Consider the Private Pilot Knowledge Exam. There are 11 areas of concentration within the exam. Each of these areas has a different number of possible questions you could be asked on your test: Basic Aerodynamics (44), Aircraft Systems(45), Flight Instruments (57), Regulations (153), etc.
A certain percentage of questions will be drawn from each area. So, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Basic Aerodynamics, the system will choose 6 questions from the 44 questions in that section. Likewise, if 10% of your test questions are to be on Regulations, the system will choose 6 questions from the 153 questions in that section.

As you can see, even though the test is generated randomly, the likelihood of you receiving the same questions from the Basic Aerodynamics section is higher than that of the Regulations section.

To stay as current as possible, you should obtain updates, by choosing "Check For Updates" in the Help menu within Prepware. You can also sign up for email notification of future updates by visiting Test Updates - FAA Knowledge Exams

1. Confirm that your computer meets the system requirements for the version of Prepware you have (Prepware 2011 requires OS X 10.5 or higher)
2. Often times people move the program out of it's folder in an attempt to create a shortcut. If you have done this, you can try putting it back, and use your computer's Help menu to find out how to correctly create a shortcut. If putting it back doesn't work, you may need to call customer service.
3. Make sure the disk is not in the computer when you attempt to put in the activation code.
4. Double, and then Triple check your activation code. 95% of the time an activation code presents a red X, it is due to the code being entered incorrectly. Enter the code exactly as it appears, including the dashes, and with no spaces. If you received your code via email, copy and paste it into the box to reduce the chance of error.

For further assistance, contact customer service at 1-800-ASA-2-FLY or email support.

1) All versions of Prepware, with the exception of Prepware School, are licensed for one user who may install it on two machines. If this agreement is violated, you will be unable to register and obtain Updates.

2) When registering on a second computer, you must use the same first and last name, and email address you used to register the software originally. Also, the system is 'case sensitive', meaning you must use upper or lower case letters exactly as you did originally.

If you have been locked out of the Updates, contact customer support via Email, or by phone at 1 (800) ASA-2-FLY. Be sure to have your Activation code ready for prompt service.

Prepware for iPhone provides a good on-the-go flashcard-like application, which can act as a supplement to the full desktop version of Prepware. This application also has Test and Study modes, however, they are specific to taking practice tests with a set amount of questions (to reflect the time allowed and number of questions you will experience at the testing center for your official FAA test). Test mode offers a set number of test questions, grades your test, and when completed, provides a review of all test questions, correct and incorrect answers, and a score. Study mode allows you to answer questions and receive immediate feedback as to the accuracy of your answer. Explanations are provided on demand, so you may review as you work your way through the study session. In Study mode, you will also receive a set number of questions which are drawn from the entire database, however, it is not searchable. Performance History is not saved beyond the current test, and completed tests cannot be submitted to obtain an endorsement.