What's on the A&P General test
The FAA Aviation Mechanic General test, test code AMG, is 60 questions with 2 hours to answer them, and the passing score is 70. [FAA testing matrix p.6] The questions are multiple choice. [FAA mechanic FAQ] They cover the 12 subjects of the General section of the FAA’s Aviation Mechanic standards. [14 CFR §65.75(a)]
The format
- Test
- Aviation Maintenance Technician General (AMG) [FAA testing matrix p.6]
- Questions
- 60 [FAA testing matrix p.6]
- Time allowed
- 2 hours [FAA testing matrix p.6]
- Passing score
- 70 [FAA testing matrix p.6]
- Question type
- Objective, multiple choice [FAA mechanic FAQ]
- Given by
- A commercial, FAA-approved testing center [FAA mechanic FAQ]
The FAA’s FAQ describes the passing mark as “a score of 70%, or greater.” [FAA mechanic FAQ] On 60 questions, that is 42 right.
You may see more than 60 questions
The FAA says any test may include validation questions, which are “NON-scored questions” that “do NOT count for or against the applicant’s final test score.” The 60 does not include them, and the 2 hours does: “The listed ‘ALLOTTED TIME’ includes the time required to respond to validation questions.” [FAA testing matrix p.6]
The 12 subjects
The written test “includes the aeronautical knowledge subject areas contained in” the Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards. [14 CFR §65.75(a)] For the General test those are: [FAA ACS p.1]
- Fundamentals of Electricity and Electronics
- Aircraft Drawings
- Weight and Balance
- Fluid Lines and Fittings
- Aircraft Materials, Hardware, and Processes
- Ground Operations and Servicing
- Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Mathematics
- Regulations, Maintenance Forms, Records, and Publications
- Physics for Aviation
- Inspection Concepts and Techniques
- Human Factors
None of the FAA sources we checked gives a question count for each subject, so this page gives none. The study guide lists every knowledge element under each subject.
What it is based on
“Many of the AMT test questions are based on content from the AMT Handbooks,” the FAA says. It also says you “should be familiar with” 14 CFR part 65, subpart D. [FAA mechanic FAQ]
The matrix pairs the AMT tests with the FAA’s testing supplement, FAA-CT-8080-4G (2018). [FAA testing matrix p.6]
The three written tests
An A&P certificate takes three knowledge tests, and you take the General test first. [FAA mechanic tests page] The numbers for all three:
| Test | Questions | Time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (AMG) | 60 | 2 hours | 70 |
| Airframe (AMA) | 100 | 2 hours | 70 |
| Powerplant (AMP) | 100 | 2 hours | 70 |
What is not on it
The oral and practical tests are separate. You take them with a Designated Mechanic Examiner after you pass the knowledge tests. [FAA mechanic tests page] [FAA mechanic FAQ] The oral and practical covers them.
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 § 65.75: Knowledge requirements
- FAA, Airman Knowledge Testing Supplements
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.