An A&P license lets you legally perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft

An A&P license (Airframe and Powerplant) is a federal certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that authorizes you to inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft and their engines. Without this license, you cannot legally sign off on aircraft maintenance work — meaning you cannot certify that an aircraft is safe to fly. Airlines, repair shops, manufacturers, and the military all require A&P-licensed technicians on staff.

The license comes in two parts: the Airframe rating covers the aircraft structure, systems, and components; the Powerplant rating covers engines and engine systems. Most technicians pursue both ratings, though you can hold one without the other. The FAA does not issue the license itself — you earn it by meeting experience requirements and passing three written exams and a practical test.

Key Takeaways

  • An A&P license requires either 30 months of hands-on aircraft maintenance experience, or 18 months of experience plus completion of an FAA-approved school program.
  • You must pass three written exams (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) and a practical oral and performance test before the FAA issues your certificate.
  • The written exams cover aircraft systems, regulations, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting; the practical test happens at an FAA testing center and involves real aircraft or simulators.
  • A&P technicians typically earn between $50,000 and $80,000 annually, with higher pay in commercial aviation and at major airlines.
  • Once licensed, you must maintain your certificate by staying current on regulations and continuing to work in the field; the FAA can revoke your license if you violate maintenance standards.

The two paths to meet experience requirements

The FAA recognizes two routes to accumulate the experience needed for an A&P license. The first is the experience-only path: you work in aircraft maintenance for 30 months (5,000 hours minimum) without attending a formal school. This work must be documented by your employer and must involve hands-on maintenance tasks — paperwork or inventory work does not count. Many people take this route while working at small repair shops, on military bases, or in general aviation.

The second route combines school and work. If you complete an FAA-approved maintenance technician school, you can reduce your required work experience to 18 months (3,000 hours minimum). These schools typically run 18 to 24 months full-time and cover aircraft systems, regulations, and practical maintenance skills. The school must be on the FAA's approved list — not all aviation schools are approved for this purpose. After graduation, you still need to work those 18 months before you can sit for the exams.

Your employer must sign off on your experience hours on FAA Form 8610-2, which documents what type of work you performed and when. The FAA reviews this form when you register for the exams. If your hours are incomplete or your employer cannot verify them, you will not be allowed to test.

The three written exams and what they cover

Before you can take the practical test, you must pass three separate written exams administered by the FAA. All three are multiple-choice and computer-based, offered at FAA-approved testing centers. You can take them in any order, and you do not have to pass all three on the same day.

The General exam covers regulations, aircraft weight and balance, fluid systems, electrical systems, and basic maintenance practices. It applies to both Airframe and Powerplant candidates and is usually taken first. The Airframe exam focuses on aircraft structure, hydraulics, pneumatics, flight controls, landing gear, and aircraft systems like air conditioning and pressurization. The Powerplant exam covers engine design, fuel systems, ignition systems, engine starting, and troubleshooting engine problems.

Each exam has 60 questions and you have 2 hours to complete it. You need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass. Most people study using FAA-approved test prep materials, practice exams, and study guides. The FAA publishes official study materials called the Airman Knowledge Test Question Bank, which contains the actual questions that appear on the exams.

The practical test: oral exam and hands-on demonstration

After passing all three written exams, you schedule a practical test with an FAA examiner or an Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The practical test has two parts: an oral exam and a performance test. The oral portion typically lasts 1 to 2 hours and covers your knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, regulations, and troubleshooting. The examiner will ask you to explain how a system works, what you would do if a component failed, or how you would diagnose a problem.

The performance test requires you to actually perform maintenance tasks on an aircraft or approved simulator. You might be asked to inspect a component, perform a repair, troubleshoot a system, or document your work correctly. The examiner watches and evaluates whether you work safely, follow procedures, and produce correct results. You must demonstrate competency in both the Airframe and Powerplant tasks if you are pursuing both ratings.

The practical test is expensive — examiners typically charge $500 to $1,500 depending on location and complexity. You must bring all your documentation, including your experience verification form, proof of passing the written exams, and your identification. If you fail any part of the practical test, you can retake it, but you must pay the examiner fee again.

What happens after you pass and receive your certificate

Once you pass the practical test, the FAA issues your A&P certificate, which is valid for life. There is no renewal fee or expiration date. However, your certificate is only useful if you continue to work in aircraft maintenance — if you leave the field for several years, you may need to demonstrate current knowledge before employers will trust you to sign off on work.

As a licensed A&P technician, you can work for airlines, repair stations, manufacturers, the military, or as an independent contractor. Your primary responsibility is to may support that any aircraft or component you certify is airworthy and safe to fly. The FAA can inspect your work, audit your records, and revoke your certificate if you violate maintenance standards or regulations. Falsifying maintenance records or signing off on work you did not perform are serious violations that can result in criminal charges.

Many A&P technicians pursue additional certifications, such as Inspection Authorization (IA), which allows you to perform annual inspections and issue airworthiness certificates. Some specialize in specific aircraft types or systems and earn manufacturer certifications. These additional credentials can increase your earning potential and job opportunities.

Common confusion points and what to know before starting

Many people confuse an A&P license with a pilot's license — they are completely separate. A pilot's license allows you to fly an aircraft; an A&P license allows you to maintain one. You do not need a pilot's license to become an A&P technician, and many A&P technicians have never flown an aircraft.

Another common misunderstanding is that you can work on aircraft while accumulating experience hours without a license. This is true — you can perform maintenance tasks under the supervision of a licensed technician. However, you cannot sign off on work or certify that an aircraft is airworthy until you hold your A&P certificate. Your supervisor must sign off on your work until you are licensed.

The timeline to earn an A&P license varies widely. If you take the experience-only path, you are looking at 30 months of full-time work before you can even sit for the exams, plus several months of study and testing. If you attend an approved school, you can complete the program in 18 to 24 months, then work 18 more months before testing. Total time from start to licensed is typically 3 to 5 years depending on your path and how quickly you study.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a high school diploma or GED to get an A&P license?

The FAA does not require a high school diploma or GED, but most employers and approved schools do. If you do not have either, you may be able to work in aircraft maintenance without a license and accumulate experience hours, but you will face barriers to employment and advancement.

Can I get an A&P license if I have a criminal record?

The FAA does not automatically disqualify applicants with criminal records, but certain convictions — particularly those involving dishonesty, fraud, or drug offenses — may prevent you from obtaining a certificate. Contact the FAA directly if you have concerns about your background.

How much does it cost to get an A&P license?

Costs vary widely. Approved schools range from $20,000 to $50,000 for tuition. Written exams cost about $175 each (three exams total). The practical test costs $500 to $1,500. Study materials and test prep add another $500 to $1,000. If you pursue the experience-only path, your main costs are study materials and exam fees.

Can I work on aircraft in other countries with a U.S. A&P license?

A U.S. A&P license is recognized in some countries but not all. Many countries have their own certification systems. If you plan to work internationally, research the requirements of the country where you want to work — some accept U.S. licenses with additional paperwork, while others require you to earn their local certification.

What is the difference between an A&P license and an IA (Inspection Authorization)?

An A&P license allows you to perform maintenance and repairs. An IA is an additional authorization that allows you to perform annual inspections, issue airworthiness certificates, and approve aircraft for return to service. You must hold an A&P license for at least 24 months before you can explore for an IA.