What an A&P license location does
An A&P license — short for Airframe and Powerplant — is a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) credential that certifies you can maintain and repair aircraft. The testing locations you'll find near you are Designated Mechanic Examiners (DMEs) or FAA-approved testing centers, not the DMV. These are private facilities, repair shops, or training schools authorized by the FAA to administer the written, oral, and practical exams you need to pass.
When you search for "A&P license near me," you're looking for a place where you can sit for one or more of the three required tests: the written exam, the oral exam, and the practical exam. Not every location offers all three, and not every location accepts walk-ins. Some require you to schedule weeks in advance, and some are only open to students of their own training program.
Finding the right location means understanding what each type of testing center does, what documents you'll need to bring, and how far in advance you should book.
Key Takeaways
- The FAA maintains a searchable list of Designated Mechanic Examiners on its website, organized by state and region, which is the most direct way to find testing locations near you.
- Some testing centers only administer the written exam, while others handle the oral and practical exams, so you may need to use more than one location to complete all three tests.
- You must have your FAA medical certificate and a valid photo ID before you sit for any exam, and some locations require proof that you meet the required flight hours or maintenance experience.
- Scheduling can take several weeks at busy locations, especially for the practical exam, so contact testing centers early even if you're not ready to test when ready.
- Training schools that offer A&P programs often have their own examiners on staff, which can mean faster scheduling but may limit your options if you're not enrolled in their program.
How to find FAA-approved testing centers in your area
The FAA publishes an official list of Designated Mechanic Examiners on its website. You can search by state and sometimes by city or region. This list includes the examiner's name, the facility they work at, their phone number, and which tests they administer — written, oral, practical, or some combination. This is your most reliable starting point because it comes directly from the FAA and is updated regularly.
You can also contact your state's aviation office or the local airport authority. Many regional airports have mechanics on staff or relationships with examiners who test at that facility. If you're enrolled in an A&P training program, your school will have examiners available, though you may be required to test with them rather than seeking an outside examiner.
A general internet search for "A&P mechanic examiner near me" or "FAA testing center [your city]" will return results, but verify any location you find against the official FAA list before you call. Some websites list outdated information or examiners who no longer test.
What to bring and what to have ready before you call
Before you contact a testing location, gather your FAA medical certificate (you'll need at least a third-class medical), a valid photo ID, and documentation of your maintenance experience or flight hours, depending on which path you're taking to the A&P license. The FAA requires you to prove you meet the experience requirements — usually 1,000 hours of maintenance work or a combination of maintenance and flight time — before you can test.
Have your Social Security number ready. Testing centers will ask for it when you schedule. Some examiners also require proof that you've completed the required ground school or that you've studied the FAA's official test prep materials. A few locations ask you to bring a logbook documenting your maintenance experience, so ask when you call.
If you're testing for the first time, ask the examiner whether they require you to pass the written exam before scheduling the oral and practical. Most do, but policies vary. Some locations will let you schedule all three at once if you're ready; others space them out.
Scheduling and wait times at different location types
Designated Mechanic Examiners who work independently or at small repair shops often have shorter wait times — sometimes a few days to a week — because they test fewer candidates. However, they may only administer one or two of the three exams, so you might need to travel to multiple locations.
Large FAA-approved testing centers and training schools can have wait times of four to eight weeks, especially for the practical exam, which is more time-intensive. If you're enrolled in a training program, you may get priority scheduling, but you'll test on their timeline, not yours.
Call ahead even if you're not ready to test when ready. Some examiners book months out, and knowing the wait time helps you plan your study schedule. If a location is fully booked, ask whether they have a cancellation list or when they expect their next opening.
Understanding the three separate exams and where to take each
The written exam is the most widely available. Many testing centers, including some that don't offer oral or practical exams, will administer it. You can also take the written exam at some community colleges or through computer-based testing services, though you'll want to confirm that the results are recognized by the FAA.
The oral exam is more specialized. It's conducted one-on-one with an examiner and covers your knowledge of aircraft systems, maintenance procedures, and safety. Fewer locations offer this, so you may need to travel or wait longer to schedule it.
The practical exam is the most demanding to schedule. It requires you to demonstrate hands-on skills at an actual aircraft or in a facility with aircraft components. Only certain locations have the equipment and space to conduct it, and examiners typically schedule these one at a time, which creates longer wait lists. Some training schools have their own aircraft or simulators, which can speed up scheduling if you're a student there.
What happens if no testing locations are near you
If you live in a rural area or a region with few examiners, you have a few options. Some Designated Mechanic Examiners will travel to test candidates if you can gather a small group, though this is less common now. You can also contact the FAA's local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) to ask about examiners in neighboring regions or whether any are planning to visit your area.
Many candidates in remote areas complete their training through online or correspondence programs and then travel to the nearest testing center for the exams. Some training schools offer intensive in-person sessions where you can complete all three exams in a short period if you travel to their location. This can be more cost-effective than multiple trips.
If distance is a barrier, ask the examiner whether you can test for the written exam locally and then travel for the oral and practical. Some examiners will work with you to split the testing across multiple trips.
Red flags and how to verify a testing location is legitimate
Verify any testing location against the official FAA list before you pay any fees or schedule. Scams and outdated listings are common in online searches. If a location claims to offer A&P testing but isn't on the FAA's list, do not use them.
Legitimate examiners will ask you about your experience and may request documentation before you schedule. They will not may provide you'll pass, and they will not offer to "help" you pass in ways that bypass the actual exam. If an examiner or testing center makes promises about passing or charges unusually high fees, that's a warning sign.
Call the FAA's local Flight Standards District Office if you have questions about whether a testing location is real. They can confirm whether an examiner is currently authorized and can answer questions about the testing process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take all three A&P exams at the same location?
Some locations offer all three, but many don't. Call ahead and ask which exams each location administers. You may need to use two or three different examiners to complete all three tests. Most examiners require you to pass the written exam before scheduling the oral and practical.
Do I need to schedule the oral and practical exams at the same location?
No. You can take the oral exam with one examiner and the practical with another if that works better for your schedule or location. Just make sure both are on the FAA's official list and that you've passed the written exam before you attempt either one.
What if the nearest testing location is hours away?
Many candidates travel for testing. Some examiners will schedule multiple candidates on the same day to reduce your travel burden. Ask whether the location can batch candidates together. You can also look for training schools in your region that offer A&P programs with on-site examiners.
How long does it usually take to get a testing appointment?
Wait times range from a few days at small independent examiners to eight weeks or more at busy training centers. Call as soon as you know you're ready to test, even if it's weeks away. Some locations have cancellation lists that can move you up if someone drops out.
What if I fail one of the exams?
You can retake any exam you fail. Contact the same examiner or find another one on the FAA's list. There's no limit to how many times you can attempt each exam, but you'll need to pay the testing fee each time and schedule a new appointment.