A&P Prep Course: Fast-Track FAA Exam Certification
An A&P prep course is an accelerated training program designed to prepare experienced aircraft mechanics, military veterans, and Part 147 graduates to pass the rigorous Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant certification exams. Spanning comprehensive written computer tests and intense Oral and Practical (O&P) examinations administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), achieving the A&P certificate is the ultimate milestone in an aviation maintenance career. Fast-track prep courses condense vast technical curricula into structured, high-yield study protocols.
FAA Examination Structure: Written, Oral, and Practical
Obtaining an A&P certificate requires conquering three distinct testing phases: Written Knowledge Tests, Oral Examinations, and Practical Demonstrations across three core rating sections: General, Airframe, and Powerplant. Fast-track prep academies (such as Baker's School of Aeronautics or American Airpower) offer intensive one-to-two-week crash courses. Students review thousands of sample questions from the FAA Airman Knowledge Test question banks using specialized interactive testing software.
The three written exams—General (AMG), Airframe (AMA), and Powerplant (AMP)—each consist of 60 to 100 multiple-choice questions requiring a minimum passing score of 70 percent. Topics span aviation physics, aircraft electrical schematics, weight and balance calculations, turbine engine thermodynamics, non-destructive testing (NDT), and FAA maintenance regulations under 14 CFR Part 43 and Part 91.
Review this structural breakdown of the three official FAA written examinations required for Airframe and Powerplant certification.
| FAA Written Exam Code | Subject Matter Scope | Number of Questions | Allotted Time & Passing Threshold |
|---|---|---|---|
| General (AMG) | Basic electricity, weight & balance, FAA regulations, physics | 60 multiple-choice questions | 2.0 Hours (Minimum 70% passing score) |
| Airframe (AMA) | Sheet metal, hydraulics, landing gear, avionics, composites | 100 multiple-choice questions | 2.0 Hours (Minimum 70% passing score) |
| Powerplant (AMP) | Reciprocating engines, turbines, propellers, fuel metering | 100 multiple-choice questions | 2.0 Hours (Minimum 70% passing score) |
| Military Transition Exam | Covers military cross-over technical gaps | Combined evaluation structure | Accelerated testing window for veterans |
| Inspection Authorization (IA) | Airworthiness directives, Form 337s, type certificates | 50 technical scenario questions | 3.0 Hours (Open book; 70% pass threshold) |
Passing all three written exams generates official Airman Knowledge Test Reports required before scheduling your hands-on DME examination.
Oral and Practical (O&P) Mastery and DME Testing
While passing written tests proves theoretical knowledge, the true hurdle for many applicants is the Oral and Practical (O&P) examination. Administered one-on-one by an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), the test evaluates hands-on mechanical competency and instantaneous technical recall. A premier prep course provides dedicated mechanical lab stations where students rehearse safety wiring, rivet bucking, cylinder compression testing, magneto timing, and electrical troubleshooting under real DME testing conditions.
During the oral exam, the examiner asks probing questions based on the FAA Practical Test Standards (PTS) or newer Airman Certification Standards (ACS). If an applicant missed specific subject codes on their written tests, the examiner is legally required to ask additional oral questions in those exact weak areas. Fast-track prep instructors drill students on rapid-fire oral question sets, ensuring students explain technical concepts with clarity and confidence.
The following table illustrates core hands-on practical skills evaluated across airframe and powerplant testing stations.
| Testing Discipline | Hands-On Practical Task Evaluated | Required Testing Tool / Equipment | Examiner Evaluation Standard |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airframe Sheet Metal | Layout, drill, and buck a 4-rivet aluminum patch | Pneumatic rivet gun, bucking bar, clecos | Flawless shop head dimensions; zero skin smiles |
| Powerplant Ignition | Time dual aircraft magnetos to an engine crankshaft | Buzz box magneto timing light, protractor | Fires within 1 degree of engine data plate spec |
| Electrical Systems | Troubleshoot open circuit on an aircraft relay panel | Digital multimeter, wiring schematic manual | Correctly isolates faulty switch within 15 minutes |
| Hydraulic Systems | Flare 5052-O aluminum tubing with 37° aircraft flare | Rolo-Flair 37-degree tubing flaring tool | Leak-free AN fitting seal without tube cracks |
| Propeller Systems | Inspect propeller blade track and measure blade angle | Universal propeller protractor, plumb bob | Accurate blade angle measurements within 0.1° |
Practicing with standard aviation shop tools before testing eliminates test-day nervous fumbling in front of the examiner.
How to Complete an A&P Prep Course and Get Certified in 5 Steps
Follow this accelerated career pathway to prepare, test, and earn your FAA Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate.
Obtain FAA Form 8610-2 Authorization
Visit your local FAA FSDO with your logbook or Part 147 graduation certificate to receive signed Form 8610-2 permission slips.
Enroll in an Accredited Fast-Track Prep Academy
Register for a dedicated 7-to-14 day accelerated A&P prep course that provides computer test software and hands-on mechanical labs.
Take and Pass the Three FAA Written Exams
Complete computer-based General, Airframe, and Powerplant exams at an authorized PSI testing center, earning passing test reports.
Complete Intensive Mock O&P Lab Simulations
Practice oral interview questions and execute mechanical tasks in the academy workshop with instructors acting as mock examiners.
Pass Oral and Practical Exams with a DME
Complete the official one-on-one examination with a Designated Mechanic Examiner to receive your temporary FAA A&P certificate on the spot.
Frequently Asked Questions (8 Questions Answered)
Q1: What is an A&P prep course?
An A&P prep course is an accelerated training program designed to prepare mechanics to pass the FAA written, oral, and practical examinations.
Q2: How long does a fast-track A&P prep course take?
Fast-track prep courses typically take between 7 and 14 consecutive days of intensive full-time study and hands-on lab preparation.
Q3: Do I need FAA approval before attending an A&P prep course?
Yes, you must have two signed copies of FAA Form 8610-2 from an FAA FSDO inspector proving your eligibility before you can take the exams.
Q4: How much does an A&P prep course cost?
Tuition generally ranges from $1,500 to $2,800, plus approximately $500 to $700 for PSI written testing and DME examination fees.
Q5: Can military veterans use the GI Bill for an A&P prep course?
Yes, many accredited aviation prep academies are approved for VA educational benefits and GI Bill reimbursement for military veterans.
Q6: What happens if I fail one section of the O&P exam?
If you fail a section, you receive credit for the passed portions and can re-test only the failed section after receiving additional instruction.
Q7: What score is required to pass the FAA A&P written exams?
A minimum score of 70% is required to pass each of the three FAA written exams (General, Airframe, and Powerplant).
Q8: Does an A&P certificate expire?
No, the FAA A&P certificate does not expire, though mechanics must stay current by working on aircraft for at least 6 months within any 24-month period.
Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways
In conclusion, understanding a&p prep course: fast-track faa exam certification provides essential clarity, practical strategies, and actionable advice. By incorporating these foundational insights, adhering to verified safety guidelines, and following structured best practices, you ensure reliable, long-term outcomes while preventing common mistakes. Stay informed, consult certified professionals when needed, and maintain consistent quality care.