An A&P license is a federal credential that lets you legally perform maintenance and repairs on aircraft

An A&P license — short for Airframe and Powerplant — is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and certifies that you can inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft structures and engines. It is not a driver's license; it is a professional certification required by federal law before you can sign off on aircraft work that affects safety. Airlines, maintenance shops, manufacturers, and the military all employ A&P mechanics, and many positions require this license as a condition of hire.

The FAA maintains strict standards for who can hold an A&P license because aircraft maintenance directly affects passenger safety. You cannot legally perform certain maintenance tasks or certify that an aircraft is airworthy without one. The license is permanent once issued, but you must keep your knowledge current through ongoing training and recurrent instruction, depending on your employer and the type of aircraft you work on.

Key Takeaways

  • An A&P license is a federal FAA credential that certifies you can perform aircraft maintenance and repairs, not a state driver's license.
  • You must complete either 1,500 hours of hands-on maintenance experience or attend an FAA-approved school, then pass written, oral, and practical exams.
  • The written exam covers airframe systems, powerplant systems, and general knowledge; the oral and practical exams test your ability to diagnose and fix real problems.
  • The entire process typically takes 18 months to three years, depending on whether you pursue experience on the job or attend a formal school program.
  • Once licensed, you must stay current with manufacturer training and regulatory changes, though the FAA does not require recertification exams after initial issuance.

The two paths to earning an A&P license

The FAA offers two main routes to an A&P license: accumulating hands-on experience while working in aircraft maintenance, or attending an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. The experience route typically takes longer but costs less upfront, while school programs compress the timeline but require tuition.

If you choose the experience path, you must log at least 1,500 hours of maintenance work under the supervision of a licensed mechanic or in an FAA-approved facility. Not all hours count equally — you need a minimum of 1,000 hours on airframe work and 1,500 hours on powerplant work if you want both ratings, or you can specialize in one. Many people start as aircraft maintenance technicians, line service workers, or avionics helpers and gradually accumulate hours while learning on the job.

The school route compresses this timeline. An FAA-approved Part 147 school teaches the same material in a structured classroom and lab setting, usually over 18 to 24 months of full-time study. Graduates of these programs need only 1,000 hours of maintenance experience (instead of 1,500) before they can test for the license. Schools are more expensive — tuition ranges widely depending on location and program length — but you finish faster and have a structured curriculum that covers everything the FAA tests.

What the FAA written, oral, and practical exams cover

The FAA requires three separate exams: a written test, an oral exam, and a practical (hands-on) exam. You must pass all three to receive your license. Many people pass the written exam first, then schedule the oral and practical exams with an FAA examiner or designated pilot examiner (DPE) who specializes in A&P testing.

The written exam has three parts: Airframe (covering aircraft structure, systems, and maintenance procedures), Powerplant (covering engines, fuel systems, and ignition), and General (covering regulations, safety, and maintenance practices). You can take these three written tests in any order, and you do not have to pass all three on the same day. Each test is multiple-choice and administered at testing centers; you need a score of 70 percent or higher to pass each section.

The oral exam is a conversation with an FAA examiner that typically lasts two to three hours. The examiner asks questions about the topics covered in the written exam and probes your understanding of why procedures matter, not just what they are. The practical exam puts you in a maintenance shop or hangar where you perform actual maintenance tasks — removing and inspecting components, diagnosing problems, and explaining your findings — while the examiner observes and asks questions. Both the oral and practical exams test judgment and safety awareness, not just memorized facts.

Experience requirements and how hours are documented

If you pursue the experience route, you must document every hour you work. The FAA requires that your employer or supervisor sign off on your maintenance records, confirming the type of work you performed and the date. These records are submitted to the FAA when you explore to test, and examiners review them to confirm you have met the hour requirements and worked on the right types of aircraft and systems.

Not all maintenance work counts toward your A&P hours. Work must be performed on civil aircraft (not military), and it must involve actual maintenance, repair, or inspection — not just cleaning, fueling, or moving aircraft. Work on experimental or homebuilt aircraft typically does not count. If you work for an airline, repair station, or manufacturer, your hours almost always count. If you work for a smaller operator or do side work, confirm with the FAA that your employer and the type of work meet the requirements before you invest time.

