How to Get Your A&P License: Complete Step-by-Step Guide (2026)
The Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is the foundation of every aircraft mechanic's career. Without it, you can't sign off maintenance, return aircraft to service, or work independently on almost any airframe in the United States. It's also the gateway to higher-paying roles in airlines, MROs, corporate aviation, and defense.
Here's the no-nonsense guide to getting your A&P in 2026.
What Is an A&P License?
The A&P certificate (technically it's a certificate, not a license, but everyone in the industry calls it a license) is issued by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 65. It authorizes you to perform maintenance, preventive maintenance, and alterations on aircraft. The certificate has two components:
- Airframe (A): Covers the structural and system components of the aircraft — fuselage, wings, landing gear, flight controls, hydraulics, electrical systems, cabin pressurization, etc.
- Powerplant (P): Covers engines — reciprocating and turbine — along with propeller systems, fuel systems, ignition, lubrication, and engine-related accessories.
Most mechanics earn both ratings simultaneously (the combined "A&P"), though you can earn each individually.
Three Pathways to the A&P
The FAA provides three ways to qualify for the A&P certificate:
Path 1: FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School
This is the most common path. You attend an FAA-approved Part 147 school that provides structured classroom and practical training covering the required curriculum.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Duration | 18–24 months (full-time) |
| Cost | $15,000–$40,000+ (varies by school) |
| Pros | Structured, comprehensive, financial aid available |
| Cons | Full-time commitment, tuition cost |
| Example Schools | Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), Spartan College, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, national community college programs |
Path 2: Practical Experience (On-the-Job Training)
If you've worked on aircraft under the supervision of a certificated A&P mechanic, you may qualify through documented work experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Airframe Only | 18 months practical experience |
| Powerplant Only | 18 months practical experience |
| Both (A&P) | 30 months practical experience |
| Documentation | FAA Form 8610-2, signed by supervising mechanic or employer |
| Who Uses This | Military mechanics, airline apprentices, Part 145 employees |
Path 3: Combination of School and Experience
You can combine formal education with practical experience to meet the eligibility requirements. Many military veterans use this path — their military maintenance experience combined with supplemental training qualifies them to test.
The Testing Process
Once you're eligible (through any of the three paths), you need to pass three sets of exams:
1. Written Tests (Knowledge Exams)
| Test | Questions | Passing Score | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| General | 60 questions | 70% | ~$165 |
| Airframe | 100 questions | 70% | ~$165 |
| Powerplant | 100 questions | 70% | ~$165 |
You take these at a PSI testing center. Study materials include ASA's AMT Prepware, Jeppesen A&P Technician Textbooks, and free FAA publications (AC 43.13-1B, AC 43.13-2B).
2. Oral Exams
After passing the written tests, you take oral exams with a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The DME will quiz you on:
- Aircraft systems and components
- FAA regulations (Part 43, Part 65, Part 91)
- Maintenance procedures and best practices
- Troubleshooting scenarios
- Safety practices
3. Practical Exams
The DME will assign hands-on tasks from the FAA's Practical Test Standards (PTS). You'll demonstrate skills like:
- Sheet metal repair
- Fabric covering and doping
- Electrical wiring and inspection
- Turbine engine inspection
- Weight and balance
- Precision measurement (micrometers, calipers)
Total exam cost: $800–$1,500+ for DME fees (written tests are separate).
Timeline Summary
| Path | Time to Eligibility | Testing Phase | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 147 School | 18–24 months | 1–3 months | 19–27 months |
| Work Experience | 30 months | 1–3 months | 31–33 months |
| Military + Supplemental | Varies | 1–3 months | Varies |
Cost of Getting Your A&P
| Expense | Cost |
|---|---|
| Part 147 School Tuition | $15,000–$40,000 |
| Written Test Fees (3 tests) | $495 |
| Tools (starter kit) | $500–$2,000 |
| DME Exam Fees | $800–$1,500 |
| Study Materials | $100–$300 |
| Total (School Path) | $17,000–$44,000 |
| Total (Experience Path) | $2,000–$4,000 (testing only) |
Military veterans with GI Bill benefits may have school costs fully covered.
A&P Testing Tips
- Take the written tests at a Part 147 school if possible — some schools allow current students to test on-site.
- Study the FAA's publicly available question bank. The written test questions come directly from this bank.
- Practice hands-on skills early. The practical exam tests real-world competency, not textbook knowledge.
- Schedule all three written tests within a short timeframe — knowledge fades fast.
- Find an experienced DME. Ask other mechanics for recommendations. A good DME will be fair and thorough.
- Bring your logbook and documentation to the DME exam. They need to verify your eligibility.
After You Get Your A&P
With an A&P certificate in hand, you're qualified for a huge range of roles:
- Line maintenance technician (airlines)
- Heavy maintenance mechanic (MROs)
- Corporate aviation mechanic
- General aviation mechanic (FBOs, flight schools)
- Military/defense contractor mechanic
- Avionics installer (with additional training)
- Inspector/quality assurance
- Director of Maintenance (with experience)
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