Color vision standards changed in 2025. Whether you've always had a deficiency or are being screened for the first time, understanding the current FAA requirements is essential before your next exam.
Informational Use Only. The information on this page reflects our understanding of current FAA medical certification requirements and is provided for general educational purposes only. FAA policies, the AME Guide, and special issuance protocols are updated frequently and without notice. The FAA AME Guide and FAA Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) are the authoritative sources in all cases. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or medical advice. Always verify current requirements directly with your Aviation Medical Examiner and the official FAA AME Guide at faa.gov/ame_guide before making any certification decisions.
New Testing Requirements as of January 1, 2025
The FAA now requires one of three approved computer-based color vision tests (CAD, RCCT, or Waggoner CCVT) administered in person at your AME's office or another facility whose approved testing and results your AME verifies. The Ishihara plate book and FALANT are no longer accepted for new screening. Virtual, downloaded, or printed versions of the digital tests are not acceptable.
Applicants may take any or all of these approved tests, and the FAA FAQ permits repeat attempts. Testing must be in person, but may occur at another verified facility; it need not occur in Dr. Scott's office.
Cambridge Colour Assessment & Diagnosis
Measures the minimum color contrast threshold needed to distinguish hues. Results are compared against established pass/fail thresholds for red-green and blue-yellow axes. Considered the most clinically precise of the three.
Rabin Cone Contrast Test
Tests each cone type (red, green, blue) independently. A score of 55 or higher on each channel (RED, GREEN, BLUE) is required to pass. Widely used in clinical and AME settings; provides a quantitative score rather than a simple pass/fail plate count.
Computerized Color Vision Test
A computerized adaptation of the pseudoisochromatic plate concept. Applicants identify numbers or figures within color plates on screen. Results are scored against FAA pass/fail thresholds based on the number of plates correctly identified.
If the color vision standard is not met: The AME may issue a third-class medical, if otherwise qualified, with limitation 104: "Valid for day visual flight rules (VFR) only." Applicants may take any/all approved tests, including repeat attempts.
Color vision cases are relatively straightforward, but where you stand determines what to expect.
Previously passed any FAA-approved color vision test (Ishihara, FALANT, etc.)
First-time applicant who has never been screened for color vision
Failed all three approved tests — restriction issued or expected
3rd Class SODA/LOE holder wanting to upgrade to 1st or 2nd Class
Acquired color deficiency due to a known medical condition or medication
The FAA handles these two types of color deficiency differently.
Congenital color deficiency (commonly called "color blindness") is inherited, lifelong, and typically non-progressive. The FAA screens for it at each initial exam, but once a valid pass is documented, the FAA notes the screening is one-time for congenital deficiency.
Acquired deficiency develops due to an underlying cause — optic nerve disease, macular degeneration, certain medications, or other medical conditions. The FAA treats this differently because it may indicate an active, evolving condition and can worsen.
The FAA requires approved computerized tests administered in person. Applicants may take any/all approved tests, including repeat attempts, at the AME office or another facility whose test and results the AME verifies.
If deficiency appears to be new or progressive, the FAA will investigate the underlying cause as a separate medical issue.
The severity of color deficiency detected influences what pathways are available and whether a restriction is appropriate.
For acquired deficiency, the underlying condition (eye disease, neurologic condition, medication) is part of the overall certification review.