The FAA also requires that you have worked under the supervision of a licensed A&P mechanic or in an FAA-approved facility. This means you cannot straightforward accumulate hours working alone or in an unlicensed shop. If you are unsure whether your current job will count, contact your local FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or ask your employer to confirm your work meets the requirements.

how the process works to test and what documents you need

Once you have met the experience or school requirement, you explore to the FAA using Form 8610-1 (process for an Airman Certificate and/or Rating). You submit this form along with proof of your hours (maintenance records signed by your employer), proof of your identity, and a medical certificate if required by your position. The FAA reviews your process to confirm you meet the prerequisites before you are cleared to test.

After the FAA approves your process, you schedule your written exams through an FAA-approved testing center. Testing centers are located nationwide and administer the exams on computer. Once you pass all three written exams, you contact an FAA examiner or designated pilot examiner to schedule your oral and practical exams. These exams are conducted in person at a maintenance facility or hangar, and you typically need to provide your own tools and wear appropriate safety gear.

The entire process and testing process can take several weeks to several months, depending on how quickly you pass the written exams and how soon you can schedule the oral and practical exams with an examiner in your area. Some examiners have long wait lists, so plan ahead if you are working toward a specific job start date.

Costs and timeline for getting your A&P license

The cost and timeline vary significantly depending on which path you choose. If you pursue the experience route while working, you pay for study materials and exam fees (roughly $200 to $400 for the three written exams and $300 to $500 for the oral and practical exams combined), but you earn a salary while accumulating hours. The tradeoff is time — it typically takes three to five years to log 1,500 hours while working full-time in maintenance.

If you attend an FAA-approved school, tuition ranges from $20,000 to $50,000 or more, depending on the school and program length. However, you complete the classroom and lab work in 18 to 24 months and need only 1,000 hours of maintenance experience afterward (which you can often complete during an internship or first job). Many schools offer financial aid, payment plans, or partnerships with airlines and maintenance shops that hire graduates.

After you receive your A&P license, there are no FAA-mandated recertification exams or renewal fees. However, your employer will require you to complete manufacturer-specific training on the aircraft you work on, and you must stay current with FAA regulations and maintenance procedures. Some employers require annual recurrent training; others require it every two years. These trainings are typically paid for by your employer and do not involve FAA testing.

Differences between A&P, IA, and other aircraft maintenance credentials

An A&P license is the foundation credential for aircraft maintenance, but there are related certifications that build on it. An Inspection Authorization (IA) is an additional FAA certificate that allows you to perform and sign off on certain inspections and maintenance checks. You must hold an active A&P license, have at least 3,000 hours of maintenance experience, and pass an IA exam to get one. IAs are required for certain inspection tasks and are often held by senior mechanics or shop supervisors.

An Repairman certificate is a narrower credential issued by the FAA for people who work on specific aircraft types or for specific employers (such as manufacturers or operators of experimental aircraft). It does not require the same experience or testing as an A&P and is not as widely recognized across the industry.

Some mechanics also hold avionics certifications, which cover aircraft electrical systems and instruments. These are separate from the A&P and require their own training and testing. Many A&P mechanics pursue avionics training to expand their job options and earning potential.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get an A&P license without attending school or working in maintenance?

No. The FAA requires either 1,500 hours of documented maintenance experience or graduation from an FAA-approved Part 147 school (which reduces the required experience to 1,000 hours). There is no shortcut or alternative path. You must meet one of these requirements before you can test.

How long does it take to get an A&P license?

If you work in maintenance while accumulating hours, it typically takes three to five years. If you attend an FAA-approved school, you can complete the classroom portion in 18 to 24 months, then need 1,000 hours of maintenance experience (often completed during an internship or first job). The total timeline depends on your starting point and how quickly you find maintenance work.

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

The FAA does not explicitly require a high school diploma, but most FAA-approved schools do. If you are pursuing the experience route, you do not need a diploma to work in maintenance, though many employers prefer one. Check with your local FSDO or a school to confirm the requirements for your situation.

What happens if I fail one of the written exams?

You can retake any written exam you fail. There is no limit on the number of attempts, but you must wait at least 30 days before retaking the same exam. You can take the other written exams while you study for a retake. Once you pass all three written exams, you move on to the oral and practical exams.

Can I work as an aircraft mechanic without an A&P license?

Yes, but only in limited roles. You can work as a maintenance technician, line service worker, or apprentice under the supervision of a licensed A&P mechanic. However, you cannot legally sign off on maintenance work or certify that an aircraft is airworthy. Most full-time aircraft maintenance positions require an A&P license.