The Aviation Mechanic certificate has two ratings – the Airframe (A) and the Powerplant (P). If you decide to seek both ratings, this is commonly referred to as an "A&P Certificate".

• You must be
  • at least 18 years old; and
  • able to read, write, speak, and understand English language.
• You must have at least:
  • 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, machines, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering an airframe or powerplant, appropriate to the rating sought; or
  • 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the airframe and powerplant ratings.
• You may also be eligible:
  • by graduating from an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) or
  • by completing the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC) training course for military personnel.

• You should be familiar with Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) part 65, subpart D, Mechanics.
• You must pass the knowledge (written), oral, and practical tests. Additional information on knowledge testing.
  • There are three knowledge tests required to receive the Aviation Mechanic certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings. You must take the General knowledge test first, followed by the Airframe and/or Powerplant knowledge test(s).
  • Many of the AMT knowledge test questions are based on content from the AMT Handbooks:
    • AMT-General Handbook (Handbook) (PDF)
    • AMT-Airframe Handbook (Volume 1) (PDF), (Volume 2) (PDF)
    • MT-Powerplant Handbook (Volume 1) (PDF), (Volume 2) (PDF)
• Details on AMT knowledge test subject areas may be found in 14 CFR part 147, appendix B, C, and D.
  • You will be administered an oral test by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) based on the Testing Standards.