On March 1, 2010, the price to take an FAA test will go up by $50.  The nationally advertised price for these tests currently is $100; it will rise to $150 on March 1st.  This is due to a new requirement the FAA is levying on the two testing companies that will force them (CATS and Lasergrade) to charge a new $50 ODA fee.  The new requirement on CATS and Lasergrade requires them to travel in person each year to every testing center they supervise to perform inspections and training.  This will undoubtedly mean additional costs to CATS and Lasergrade in the form of travel expenses and per diem, as well as hiring additional staff. 
     As always, we wanted to keep you informed.  -SA