Test / Course Info
everything you need to know before becoming certified
Ready to Earn Your Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate?
Whether you've gained the required experience through civilian employment, military service, or an aviation maintenance school, the path to FAA certification starts at your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Here's everything you need to know to get the process started.
Acceptable Forms of Identification
For U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens
Acceptable valid and current forms of photo ID:
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U.S. territory or state-issued driver's license
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U.S. government identification card
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U.S. military identification card
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Passport
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Alien residency card
For Non-U.S. Citizens
A passport AND one or more of the following valid, current forms of photo ID:
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Country-issued driver's license
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An identification card issued by any government entity
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Foreign military identification card
mINIMUM aGE
At least 18 years old
Language
Must speak, read, write, and understand English
Testing Window
Must pass all FAA exams within a 24-month period from first test date
Experience - Single Rating
18 months of practical experience for one rating (Airframe or Powerplant)
Experience - A&P (Both)
30 months of practical experience concurrently performing duties for both Airframe and Powerplant ratings
Experience Expiry
Experience does not expire as long as evidence is available. Once testing begins, 24 months to complete all testing.
Military Aircraft Mechanic Experience
(JSAMTCC Pathway)
The Joint Services Aviation Maintenance Technician Credentialing Council (JSAMTCC) program provides a structured pathway for military aviation technicians to obtain their FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification. This FAA-recognized program allows eligible Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve members to translate their military training and hands-on aircraft maintenance experience into civilian certification requirements under Title 14 CFR Part 65.
Most military aircraft maintenance technicians qualify by documenting a minimum of 30 months of practical experience in both airframe and powerplant systems. The JSAMTCC program is designed to support professional development, improve career transition into civilian aviation, and strengthen workforce readiness. It also helps ensure candidates are properly prepared for FAA written, oral, and practical examinations.
Program Structure
The program consists of three key components:
Online Training Courses
General, Airframe, Powerplant
On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Completion of a Qualification Training Package (QTP)
Experience Documentation
Verified record of at least 30 months of hands-on aircraft maintenance experience
.avif)
Military Aircraft Mechanic Experience Requirements
You must have aircraft experience prior to applying or taking any FAA exams. Military experience starts after you graduate from your technical school.
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At least 18 months of practical experience with procedures, practices, materials, tools, machine tools, and equipment for constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought, OR
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At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing duties appropriate to both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.
Getting Your Training Documentation Ready
Gather training records (623s, TBA, training records, DD-214) and contact your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to ask what documentation they need to see before your appointment with the Inspector.
For veterans: bring your DD214 and any additional training records. To obtain your DD214, visit: https://www.dd214.us/
At the FSDO appointment, you will provide all documentation proving you are qualified. After the Inspector reviews your ID, records, and conducts an oral interview, they will issue you FAA Form 8610-2 ("tickets") if you are qualified. You MUST have your 8610-2 for every FAA Exam you take.
America's Best AMT Courses will help you review your records if needed before you sit down with the FAA.
Airman Knowledge Exams
(Written Tests)
General Exam
60 multiple-choice questions. Required regardless of whether you pursue one rating or both.
Airframe Exam
100 multiple-choice questions.
Powerplant Exam
100 multiple-choice questions.
Passing Score
70% or higher on each exam.
Time Limit
Up to 2 hours per exam.
Required Documents at Testing
Valid ID and FAA Form 8610-2. Non-U.S. citizens must bring a passport.
Oral & Practical (O&P) Exams
After passing the written exams, the next step is the Oral and Practical Exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The testing covers 43 technical subjects, broken into two parts.
orals
The DME will test your knowledge verbally. You'll be asked a series of questions and must answer based on what you know and what you learned.
Practicals
You demonstrate to the Examiner that you can perform core competency items per subject. Before performing any task:
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Open your manual or book
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Find the job
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Show the DME you know how to navigate through the books/publications
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Read the instructions
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Then perform the task
Performance Levels for O&P
Evaluators must conduct practical tests in accordance with the appropriate ACS and policies set forth in the current version of FAA Order 8900.1, Flight Standards Information Management System.
The ACS consists of three Sections: General, Airframe, and Powerplant.
Each Section includes Subjects appropriate to that Section and consistent with the expertise necessary to obtain a mechanic certificate under 14 CFR part 65.
Each Subject begins with an Objective stating what the applicant should know, consider, and do, as appropriate. The ACS then lists the aeronautical knowledge, risk management, and skill elements relevant to the specific Subjects, along with the conditions and standards for acceptable performance.
How to Use the ACS
Knowledge
(written test, oral test) elements are indicated by use of the words, "Exhibits knowledge in..."
Risk
(oral test, practical test) elements are indicated by the use of the words, “Determine, Identify, Creates…"
Skill
(practical test) elements are indicated by the use of the words, "Demonstrates the skill to perform..."
The ACS may use Notes to emphasize special considerations. The ACS uses the terms "will" and "must" to convey directive (mandatory) information. The term “may” is used in a permissive sense to state authority or permission to do the act prescribed. Element codes in the ACS divide into four components. For example,
AM.I.A.K1
AM = ACS (Aviation Mechanic)
I = Section (General)
A = Subject (Basic Electricity)
K1 = Knowledge Element (Electron theory
(conventional flow vs. electron flow.))
Knowledge test questions are linked to the ACS codes, which replace the previous system of Learning Statement Codes (LSC). After this transition, the AKTR will list an ACS code that correlates to a specific Subject element for a given Section and Subject. This will allow remedial instruction and re-testing to be specific and based on explicit learning criteria. The FAA encourages applicants and instructors to use the ACS when preparing for tests.
Before You Enroll — Quick Checklist
Simple. Fast. Ready to Start
✔ Confirm Eligibility – Make sure you have the required authorization
✔ Choose Your Fast-Track Course – Pick the program that fits your goal
✔ Secure Your Seat – Enroll and complete payment
✔ Lock It In – Sign your Student Agreement
Choose Your Fast Track to Certification
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12-Day A&P Fast Track – Go from start to finish, fast.
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3-Day O&P Prep – Get ready. Test. Pass.
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3-Day IA Course – Advance your career in days.
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Single Certifications – Airframe or Powerplant, your choice.
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7-Day Airframe – Quick path to your rating.
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7-Day Powerplant – Fast, focused, done.
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Drone Course – Enter a growing industry.
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FCC Course – Add valuable credentials.
Obtaining FAA Approval (FSDO)
Once you have acquired the required experience as an aircraft mechanic (civilian, military, or school), the first step in obtaining an A&P certificate is to visit your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Present all your documentation (work history, military records, or school information) to the inspector. The FAA does not charge for this service. Bring current photo ID that reflects any recent name or address changes.
