Additional flight instructor ratings

If you already hold a flight instructor certificate and want to add another rating (such as adding instrument-airplane to an existing airplane CFI certificate, or adding multiengine), you must meet the same eligibility requirements that apply to the new rating you're seeking. This includes appropriate ground and flight training, endorsements, and passing the required practical test.

However, there's an important benefit: you don't have to retake the Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI) knowledge test. Since you already passed this when you earned your initial flight instructor certificate, you're exempt from taking it again for additional ratings. You'll still need to pass any rating-specific knowledge tests (like the instrument instructor or multiengine instructor test), but the FOI portion is a one-time requirement. This streamlines the process of adding instructor ratings to your certificate.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*