Mechanic Certificate – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What Aviation Mechanic certificates and ratings does the FAA issue?

You can hold just Airframe, just Powerplant, or both (A&P). There is no requirement to obtain both ratings, although most employers prefer A&P.

Q: What are the basic eligibility requirements for an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: Under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D – Mechanics, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English (with limited exceptions)
Pass all required tests within a 24-month period
Meet the experience, knowledge, and skill requirements for at least one rating (Airframe, Powerplant, or both)

Q: Are there any formal education requirements for an Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: The FAA does not set a specific education requirement for the certificate itself. However, some employers may require a high school diploma or GED.

Q: Do I need a medical certificate to become an Aviation Mechanic?
A: No. A medical certificate is not required for an Aviation Mechanic certificate.

Q: Will a physical or medical disability disqualify me from an Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: Not automatically. A disability only becomes an issue if it prevents you from meeting FAA eligibility or skill requirements. If you’re unsure, contact your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Employers may have their own physical/medical standards for hiring.

Q: Does my experience as a non-certificated mechanic or repairman count toward the Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: Yes, it can. Your experience may count as long as you performed qualified work on an airframe, powerplant, or both, and it meets FAA experience standards.

Q: Do I need a separate certificate to work on avionics equipment?
A: There is no separate FAA avionics certificate. However:

If you do not hold an Aviation Mechanic or Repairman certificate, you may only perform aviation work under the supervision of someone who is certificated.
You cannot approve an aircraft, engine, propeller, appliance, or component for return-to-service without proper certification. Many employers have additional qualification requirements for avionics positions, even if the FAA does not.

Q: What is the difference between an FAA certificate and a license?
A: In aviation, the terms are often used interchangeably. The FAA technically issues a certificate, but people often refer to it as a “license.” If you hold an FAA mechanic certificate, it means you have been found to have a certain skill level, with defined privileges and limitations.

Q: How do I get a Repairman’s Certificate?
A: To qualify for a Repairman certificate, you must:

Be at least 18 years old
Be able to read, write, speak, and understand English
Be qualified to perform the specific maintenance task
Be employed in a specific job requiring special qualifications by an FAA-certificated repair station, commercial operator, or air carrier
Be recommended by your employer
Have 18 months of practical experience in that job, or complete an FAA-approved training course

Q: Does the FAA issue specialist ratings like “welder” or “electronics specialist”?
A: No. The FAA does not issue specialist mechanic ratings such as ground equipment specialist, welder, or electronics specialist.

Q: How much experience do I need to qualify for the Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: You must have:

At least 18 months of appropriate experience for each rating (Airframe or Powerplant), or
At least 30 months of concurrent experience working on both Airframe and Powerplant for an A&P certificate.

Q: Is there a fee for issuing the FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate itself?
A: No. The FAA does not charge a fee for issuing the certificate. However, there are fees for written tests (PSI) and oral & practical (O&P) tests (DME).

Q: I hold an aircraft maintenance license from another country. Can I get an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate based on that?
A: No. You must still meet all FAA eligibility requirements and pass the required FAA tests to receive a U.S. Aviation Mechanic certificate, even if you hold a similar license from another country.

Q: Where can I find more detailed FAA information about Aviation Mechanic requirements and testing?
A: See Advisory Circular (AC) 65-2, which explains requirements, application procedures, and the knowledge and oral & practical (O&P) tests in detail.

Experience Requirements & Military Background FAQs

Q: Can I qualify for the Aviation Mechanic certificate without attending an FAA-certificated school (AMTS)?
A: Yes. You can qualify through practical experience, as described in 14 CFR 65.77. Experience can be gained by working at facilities involved in:

Aircraft construction
Aircraft maintenance
Powerplant maintenance
Appliance maintenance or alteration

You must meet full-time, 40-hour-per-week equivalents, and maintain documentation such as:

Pay records
Signed task logs
Supervisor-verified experience records, including aircraft registration numbers and task descriptions

Q: I have many years of military jet experience. Why must I know things like wood, fabric, welding, and weight and balance?
A: An Aviation Mechanic certificate lets you:

Perform maintenance in many areas
Approve aircraft and components for return-to-service

Because privileges are so broad, the FAA requires basic knowledge across a wide range of subjects, not just modern jet aircraft systems.

