1. Start with the syllabus, not the textbook

Every module syllabus lists its sub-topics with a knowledge level of 1, 2 or 3 for each licence category. Level 1 means familiarity with the principal elements, level 2 a general knowledge of theory and practice, and level 3 a detailed understanding you can apply. Knowing the level tells you how deep to go — there is no point memorising derivations for a level-1 topic while skimming a level-3 one.

2. Work through one reference book, chapter by chapter

Pick one standard reference text per module and follow it in syllabus order. Make short notes in your own words as you go; the act of summarising is what makes information stick.

3. Plan one module at a time — and cluster related ones

Build a realistic weekly schedule and finish one module before starting the next. Some modules support each other: Module 3 (Electrical Fundamentals) prepares you for Modules 4 and 5, and Module 8 (Basic Aerodynamics) leads naturally into Module 11 or 12.

4. Practise questions under exam conditions

Multiple-choice exams test speed as well as knowledge. Once you have covered a topic, sit timed practice sets without notes. The pass mark for Part-66 multiple-choice papers is 75%, so aim to score comfortably above that in practice before you book the real exam.

5. Understand, do not just memorise

Question banks change, and distractor options are written to catch candidates who remember answers without understanding them. If you can explain why each wrong option is wrong, you are ready.

6. Secure the foundations

Mathematics (Module 1) and Physics (Module 2) underpin almost everything else. Weakness in transposing formulas, handling units or basic trigonometry will cost marks in the electrical, aerodynamics and propulsion papers too.

7. Keep a formula and units sheet

Write every formula, unit and conversion you meet on a single sheet and review it daily. Pay special attention to prefixes (milli, micro, kilo, mega) and to imperial units that still appear in aviation, such as psi, feet and pounds.

8. Keep an error log

Record every practice question you get wrong, together with the correct reasoning, and revisit the log every week. Patterns appear quickly — and fixing them is the fastest way to raise your score.

9. Read every question twice

Words such as NOT, EXCEPT, MOST likely and FIRST change the answer completely. Eliminate the options you know are wrong, choose the best remaining answer and move on; flag hard questions and return to them if time allows.

10. Look after the logistics — and yourself

Book exam sessions early, check the current rules and identity requirements of your authority, and plan the journey to the exam centre. Sleep well in the days before the exam: tired brains misread questions.

Remember: passing modules is only part of the licence. You also need the required practical experience in an approved organisation, so keep your logbook up to date while you study.