The total cost of an A&P license runs between $3,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you pursue it through a Part 147 school, on-the-job training, or a combination of both

An A&P license (Airframe and Powerplant) is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration and lets you legally maintain and repair aircraft. The FAA does not charge a fee for the license itself — the cost comes from the training and testing you need to pass before you can sit for the exam. How much you spend depends on your route: attending a dedicated aviation maintenance school costs more upfront but takes less time, while pursuing the license through on-the-job training spreads costs over several years and may be free if your employer pays.

Understanding where each dollar goes helps you plan your budget and compare your options. Some costs are fixed — exam fees, for instance — while others vary by school, location, and employer. Knowing what to expect also helps you spot opportunities to reduce costs, like employer reimbursement or payment plans.

Key Takeaways

  • Part 147 aviation maintenance schools typically charge $8,000 to $15,000 for the full Airframe and Powerplant curriculum, usually completed in 18 to 24 months.
  • On-the-job training through an FAA-approved employer can be free to you, but takes 5,000 to 10,000 hours of work and may require you to pay for your own study materials and exam fees.
  • The FAA written exam, oral exam, and practical exam together cost roughly $300 to $600 depending on your testing center.
  • You will need to pay for study guides, practice tests, and reference materials separately, which typically run $200 to $500.
  • Some employers reimburse tuition or exam costs if you complete the license while working for them, so asking about this benefit before enrolling can reduce your out-of-pocket expense.

Part 147 School Tuition and What It Covers

A Part 147 school is an FAA-approved aviation maintenance program run by a college, trade school, or independent training center. These schools are authorized to teach the exact curriculum the FAA requires, and students who graduate meet the knowledge requirement for the license exam without needing on-the-job hours. Tuition at these schools ranges widely: community colleges and public trade schools often charge $8,000 to $12,000 total, while private aviation academies may charge $12,000 to $15,000 or more.

The tuition typically covers classroom instruction, lab work with actual aircraft or aircraft systems, and access to training materials. It does not usually cover the FAA exam fees, which you pay separately when you are ready to test. Some schools bundle exam prep into the final semester, while others treat it as optional. Before enrolling, ask the school whether the tuition includes practice exams, study guides, or exam registration — the answer varies by institution.

Part 147 programs usually take 18 to 24 months of full-time study. This shorter timeline means you reach the point of earning an A&P license faster than the on-the-job route, which can matter if you need to start working in the field quickly or if you cannot afford to work part-time while training. The school's location also affects total cost — programs in high cost-of-living areas may charge more, and if you need to relocate for school, add housing and living expenses to your budget.

On-the-Job Training and Employer-Sponsored Paths

The FAA allows you to earn an A&P license through on-the-job training alone, without attending a Part 147 school. You work for an FAA-approved maintenance facility — typically an airline, aircraft repair station, or military base — and log 5,000 to 10,000 hours of hands-on work under the supervision of a licensed A&P. The exact number of hours depends on whether you are pursuing just the Airframe rating, just the Powerplant rating, or both.

If your employer sponsors this training, you may pay nothing for the instruction itself. However, you still need to cover exam fees, study materials, and any time off to prepare for testing. Some employers reimburse these costs as part of their tuition information program; others do not. The major advantage is that you are earning a paycheck while you train, so the cost is offset by income. The major drawback is that this path takes 3 to 5 years of full-time work, so you are committing significant time before you hold the license.

A few employers offer a hybrid model: they pay for you to attend a Part 147 school while you work part-time, or they sponsor your schooling in exchange for a commitment to work for them for a set period after you earn the license. If you are already employed in aviation maintenance, ask your HR or training department whether this option exists. Some military branches also offer A&P training to service members at no cost, with the understanding that you will work in that field during your service.

FAA Exam Fees and Testing Costs

The FAA does not charge for the license itself, but you must pay to sit for three separate exams: the written exam, the oral exam, and the practical exam. These are often called the "knowledge test," "oral," and "practical" or "checkride." Testing centers and examiners set their own fees within FAA guidelines, so the cost varies by location and testing provider.

The written exam typically costs $150 to $250 per attempt. The oral and practical exams are usually administered together by an FAA examiner and cost $300 to $500 combined, depending on the examiner and your location. If you do not pass an exam on your first try, you pay the fee again to retake it. Most people pass all three exams on the first attempt, but budget for the possibility of a retake.

You can take the written exam at testing centers like PSI or Pearson Vue, which operate nationwide. The oral and practical exams must be conducted by an FAA-designated examiner, and you schedule these directly with the examiner or through your school if you attended one. Ask your school or training program whether they have a relationship with specific examiners, as this can sometimes reduce scheduling delays or provide discounted rates.