Q: I worked 10 hours a day, 6 days a week, for 1 year as an A&P apprentice. Does that satisfy the 18-month experience requirement?
A: No. FAA regulations do not allow substituting extra weekly hours for the required calendar months. You still need:

18 calendar months of experience for a single rating, or
30 calendar months for both ratings concurrently

Q: If I meet the experience requirements, can I take FAA tests while in the Armed Forces?
A: Yes. You may test while on active duty, provided you meet FAA experience and documentation requirements.

Q: What is the process to get an Aviation Mechanic certificate based on previous experience?
A: Generally, you must:

Make an appointment with a FSDO.
Bring two completed FAA Form 8610-2 applications.
Bring all documentation of your experience.
If an FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI) approves your experience, you’ll receive authorization to take the knowledge tests.
After passing the knowledge tests (minimum 70%), schedule your Oral & Practical (O&P) tests with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).
After passing the O&P tests, you’ll be issued a Temporary Mechanic Certificate.

AMT Knowledge Test & O&P FAQs

Q: Can I take the AMT knowledge and O&P tests if I’m in the military and stationed overseas?
A: Some overseas military bases can administer FAA airman knowledge tests. However, currently there are no DMEs outside the U.S. to administer the O&P tests, so you must take O&P in the United States.

Q: Do I have to graduate from an AMTS (FAA-certificated school) to take the Aviation Mechanic knowledge test?
A: No. Graduation from an FAA-certificated AMTS is one way to meet the experience requirement, but not the only way. You can also qualify through documented work experience.

Q: What documents must I provide to the FAA ASI before I can take the knowledge test?
A: You must present:

Acceptable proof of identification
Documentation from current and former employers describing length and type of experience
AMTS graduation certificate, if applicable
For military experience: DD Form 214, evaluation records, MOS codes and time under each, and possibly a letter from your Executive or Classification Officer

Q: How do I get FAA permission to take the AMT knowledge test?
A: If applying based on experience, go to a FSDO with FAA Form 8610-2 and your documentation. An ASI must sign the form to authorize you to test.

If you are an AMTS graduate, your graduation certificate serves as your authorization to test.

Q: What documents must I bring for the Oral & Practical (O&P) tests?
A: For O&P testing, you must present:

Your signed FAA Form 8610-2
Your Airman Knowledge Test Reports (AKTR) showing passing scores

Q: What are the AMT knowledge test questions like?
A: They are objective, multiple-choice questions. Practice tests are available on the PSI (True Talent) website.

Q: If I fail part of the written or O&P test, when can I retest?
A: You may:

Retest 30 days after the failed test date, or
Retest sooner if you present a signed statement from a certificated airman holding the rating you are seeking, certifying that you received additional instruction and are prepared to retest.

Q: How long is my FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate valid?
A: Your certificate is valid indefinitely, unless it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.

Q: Is there a fee for the AMT knowledge tests?
A: Yes. Knowledge tests are administered by FAA-approved testing centers (PSI), which charge a fee.

Q: Can I take the AMT knowledge tests for free under the JSAMTCC agreement?
A: If you qualify under the MOA between FAA and JSAMTCC, you may be eligible for no-cost knowledge tests if you are:

Active-duty, Guard, or Reserve
A dependent of active-duty, Guard, or Reserve
A U.S. military retiree
A DoD civilian
A DHS civilian

Q: What are the steps to test for an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate?
A: In general:

Apply using FAA Form 8610-2 and present it to an ASI at a FSDO (not required for AMTS graduates).
Have your experience evaluated and your 8610-2 signed if you qualify.
Obtain an FAA Tracking Number (FTN) via IACRA if you don’t already have one.
Schedule and take the knowledge tests at a PSI testing center, presenting either the signed 8610-2 or your AMTS graduation certificate.
After passing the knowledge tests, schedule your O&P tests with a DME.

