What an A&P License Is and Who Needs One
An A&P license — the letters stand for Airframe and Powerplant — is a federal certification that allows you to work on aircraft. It is not a driver's license; it is a mechanic's credential issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If you want to legally perform maintenance, repairs, or inspections on any aircraft in the United States, you need this license.
The FAA issues two separate ratings under the A&P umbrella: an Airframe (A) rating, which covers the aircraft structure and systems, and a Powerplant (P) rating, which covers engines and engine systems. Most aircraft mechanics hold both ratings, but you can obtain them separately and at different times.
You do not need an A&P license to work on aircraft in every role — for example, manufacturing or certain inspection tasks may fall outside the requirement — but if you are doing hands-on maintenance or repairs on an aircraft that will carry passengers or cargo, the FAA requires you to hold one.
Key Takeaways
- You must complete either 18 months of hands-on aircraft maintenance work or attend an FAA-approved school, which typically takes 18 to 24 months and costs between $30,000 and $60,000.
- The FAA requires you to pass three written exams (one for general knowledge, one for airframe, one for powerplant) and two practical tests before you receive your certificate.
- You can work toward your A&P while employed at an FAA-certified repair station, airline, or manufacturer, and your employer's work counts as the required experience.
- The entire process from starting training to holding your certificate typically takes two to three years, depending on whether you choose school or on-the-job training.
The Two Paths: School or On-the-Job Training
The FAA gives you two ways to meet the experience requirement. The first is to attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on lab work. These programs are offered at community colleges, technical schools, and private aviation academies across the country. Most full-time programs take 18 to 24 months to complete and cost between $30,000 and $60,000 in tuition and fees. When you graduate, you have satisfied the experience requirement and can move directly to the written and practical exams.
The second path is on-the-job training at an FAA-certified facility. You work as a mechanic trainee or apprentice at an airline, repair station, or aircraft manufacturer while logging your hours. This path takes longer — typically 30 months for the Airframe rating and 30 months for the Powerplant rating — but you earn a wage while you train and you do not pay tuition. Your employer must be FAA-certified, and your supervisor must sign off on your work log to verify that you performed the required tasks.
Some people combine both paths: they attend school for part of the requirement and work at a certified facility for the rest. The FAA allows you to count school hours and work hours together, as long as the total meets the minimum. For example, you might attend a one-year school program and then work for six months at a repair station to complete the 18-month requirement.
Finding and Enrolling in an FAA-Approved School
If you choose the school route, start by searching the FAA's official list of approved programs. Visit the FAA's website and look for the "Part 147 Schools" database, which lists every school the FAA has certified to teach aviation maintenance. Part 147 is the FAA regulation that governs these programs, so any school on that list meets federal standards.
When you are comparing schools, ask about class size, instructor experience, the condition of the lab equipment, and whether the school has partnerships with airlines or repair stations that might lead to jobs after graduation. Some schools offer evening or part-time schedules if you need to work while you study; others are full-time only. Tuition varies widely, so request cost breakdowns and ask whether the school offers payment plans or financial aid.
Once you have chosen a school, the enrollment process is straightforward: you complete an process, provide proof of high school graduation or a GED, and pay the deposit. Most schools do not have strict prerequisites beyond basic math and reading skills, though some require a passing score on an entrance exam. After you enroll, the school will guide you through the rest of the process, including how to register for your FAA exams when you are ready.
Logging Hours If You Choose On-the-Job Training
If you are training on the job, you will need to maintain a detailed work log that documents every task you perform. The FAA requires you to log specific categories of work — for example, engine overhaul, sheet metal repair, electrical systems, hydraulics — and your supervisor must sign off on each entry to confirm you actually did the work. This log is your proof that you have completed the required experience.
You can obtain a work log form from the FAA's website or from your employer. Fill it out as you work, recording the date, the task, the aircraft type, and the number of hours. Your supervisor reviews and signs the log regularly — typically monthly or quarterly. Keep the log organized and safe; you will need to submit it to the FAA when you register for your exams.
