What it takes to get an A&P certificate

The certificate and its ratings

The FAA issues one mechanic certificate with an Airframe (A) rating, a Powerplant (P) rating, or both. Both is what people call an A&P. There is no requirement to get both. [FAA mechanic FAQ]

Who is eligible

You must: [14 CFR §65.71(a)]

• be at least 18 years old;
• be able to read, write, speak and understand English;
• have passed all of the prescribed tests within 24 months; and
• meet the requirements for the rating you want.

The rule has one exception on English, for an applicant employed outside the United States by a U.S. air carrier, whose certificate is then endorsed “Valid only outside the United States.” [14 CFR §65.71(a)(2)]

Experience, or school

You need one of these: [14 CFR §65.77]

• an authenticated document from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school;
• documentary evidence of at least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools and equipment used on airframes or powerplants, for the rating you want; or
• documentary evidence of at least 30 months of practical experience working on both airframes and powerplants at the same time.

Military mechanics have another path: the FAA lists completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council training course. [FAA mechanic FAQ]

The experience has to be documented, and the FAA counts it on a typical, full-time, 40-hour work week. Its examples of acceptable proof are pay receipts for tasks accomplished, or records signed by a certificated supervisor that detail the hours, the tasks and the registration number of the aircraft. [FAA mechanic FAQ] Long weeks do not shorten it. Asked whether 3,120 hours in one year, 10 hours a day for 6 days a week, counts as 18 months, the FAA says no: Part 65 “does not provide for anything less than 18 months of practical experience” for a single rating. [FAA mechanic FAQ]

The tests

You must pass a written test, then an oral test and a practical test. [14 CFR §65.75] [14 CFR §65.79] There are three written tests, General, Airframe and Powerplant, and you take General first. [FAA mechanic tests page] See what’s on the General test and how to take it.

What you do not need

• A medical certificate. The FAA’s answer to “Do I need a medical certificate for an Aviation Mechanic certificate?” is “No.” [FAA mechanic FAQ]
• A diploma. “The FAA does not prescribe any general education requirements.” Some employers do. [FAA mechanic FAQ]
• A fee for the certificate. The FAA’s answer to whether there is a charge for issuing it is “No.” [FAA mechanic FAQ]
• A certificate to work for an airline. The FAA says that holding one, for employment by an air carrier, “is not an FAA regulatory requirement,” though air carriers often call for it. [FAA mechanic FAQ]

How long the certificate lasts

An Aviation Mechanic certificate “is valid until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.” [FAA mechanic FAQ]

A license from another country

A maintenance license from another country does not get you the FAA certificate. You must still meet the FAA requirements and pass the tests. [FAA mechanic FAQ]