A&P General test questions, answered
Short answers to the questions people ask most about the FAA A&P General written test. Each one links to the FAA page or regulation it comes from.
How many questions are on the A&P General test?
60. The FAA says any test may also include non-scored validation questions, which are not part of that number. [FAA testing matrix p.6] What's on the test.
How long do you get for the A&P General test?
Up to two hours. That time includes the time to answer any non-scored validation questions. [FAA mechanic FAQ] [FAA testing matrix p.6]
What is the passing score on the A&P General test?
70. The FAA's FAQ describes it as a score of 70% or greater, which is 42 right out of 60. [FAA testing matrix p.6] [FAA mechanic FAQ]
What kind of questions are on the A&P General test?
Objective, multiple-choice questions. [FAA mechanic FAQ]
What subjects does the A&P General test cover?
The 12 General subjects of the FAA's Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards: electricity and electronics, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, fluid lines and fittings, materials, hardware and processes, ground operations and servicing, cleaning and corrosion control, mathematics, regulations, forms, records and publications, physics, inspection concepts and techniques, and human factors. [14 CFR §65.75(a)] [FAA ACS p.1] Every knowledge element.
What should I study for the A&P General test?
The FAA says many of the questions are based on its Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbooks, and that you should be familiar with 14 CFR part 65, subpart D. The handbooks are free from the FAA. [FAA mechanic FAQ] The study guide.
Do I take the General test first?
Yes. There are three knowledge tests for an A&P certificate, and the FAA says you take the General test first, then Airframe and Powerplant. [FAA mechanic tests page]
How do I sign up for the A&P General test?
Get authorization (a signed FAA Form 8610-2 from a Flight Standards office, or your aviation maintenance technician school's graduation certificate), get an FAA Tracking Number if you do not have one, then book with an FAA-approved testing center through PSI. [FAA mechanic FAQ] The steps.
How much does the A&P General test cost?
The FAA does not list a fee. Its FAQ says to contact PSI about testing fees. Eligible military personnel and some others can take the knowledge tests at no cost. [FAA mechanic FAQ]
What ID do I need for the A&P General test?
Valid, current identification with your photo, date of birth, signature and physical, residential address. U.S. citizens and resident aliens can use an identification card issued by a U.S. state, territory or government entity, a passport or an alien residency card. [FAA testing matrix p.6]
Can I retake the A&P General test if I fail?
Yes. You can retest 30 days after you failed, or sooner with a signed statement from an airman holding the certificate and rating you want, saying you have had more instruction in each subject you failed. [14 CFR §65.19] [FAA mechanic FAQ]
How old do you have to be to get an A&P certificate?
At least 18. [14 CFR §65.71(a)(1)]
Do you need to go to school to be an A&P mechanic?
No. You can qualify on documented practical experience instead: 18 months for one rating, or 30 months working on both airframes and powerplants. Graduating from an FAA-approved mechanic school is another way to meet the experience requirement. [14 CFR §65.77] [FAA mechanic FAQ] The requirements.
Do you need a medical certificate to be an A&P mechanic?
What comes after the written tests?
An oral test and a practical test, given by a Designated Mechanic Examiner. You bring your Form 8610-2 and your passing test reports. [FAA mechanic tests page] [FAA mechanic FAQ] The oral and practical.
Are the practice questions here the real test questions?
No. They are original practice questions from our app, written from FAA handbooks, advisory circulars and regulations, each cited to its source. They are not the FAA's questions.
Sources
- FAA, Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (revised April 24, 2023), Aviation Maintenance Technician page
- FAA, Become an Aviation Mechanic (requirements and FAQs)
- FAA, Aircraft Mechanic Oral, Practical, & Written Tests
- FAA-S-ACS-1, Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards (Nov. 1, 2021)
- 14 CFR § 65.19: Retesting after failure
- 14 CFR § 65.71: Eligibility requirements: General
- 14 CFR § 65.75: Knowledge requirements
- 14 CFR § 65.77: Experience requirements
Every fact on this page was checked against these sources on . noshu is not affiliated with the FAA or PSI, and this is a study aid, not maintenance guidance or legal advice: the FAA and the regulations are the authority. If something here is wrong, tell us at a@noshu.net.