Q: Is there a fee for the Aviation Mechanic Oral & Practical (O&P) tests?
A: Yes. O&P tests are conducted by FAA-approved DMEs, who charge a fee for their services.

Q: How much time do I get for each Aviation Mechanic knowledge test?
A: You have up to 2 hours per test for the:

General
Airframe
Powerplant

knowledge exams.

Q: Can I take the AMT knowledge tests at night or on weekends?
A: Possibly. You must contact the specific Airman Knowledge Testing Center (PSI location) to check their hours.

Q: What documents must I present to retake a failed AMT knowledge test?
A: You will need:

FAA Form 8610-2, and
A valid AC Form 8080-2 (Airman Written Test Report) for the previous test

Q: As a foreign national, what do I need to show to take the AMT tests?
A: If you are in the U.S., you must meet the same requirements as U.S. citizens. If applying based on experience, you must have verifiable experience in at least 50% of subject areas related to the rating you’re seeking (see 14 CFR Part 147 appendices B, C, and D).

Miscellaneous Mechanic FAQs

Q: What is an FTN?
A: An FTN (FAA Tracking Number) is a unique number assigned to you when you register in IACRA. It stays with you throughout all your knowledge, oral, and practical tests. You’ll need an FTN to schedule your knowledge tests with PSI.

Q: What courses do you recommend to prepare for the FAA AMT knowledge tests?
A: FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) offer approved curricula that can be used to establish eligibility. If you’re already eligible, you may choose test-prep courses or materials from various training providers.

Q: Where can I find a list of Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs)?
A: You can search for DMEs using the FAA’s Designee Locator at:
https://designee.faa.gov/#/designeeLocator

Q: Are there any other Aviation Mechanic reference materials I can access?
A: Yes. The FAA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbooks (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) are available free of charge on the FAA Aircraft Handbooks & Manuals page.

Q: What is an FAA A&P Certification (“License”)?
A: An FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification allows you to inspect, maintain, troubleshoot, repair, and sign off aircraft maintenance on U.S. aircraft. To obtain full A&P privileges, you must earn both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings. Although the aviation industry often uses the word “license,” the FAA technically issues certifications, not licenses. At America’s Best AMT Courses, we provide full preparation for all phases of the A&P testing process, including General, Airframe, and Powerplant written tests and your Oral & Practical (O&P) exams.

Q: What is an Airframe rating?
A: The Airframe rating covers the physical structure of the aircraft, including:

Fuselage
Wings
Empennage (tail section)
Flight controls
Landing gear
Structural and aircraft systems

With an Airframe certificate, you may perform inspections, repairs, installations, structural work, and return-to-service tasks related to the aircraft body and airframe systems.

Q: What is a Powerplant rating?
A: The Powerplant rating covers everything related to aircraft engines, such as:

Turbine and piston engines
Ignition, fuel, lubrication, and cooling systems
Engine accessories
Powerplant system components

A certificated Powerplant mechanic may perform troubleshooting, repairs, component replacement, inspections, and full engine overhauls within FAA guidelines.

Q: What are the FAA requirements to earn an A&P certificate?
A: The FAA requires the following:

1. Age Requirement

You must be at least 18 years old.

2. Education & English Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent (recommended, not required)
Must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English

3. Experience or Training

You can qualify in one of two ways:

✔ Option A — Graduate from an FAA-Approved School

Students complete an FAA-approved curriculum with hands-on shop training.

✔ Option B — Prior Maintenance Experience

Applicants may qualify based on documented work experience:

18 months practical experience in Airframe or Powerplant,
or
30 months experience working on both ratings at the same time.

America’s Best AMT Courses specializes in preparing students who already have military, civilian, or international experience to complete all FAA exams efficiently.

4. FAA Knowledge & Practical Tests

You must pass all three subject areas:

General
Airframe
Powerplant

Each exam category includes:
✔ Written exam
✔ Oral exam
✔ Practical exam

We assist students with PSI scheduling, DME appointments, and full test preparation.