The FAA specifies which types of work count toward your hours and which do not. For example, general shop cleanup does not count, but troubleshooting an engine problem does. Your supervisor should be familiar with these rules, but if you are unsure whether a task counts, ask before you log it. Submitting false hours is a federal violation and will result in your process being rejected.
Registering for and Passing the Written Exams
Once you have completed your training or work hours, you register for the FAA written exams through a testing center. The FAA contracts with Pearson VUE to administer these exams at hundreds of locations nationwide. You can find a testing center near you on the Pearson VUE website and schedule your exams online.
There are three written exams: the General Knowledge test, which covers basic aviation maintenance principles; the Airframe Knowledge test, which covers aircraft structure and systems; and the Powerplant Knowledge test, which covers engines. Each exam is multiple-choice and takes about three hours. You must score at least 70 percent on each exam to pass. Most people take the General Knowledge exam first, then the Airframe and Powerplant exams in either order.
You can study using FAA-approved test prep materials, which are available as books, online courses, and practice tests. Many people study for several weeks or months before taking the exams. There is no time limit between exams — you can take them all in one week or spread them out over several months. If you fail an exam, you can retake it after 30 days.
Completing the Practical Tests
After you pass all three written exams, you schedule your practical tests with an FAA examiner. These are also called "checkrides." There is one practical test for the Airframe rating and one for the Powerplant rating. Each test lasts several hours and takes place at a facility with actual aircraft or engines.
During the practical test, the examiner will ask you to perform real maintenance tasks — for example, troubleshoot an engine problem, repair sheet metal, or inspect a hydraulic system — and will observe your work. The examiner is checking that you can do the job safely, correctly, and without supervision. You must also answer technical questions and explain your reasoning. The examiner will tell you whether you passed or failed at the end of the test.
To find an examiner, contact your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or ask your school or employer for a referral. Examiners are experienced mechanics or engineers certified by the FAA to conduct these tests. There is a fee for each practical test, which varies by examiner but typically ranges from $300 to $600.
Receiving Your Certificate and Starting Work
Once you pass both the written and practical tests for a rating, the FAA issues your Airframe and Powerplant certificate. This is a physical document that you carry with you. If you hold both the A and P ratings, your certificate will show both. The certificate does not expire, but the FAA requires you to stay current by working in the field and following safety regulations.
With your certificate in hand, you can work as an aircraft mechanic at airlines, repair stations, manufacturers, or other FAA-certified facilities. Your first job may be as a line mechanic, a maintenance technician, or an inspector, depending on the employer and your experience. Many employers prefer to hire people who have just completed their training because they know you have met the FAA standard.
After you start working, keep your certificate in a safe place and carry it when you travel for work. Some employers may ask to see it, and you may need it if you change jobs or move to a different facility. The certificate is your proof to the FAA and to employers that you are legally may have access to to perform aircraft maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an A&P license without attending school?
Yes. You can work at an FAA-certified repair station, airline, or manufacturer for 30 months per rating while logging your hours, and your work experience counts as the full requirement. You will still need to pass the written and practical exams, but you do not have to attend a formal school program.
How much does it cost to get an A&P license?
School programs typically cost $30,000 to $60,000 in tuition. If you choose on-the-job training, you earn a wage and avoid tuition, but the process takes longer. Either way, you will pay fees for the written exams (roughly $200 to $300 per exam) and practical tests ($300 to $600 each).
Can I get just the Airframe rating without the Powerplant rating?
Yes. You can obtain the Airframe rating first and the Powerplant rating later, or vice versa. Many mechanics hold both, but the FAA allows you to pursue them separately and at different times. Some jobs require both ratings; others require only one.
How long does the whole process take?
If you attend school full-time, you can complete the training in 18 to 24 months, then spend a few weeks studying and taking exams. If you choose on-the-job training, the process takes 30 months per rating plus exam time. Most people hold their certificate within two to three years of starting.
Do I need a high school diploma to get an A&P license?
Most FAA-approved schools require a high school diploma or GED, but requirements vary by school. On-the-job training does not have a formal education requirement, though your employer may have their own standards. Contact schools or employers directly to confirm their requirements.