Study Materials and Preparation Costs

Beyond tuition or on-the-job training, you will need to buy or access study materials. These include FAA handbooks (available free online but often purchased in printed form for $30 to $50), test prep guides ($50 to $150), practice test software ($100 to $300), and reference materials specific to aircraft systems. If you are pursuing the license through on-the-job training without a school, these materials become your primary learning resource and are essential, not optional.

Some study materials are included in Part 147 tuition, while others are sold separately. Online test prep platforms like Sheppard Air or King Schools offer interactive practice exams and video lessons for $50 to $200. Printed study guides from publishers like ASA or Jeppesen range from $40 to $150 per book. If you are budget-conscious, the FAA publishes free study materials online, though many people find paid prep courses more efficient for learning the material quickly.

The cost of materials adds up faster if you are studying on your own. A complete set of reference books, practice tests, and online courses can easily reach $500 to $800. If you attend a Part 147 school, the school often negotiates bulk pricing on materials or includes them in tuition, which can save you money compared to buying everything independently.

Hidden Costs and Budget Considerations

Beyond tuition and exam fees, several smaller costs add up. If you attend a Part 147 school, you may need to purchase or rent tools for lab work — some schools provide these, others do not. Textbooks and reference materials specific to your school's curriculum can run $200 to $500 total. If you need to travel to a testing center or examiner, factor in transportation and possibly lodging.

If you are pursuing the license through on-the-job training, you may need to relocate to find an FAA-approved employer, which carries moving costs. You will also need to budget for time off work to study and prepare for exams, which means lost income if you are paid hourly. Some employers grant paid study leave; others do not. Additionally, if you are working part-time while attending school, childcare or other dependent care costs may explore.

A few programs offer payment plans or financing options. Some community colleges accept federal student loans for aviation maintenance programs, which can spread the cost over time. Private schools sometimes offer in-house financing or payment plans. If cost is a barrier, research whether your state offers workforce development grants or whether your employer has tuition information before you commit to a program. Some unions in the aviation industry also offer training funds or scholarships to members.

Comparing Total Cost: School Versus On-the-Job Training

A Part 147 school route typically costs $8,000 to $15,000 upfront, plus $300 to $600 for exams and $200 to $500 for study materials, for a total of roughly $8,500 to $16,000. You complete it in 18 to 24 months and then begin earning an A&P salary when ready. This path requires you to have savings or access to loans, but it gets you to a higher-paying position faster.

The on-the-job training route may cost you nothing if your employer pays for everything, or it may cost $500 to $1,000 for exam fees and materials if you cover those yourself. However, you spend 3 to 5 years working at entry-level or apprentice wages before you earn the license and can move into higher-paying A&P positions. Over that time, the difference in wages between an apprentice and a licensed A&P can be substantial — often $5,000 to $15,000 per year depending on the employer and location.

The choice depends on your financial situation and timeline. If you have savings and can afford school full-time, the Part 147 route gets you to a higher salary faster, and the upfront cost is often recovered within a year or two of working as a licensed A&P. If you need to start earning when ready or cannot afford upfront tuition, on-the-job training through an employer may be the only realistic path, even though it takes longer and delays your higher earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay the FAA directly for my A&P license?

No. The FAA does not charge a licensing fee. You pay testing centers and examiners to sit for the three required exams, and you pay a school or training program for instruction, but the license itself is free once you pass all exams and meet the experience requirements.

Can I get financial aid or loans for A&P training?

Part 147 programs offered through accredited colleges and universities may may have access to for federal student loans and grants. Private aviation schools typically do not may have access to for federal aid, though some offer their own financing plans. Check with the school directly and ask whether they are accredited by a regional accrediting body.

What if I fail an exam — do I have to pay again?

Yes. Each exam attempt costs the full fee. If you fail the written exam and retake it, you pay the testing fee again. The same applies to the oral and practical exams. Most people pass on the first attempt, but budget for the possibility of a retake.

Will my employer pay for my A&P license if I work for an airline?

Many airlines and large maintenance facilities offer tuition reimbursement or pay for employees to attend Part 147 school, but policies vary widely. Some require you to work for them for a set period after earning the license, or they may require you to repay the cost if you leave. Ask your employer's training or HR department about their specific program before you enroll anywhere.

Is a Part 147 school worth the cost compared to on-the-job training?

It depends on your circumstances. Part 147 school costs more upfront but gets you licensed in 2 years instead of 5, so you reach higher-paying positions faster. On-the-job training is cheaper or free but requires you to work at lower wages for years. If you can afford school and need income quickly, Part 147 usually makes financial sense. If you need to start earning when ready, on-the-job training is the realistic choice.