentrations (like Florida or Texas), competition keeps prices slightly lower. In more remote areas, you may pay a premium for a specialist's time—or travel costs to reach them.

2. The "HIMS" vs. "ADHD" Differential

A standard ADHD "Fast Track" evaluation is generally more straightforward and cheaper than a HIMS (Substance/SSRI) evaluation. HIMS cases often require more extensive clinical histories and a higher level of scrutiny, which translates to more billable hours for the professional.

3. Supplemental Testing

The FAA often requires more than just the CogScreen-AE. For certain conditions, you may need a full "Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory" (MMPI-3) or additional psychiatric screenings. Each "add-on" test increases the total cost.

⚠️ The Hidden Cost of "Cheap" Evaluations

It is tempting to shop for the lowest quote. But in the world of FAA medical certification, a cheap report that gets rejected is the most expensive mistake you can make.

The FAA is remarkably specific about their reporting requirements. If your neuropsychologist doesn't include the specific pilot-normed LRPV scores, or fails to address the "Core Functional Requirements" of a pilot as outlined in the AME Guide, the FAA will simply send the report back.

The Result: You're grounded for another 3 months while the report is amended—or worse, you have to pay for a new evaluation with a different specialist.

💡 How to Manage the Expense

Ask for an Itemized Quote: Ensure the price includes the final written report.
Verify Training: Ask the doctor: "Have you submitted CogScreen reports to the FAA Aeromedical Certification Division in Oklahoma City before?"
Insurance Check: Most private health insurance policies exclude "occupational" or "educational" testing. However, some pilots have had success using HSA or FSA funds. Check with your provider.
Prepare to Pass: The most expensive outcome is a "fail" or a "borderline" result caused by test-day anxiety or unfamiliarity.

Testing anxiety is real, and it can lower your processing speed scores. PilotPrep was designed to remove the variable of "unfamiliarity." By training on the 13 subtest formats for a fraction of the test's cost, you ensure that the $3,000 you're spending on the evaluation reflects your true cognitive ability, not your confusion about the interface.

Conclusion

A CogScreen-AE evaluation is a significant investment in your career. While the $1,500–$3,500 price tag is a bitter pill to swallow, it is a gateway to your medical certificate. Plan for the high end of the range, choose a specialist with a track record of FAA approvals, and prepare your mind so the results do you justice.

Questions about current quotes? Check out the latest threads on r/flying or r/FAAHIMS for recent pilot experiences.