REQUIRED. This kit is a condensed & less expensive version of the kits that aviation media vendors sell. They are in the business of selling media – but we are in the business of teaching you to fly & pass the test; so we have narrowed the materials down to only what is necessary. Expect 20 – 30 hours to learn this material. Software is included to prepare for the FAA test. You can cut this time commitment in half & easily review the info over & over by buying the Video-Based Series instead.