Q: Why should I get an A&P certification?
A: The A&P is one of the most in-demand aviation qualifications worldwide. Benefits include:

⭐ 1. High Job Demand

Boeing estimates 134,000 new mechanics needed in North America (2022–2041)
Over 610,000 new mechanics needed worldwide over the next 20 years

⭐ 2. Strong Salary Potential

Median pay (2022): $65,550+
Many jobs include overtime, shift differential, per diem, and advancement paths

⭐ 3. Long-Term Career Security

Nearly 40% of today’s workforce is retiring, creating a massive need for new technicians.

⭐ 4. Worldwide Job Opportunities

A&P mechanics are employed in:

Airlines
Corporate aviation
Helicopter operations
Military contracting
Space/defense
Manufacturing
Cargo operations
International markets

Q: How does America’s Best AMT Courses help me earn my A&P?
A: We provide a fast-track, high-success program designed for students who already have qualifying experience. Our support includes:

Full A&P written test preparation
Comprehensive Oral & Practical prep
1–on–1 help for students with test anxiety
PSI exam scheduling
DME testing coordination (on-site or partner examiners)
Guidance for the FAA Form 8610-2 and FSDO approval
Military-friendly pathways
On-site testing capability
Proven pass rates and structured instruction

Our classes focus on efficiency, clarity, and real-world exam performance.

About America’s Best AMT Courses

Q: What does America’s Best AMT Courses do?
A: America’s Best AMT Courses is a fast-track FAA A&P preparation school designed for students who already have aviation maintenance experience (military, civilian, international) and need to complete their FAA Written Exams, Oral & Practical Tests, and 8610-2 approval process efficiently.

Our program is structured to help students pass all FAA exams quickly, confidently, and with full support. We guide you through every step of the testing pipeline, including:

✔ What We Cover

Full preparation for General, Airframe, and Powerplant written exams
Hands-on training and scenario-based O&P readiness
8610-2 guidance and instructions for FSDO approvals
PSI written exam registration and scheduling
DME Oral & Practical testing setup (in-house or partner DMEs)
One-on-one tutoring for students with test anxiety
Daily structured review with practice questions, problem-solving, and exam techniques
FAA-compliant review of Airframe systems, Powerplant systems, electrical, safety, and troubleshooting
English-language and terminology support for international applicants
Full breakdown of FAA testing requirements and what to expect

This is a career-transforming course built for students who want to earn their A&P certification as quickly as possible by leveraging the knowledge they already have.

✔ Example: What Happens on the First Day of Class

Your first day at America’s Best AMT Courses is focused on orientation, evaluation, and getting you exam-ready fast. A typical Day 1 includes:

Student Check-In & ID Verification
– We confirm your 8610-2 status, eligibility, and documents.
– You receive your materials and access to practice systems.
Course Overview & FAA Testing Breakdown
– We explain exactly how the written tests and the O&P tests work.
– You’ll learn the format, scoring, timing, and what to expect across all 3 categories.
Diagnostic Review
– We assess your current knowledge to customize your study focus.
– Students get placed on the correct track for General, Airframe, or Powerplant practice depending on their needs.
General (AMT) Review Session
– We start with high-probability exam topics.
– Students work through guided problems, FAA question explanations, and troubleshooting workflows.
Class Discussion & Q&A
– We review difficult subjects together to build confidence and clarity.
Evening Study Tools & Assignments
– You receive targeted review material for the next morning’s session.

Day 1 is designed to set the tone, build confidence, and break down FAA test expectations so students feel supported from the start.

Q: Are testing fees included in the course price?

A: No, all FAA testing fees are separate from the course tuition. This includes:

PSI Written Exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant) ($175 Each)
DME Oral & Practical Exams ($1,350.00 for all three)
Any retesting fees required by PSI ($175 each)

We help you schedule every exam, but the testing centers collect their own fees.

Q: How often are classes held?

A: Classes at America’s Best AMT Courses are held once per month.

Q: Where can I find the class schedule?

A: All upcoming class schedules are posted directly on our website. Students are encouraged to register early since classes fill up quickly.