A&P is shorthand for one mechanic certificate with both ratings, not a single classroom exam. Applicants must satisfy FAA eligibility and pass the applicable knowledge, oral, and practical tests; school graduation alone is not the certificate.
Role in the pathway
The federal certificate defines privileges for covered civil-aircraft maintenance work; employers add equipment, inspection, drug-and-alcohol, security, and company authorization requirements.
Requirements to verify
- Be at least 18 and meet the FAA English-language requirement.
- Qualify through an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School or acceptable documented practical experience.
- Obtain authorization and pass General plus the applicable Airframe and/or Powerplant knowledge tests.
- Pass the applicable oral and practical tests with a Designated Mechanic Examiner.
Fees and validity
FAA-approved commercial knowledge-test centers and Designated Mechanic Examiners charge provider-set fees. FAA does not publish one fixed nationwide total, so PathGauge leaves both fee fields null.
FAA states that an Aviation Mechanic certificate remains valid until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked; current exercise-of-privileges rules still apply.
Study-plan allocation
| Topic | Planning weight |
|---|---|
| General maintenance knowledge and practices | 25% |
| Airframe structures | 25% |
| Airframe systems | 25% |
| Powerplant theory, maintenance, and systems | 25% |
These equal shares are a PathGauge scheduling aid, not FAA test weights. The rating sought determines which tests apply, and the current FAA Mechanic Airman Certification Standards control content.