Thousands of passengers per year rely on the work of aviation technicians to ensure their safety. Therefore, they should meet the strict testing requirements to qualify for the certification. All applicants for an FAA Aviation Mechanic Certificate must qualify by meeting the prescribed requirements as stated in 14 CFR part 65, section 65.77. They must additionally pass a written knowledge test, and the oral and practical tests for the certificate and/or rating sought, in accordance with 14 CFR part 65, section 65.77.

What is required to complete a A&P Certification Program 

The Aviation Mechanic certificate has two ratings

1. The Airframe (A)

2. The Powerplant (P)

If you decide to seek both ratings, this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate".

➤ You must be:

• at least 18 years old by the completion of the exam.

• able to read, write, speak, and understand the English language.

➤ You must have at least:

• 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machines, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering an airframe or powerplant, appropriate to the rating sought.

• 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.

➤ You may also be eligible:

• by graduating from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) or

• by completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) training course for military personnel.

➤ You should be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.

➤ You must pass the knowledge (written), oral, and practical tests. Additional information on knowledge testing.

1. There are three knowledge tests required to receive the Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. You must take the General knowledge test first, followed by the Airframe and/or Powerplant knowledge test(s).

2. Many of the AMT knowledge test questions are based on content from the AMT Handbooks:

• AMT-General Handbook

• AMT-Airframe Handbook (Volume 1), (Volume 2)

• MT-Powerplant Handbook (Volume 1), (Volume 2)

➤ Details on AMT knowledge test subject areas may be found in 14 CFR part 147, appendix B, C, and D.

• You will be administered an oral test by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) based on the Testing Standards