Why an exam simulator matters
Timed mocks replicate NAA exam pressure — without them you risk running out of time.
Contents
Format
The TKA A1/A3 exam is 40 questions in 30 minutes at ≥75% pass mark. A2 is 30 questions in 30 minutes at the same threshold. Time management is critical — you have roughly 45–60 seconds per question on average.
A mock exam simulator replicates these conditions: a live countdown timer, randomly drawn questions from the full topic pool, and a final score displayed exactly as in the real TKA test. Without timed practice you cannot know whether you will finish in time.
Preparation
Reading and simulator practice are two different learning actions. Reading builds theory; the simulator tests whether that theory is accessible under rapid-decision conditions. Both are necessary.
The recommended minimum is five full timed mock exams before the real sitting. In each session, track not just the final score but which topics you most often get wrong — those are your weak points.
Exam tip
Mistakes
The most common mistake is studying without time limits and then being surprised when the clock runs out in the actual exam before reviewing all questions. Another error: always practising the same questions without covering the full bank.
A third mistake is using a simulator only once, the night before the exam. That is not enough. Regular use across multiple sessions over several weeks creates durable memory — exactly what the exam tests.
Mocks
A2STS mock exams generate question sets drawn from the entire bank, so each attempt is different. This prevents pure question memorisation and genuinely tests knowledge.
After each mock, A2STS shows which categories scored below threshold and suggests targeted review sessions. This feedback loop is the core value that static PDFs and YouTube videos cannot provide.
Frequently asked questions
- How many mock tests are enough before the exam?
- The recommended minimum is five full timed tests. Ideally 8–10, with targeted review sessions between them. When you consistently score ≥85%, you are ready.
- Are simulator questions identical to TKA questions?
- A2STS questions are built around the EASA/TKA question bank structure and topics. Exact question-by-question match cannot be guaranteed, but topics and difficulty levels closely mirror the real exam.
Authority & sources
A2STS Editorial · Reviewed by: EASA UAS syllabus aligned