How to Get Your A&P Certificate: Complete Guide

The Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is the gold standard credential for aviation maintenance technicians in the United States. Issued by the FAA under 14 CFR Part 65, it qualifies you to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft, opening doors to careers at airlines, MRO shops, corporate flight departments, and general aviation operations.

There are two primary paths to eligibility. The most common route is graduating from an FAA-approved Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School, which typically takes 18 to 24 months. The curriculum covers both airframe and powerplant systems, including sheet metal work, electrical systems, turbine engines, and propeller maintenance. The second path is accumulating 30 months of practical experience working on aircraft under the supervision of a certificated mechanic.

Once eligible, you must pass three sets of FAA exams for each rating: a written knowledge test, an oral examination, and a practical skills test. The written exams consist of multiple-choice questions drawn from the FAA question bank. The oral and practical tests are administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) and cover hands-on tasks like safety wiring, engine rigging, and aircraft system troubleshooting.

After earning your certificate, continuing education is essential. Many employers require specialized training on specific aircraft types, and obtaining your Inspection Authorization (IA) after three years can significantly boost your career trajectory and earning potential.