FAA Color Vision Test 2025: New Computerized Testing Rules for Pilots

Last Updated: January 2025 | Reading Time: 6 minutes

The FAA retired Ishihara plates in January 2025. Here's what pilots need to know about the new computerized color vision testing requirements.

What Changed with FAA Color Vision Testing in 2025?

Effective January 1, 2025, the FAA replaced traditional Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plate tests with mandatory computerized color vision testing for all new pilot medical certificate applicants. The familiar books filled with colored dots hiding numbers are no longer accepted for FAA medical certification.

Key changes to FAA color vision testing:

Ishihara plates and 18 other legacy tests are no longer FAA-approved
Only three computerized color vision tests are now accepted
Digital tests display randomized patterns that cannot be memorized
Color vision screening is now a one-time requirement for most pilots
Existing pilots with unrestricted medicals are grandfathered

The FAA implemented these changes following a 2002 NTSB safety recommendation after a FedEx Boeing 727 crash in Tallahassee, Florida, where the first officer's color vision deficiency was identified as a contributing factor.

Three FAA-Approved Computerized Color Vision Tests

The FAA now recognizes only these three computerized color vision tests for pilot medical certification:

1. City Occupational Colour Assessment & Diagnosis (CAD Test)

The CAD test (AVOT-PRO-US) was developed by City University in London and measures red-green and blue-yellow color discrimination under aviation-specific standards.

Accuracy: Highest precision of the three approved tests
Cost: Equipment exceeds $10,000
Availability: Less common in general AME offices due to cost

2. Rabin Cone Contrast Test (RCCT)

The RCCT test was originally designed for U.S. military aviation (Air Force, Army, Navy, Coast Guard) and evaluates each eye's cone cell response to red, green, and blue stimuli.

FAA passing score: 55 or higher for each color channel (red, green, blue)
Testing method: Each eye tested separately
Track record: Years of proven reliability in military pilot screening

3. Waggoner Computerized Color Vision Test (CCVT)

The Waggoner CCVT is a modern digital color plate test available for Windows, iPad, and Android devices.

FAA passing score: 21 or higher out of 25 on general screening
Tests for: Red-green (protan/deutan) and blue-yellow (tritan) deficiencies
Cost: Approximately $1,000 for software license
Availability: Most widely available due to lower cost

Important: Pilots can attempt any or all three tests. Passing just one satisfies the FAA color vision requirement.

Do Pilots Need to Take the Color Vision Test Every Medical Exam?

No. Under the 2025 FAA policy, color vision testing is a one-time requirement for most pilots.

The FAA recognizes that color vision deficiency is typically a stable, hereditary condition that doesn't change with age. Once you pass an approved computerized color vision test, you won't need to retest at future medical exams.

Exceptions requiring retesting:

Taking medications that affect color vision (e.g., sildenafil/Viagra)
Developing eye conditions affecting color perception (glaucoma, advanced cataracts, macular degeneration)
Upgrading from third-class to first- or second-class medical certificate

Are Existing Pilots Grandfathered from New Color Vision Testing?

Yes. Pilots who held a medical certificate without a color vision limitation before January 1, 2025 are grandfathered under the new policy.

Grandfathering rules for FAA color vision testing:

Pilot Status	New Test Required?	Action
Current medical, no color vision limitation	No	AME marks "Pass" on future exams
First/second class with SODA or LOE	No	Continue under existing authorization
Third class with SODA or LOE (keeping third class)	No	No retesting required
Third class upgrading to first/second class	Yes	Must pass computerized test
First-time applicant (2025 or later)	Yes	One-time computerized test required

What Happens If You Fail the FAA Color Vision Test?

Failing the computerized color vision test does not end your flying career.

If you cannot pass any of the three approved tests, the AME will issue a third-class medical certificate with limitation #104: "Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only."

What limitation #104 means for pilots:

You can fly during daylight hours under VFR conditions
No night flying operations
No flying requiring color signal recognition
Many recreational pilots are minimally impacted

Options for removing the color vision limitation:

Appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon
Pursue operational testing pathways (OCVT)
Medical Flight Test (CV MFT) through local FSDO

Approximately 7-8% of men and 0.5% of women have some form of color vision deficiency. Color blindness limits the scope of your flying—it doesn't eliminate it.

How to Prepare for Your FAA Color Vision Test

Tips for First-Time Medical Certificate Applicants

Pre-test before your AME appointment. Find an eye specialist with FAA-approved computerized tests and get evaluated before your official medical exam. AMEs accept proof of successful tests from other providers.

Verify your AME has testing equipment. Not all AMEs have purchased computerized testing systems. Call ahead to confirm availability. Some AMEs refer pilots elsewhere for color vision testing.

Understand your options. You can attempt all three approved tests. Failing one doesn't prevent trying others. There's no limit on number of attempts.

Know the passing scores:

CAD: Normal RG score (varies by diagnosis)
RCCT: 55+ for each color (red, green, blue)
Waggoner: 21+ out of 25 on general screening

Frequently Asked Questions: FAA Color Vision Test 2025

Can I still use Ishihara plates for my FAA medical exam?

No. As of January 1, 2025, Ishihara pseudoisochromatic plates are no longer accepted for FAA pilot medical certification. Only the three approved computerized tests (CAD, RCCT, Waggoner CCVT) are valid.

How much does FAA color vision testing cost?

Costs vary by AME and test used. The Waggoner CCVT software costs AMEs approximately $1,000, while CAD equipment exceeds $10,000. Expect additional fees ($25-100) added to your standard medical exam cost if your AME performs the test in-office.

Can color blind pilots get an FAA medical certificate?

Yes. Pilots with color vision deficiency can receive a third-class medical certificate with a day-VFR-only limitation. Some color deficient pilots may also qualify for unrestricted certificates through operational testing and medical flight tests.

Do I need a color vision test if I already have a pilot certificate?

Only if your current medical certificate has a color vision limitation you want removed, or if you're upgrading from third-class to first- or second-class medical. Otherwise, pilots with unrestricted certificates are grandfathered and don't need retesting.

Which FAA color vision test is easiest to pass?

The tests measure different aspects of color perception, so results vary by individual. Approximately 35% of color vision deficient applicants can pass at least one of the three approved tests. The Waggoner CCVT is most widely available; try all three if needed.

Can I wear color-correcting glasses or contacts for the FAA color vision test?

No. The FAA does not accept X-Chrom lenses, ColorMax glasses, or other color vision correcting devices as a means for meeting color vision standards. You must pass the test with your natural color vision or standard corrective lenses.

Key Takeaways: FAA Color Vision Testing 2025

January 2025: FAA retired Ishihara plates, now requires computerized testing
Three approved tests: CAD, RCCT, Waggoner CCVT (pass any one)
One-time testing: Pass once, no retesting required (with exceptions)
Grandfathered: Existing pilots without limitations don't need new testing
Failure isn't fatal: Day-VFR limitation available; flying continues
Pre-test recommended: Verify color vision before official AME exam

Official Sources and References

Disclaimer

This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute official FAA guidance, medical advice, or legal counsel. Color vision requirements and testing procedures may change. Always consult the current FAA Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners for authoritative requirements. Contact your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) or a qualified aviation medical consultant for guidance specific to your situation.

PilotPrep is an independent resource and is not affiliated with the FAA, AOPA, or any government agency.