A&P License Fees Vary by State and Renewal Cycle

An A&P license (Airframe and Powerplant) is a Federal Aviation Administration credential that certifies you to maintain and repair aircraft. The cost to obtain one includes exam fees, process fees, and study materials — but the exact amount depends on which state issues your license and whether you are renewing or getting one for the first time.

The FAA itself does not charge a fee to issue the A&P certificate once you have passed the required exams. However, you will pay the FAA to take the three written exams (General, Airframe, and Powerplant), and you may pay your state's Department of Motor Vehicles or equivalent agency a separate fee to have the license printed and recorded. State fees typically range from $20 to $100, though some states charge nothing at all.

Your largest expense will be the exam fees. The FAA contracts with testing centers to administer the exams, and each testing center sets its own price within FAA guidelines. Most testing centers charge between $175 and $250 per exam, meaning you could spend $525 to $750 just on the three exams required to earn your A&P certificate.

Key Takeaways

  • The FAA charges no fee to issue your A&P certificate once you pass all three required exams, but testing centers charge $175 to $250 per exam.
  • Your state may charge $20 to $100 to record and print your A&P license, though some states charge nothing.
  • Total out-of-pocket cost typically ranges from $525 to $850 when you combine exam fees and state licensing fees.
  • Study materials, practice tests, and prep courses are not required by the FAA but can add $100 to $500 to your total cost.
  • A&P licenses do not expire, so you will not face renewal fees, though you may need to pay for a replacement card if yours is lost or damaged.

Breaking Down the Three Exam Fees

You must pass three separate exams to earn your A&P license: the General exam, the Airframe exam, and the Powerplant exam. Each exam is administered by an FAA-approved testing center, and each has its own fee. You do not have to take all three on the same day, and you do not have to pass them in any particular order.

Testing centers are independent businesses — they might be flight schools, community colleges, or dedicated test-prep facilities — and they set their own prices within FAA limits. Call ahead to ask what each center charges, because prices can vary by $50 or more between locations even within the same city. Some testing centers offer package discounts if you register for all three exams at once.

You will also need to pay a registration or proctoring fee at the testing center on the day you take the exam. This is separate from the exam fee itself and typically costs $10 to $30. Budget for this when you schedule your tests.

State Licensing and Recording Fees

Once you pass all three FAA exams, the FAA issues your A&P certificate. However, many states require you to register that certificate with your state's aviation authority or Department of Motor Vehicles before you can legally work as an A&P mechanic in that state. This registration step is what creates your state A&P license.

State registration fees range widely. Some states charge $25 to $50 for the initial registration. Others charge $75 to $100. A handful of states do not charge a state fee at all — they recognize the FAA certificate as sufficient. Contact your state's aviation authority or Department of Motor Vehicles to find out what your state requires and what it costs.

If you move to a different state after you have earned your A&P license, you may need to register with that state as well. Some states have reciprocity agreements and will recognize your existing A&P license without an additional fee. Others will charge you a new registration fee. Check with your new state before you move.

Study Materials and Prep Course Costs

The FAA does not require you to take a prep course or buy study materials to sit for the A&P exams. However, most people who pass the exams have used some combination of study guides, practice tests, online courses, or in-person prep classes. These materials are optional but can significantly improve your chances of passing on your first attempt.

Study guides and practice test books typically cost $30 to $80 each. Online prep courses range from $100 to $300 and often include video lessons, practice exams, and access to instructors who answer questions. Some flight schools and community colleges offer in-person A&P prep courses that can cost $500 to $2,000 depending on how many hours of instruction they include.

If you fail an exam, you will have to pay the testing center fee again to retake it. This is why many people invest in study materials upfront — the cost of a prep course is often less than the cost of retaking an exam. However, if you have hands-on aircraft maintenance experience, you may be able to pass the exams with free study resources like FAA publications and YouTube videos.

Replacement Cards and Duplicate Fees

A&P licenses do not expire, so you will never have to renew your license or pay a renewal fee. However, if your license card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will need to request a replacement. The cost to replace your card varies by state but typically ranges from $10 to $50.

To request a replacement, contact your state's aviation authority or the FAA directly. You will need to provide proof of your identity and your original A&P certificate number. The replacement card usually arrives within two to four weeks. Some states allow you to request a replacement online, while others require you to mail in a form and a check.

How to Find Testing Centers and Compare Prices

The FAA maintains a list of approved testing centers on its website. You can search by state or city to find centers near you. Once you have identified a few options, call each one and ask for their exam fees, registration fees, and available test dates. Do not assume all centers charge the same price — you may find a difference of $100 or more across three exams.

When you call, also ask whether the testing center offers any discounts for registering for multiple exams at once, or whether they have any package deals with local flight schools or maintenance programs. Some centers waive the registration fee if you take all three exams within a certain timeframe.

You can also ask whether the testing center has a waiting list or if you can schedule your exams when ready. Some popular testing centers have long wait times, especially during peak seasons. If you are on a tight timeline, you may need to travel to a less convenient location to get a sooner test date.

Total Cost Estimate and Budget Planning

Here is a realistic breakdown of what you might spend to earn your A&P license:

  • Three FAA exams at $175 to $250 each: $525 to $750
  • Testing center registration or proctoring fees: $30 to $90
  • State registration or licensing fee: $0 to $100
  • Study materials (optional but common): $100 to $500
  • Total range: $655 to $1,440

If you already have significant aircraft maintenance experience and do not need paid study materials, you could earn your A&P license for as little as $555 to $840. If you enroll in a comprehensive prep course and attend a testing center with higher fees, you could spend closer to $2,000.

Many people spread these costs over several months. You might take the General exam in month one, the Airframe exam in month two, and the Powerplant exam in month three. This approach lets you budget for one exam fee at a time and gives you time to study between exams without feeling rushed.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No. The FAA does not collect exam fees — testing centers do. The FAA issues your certificate for free once you pass all three exams. Your state may charge a separate fee to register your certificate, but that goes to your state, not the FAA.

Can I get my A&P license without paying for a prep course?

Yes. Prep courses are optional. Many people study using free FAA publications, YouTube videos, and borrowed textbooks. However, the pass rate is higher among people who use paid study materials, so weigh the cost of a course against the cost of retaking an exam if you fail.

What happens if I fail one of the three exams?

You can retake it as many times as you need. Each retake costs the same as the original exam fee. You do not have to retake the exams you passed — only the one you failed. There is no limit on how many times you can attempt an exam.

Do I have to renew my A&P license?

No. A&P licenses do not expire. Once you pass all three exams and register with your state, your license is valid for life. You will never pay a renewal fee, though you may pay to replace a lost or damaged card.

Will my A&P license from one state work in another state?

Your FAA A&P certificate is valid nationwide. However, some states require you to register that certificate with them before you can work as an A&P mechanic in that state. Check with your new state's aviation authority to find out whether you need to register and whether there is a fee.