Aircraft Maintenance Technician - Certification

Certification

The general requirements for eligibility for a mechanic certificate include the following:

• Be 18 or older;
• Be able to read, speak, and understand English fluently;
• Meet the experience or educational requirement; and
• Pass a set of required tests within a maximum of 24 months.

The required tests include, first, a set of knowledge tests; these are followed by a practical test, which includes an oral examination component, and which is administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME).

A person who fulfills the necessary requirements is issued a mechanic certificate with either an airframe or powerplant rating, or both. It is these ratings which together account for the common practice of referring to mechanics as "A&P's." Until 1952, instead of the Powerplant rating, an Engine rating was issued, so the abbreviation "A&E" may appear in older documents.

Eligibility for the mechanic tests depends on the applicant's ability to document their knowledge of required subject matter and ability to perform maintenance tasks. The FAA recognizes two ways of demonstrating the needed knowledge and skills: Practical experience or completion of a training program at a school certificated under Part 147 of the FAR's.