Confirm your test sequence
Identify whether you need General plus Airframe, General plus Powerplant, or all three knowledge tests. The appropriate knowledge tests must be passed before the oral and practical examination.
FAA A&P Certification
Exam Study
Roadmap
A practical sequence for preparing for the FAA Aviation Mechanic knowledge, oral, and practical tests using current FAA standards and source material.
Prepare in the right order.
Move forward only after the previous stage is complete. The goal is not question memorization; it is safe, standards-based performance supported by authoritative data.
Map the ACS
Download FAA-S-ACS-1. Mark every applicable knowledge, risk-management, and skill element for your requested rating. Use the ACS as the controlling roadmap for both study and O&P preparation.
Build the knowledge foundation
Study the current FAA AMT General, Airframe, and Powerplant handbooks by concept. Connect each topic to its ACS element instead of memorizing isolated practice-test answers.
Practice and diagnose
Complete full-length practice tests. Review every missed item against an FAA source and keep a weak-area log. Do not schedule a knowledge test until your results are consistently strong.
Close AKTR knowledge gaps
After each knowledge test, use every code on the Airman Knowledge Test Report to locate the corresponding ACS element. These areas require focused review before the oral examination.
Rehearse oral explanations
Practice explaining systems, limitations, maintenance decisions, and regulatory requirements aloud without notes. Answer directly, reason carefully, and use correct FAA terminology.
Rehearse practical performance
Practice locating acceptable data, selecting tools, verifying limits and torque values, controlling hazards, documenting work, and returning the product to an airworthy condition.
Prepare for exam day
Organize identification, authorization, knowledge-test reports, and required documents. Confirm the appointment, location, fees, travel plan, and materials with the examiner.
Use authoritative references.
Manufacturer instructions control when applicable. FAA advisory circular material is used only within its stated applicability and when appropriate data is unavailable.
Use the full roadmap as you prepare.
The downloadable version includes route-at-a-glance planning, checkboxes for every action, progress fields, stop gates, a final readiness review, and clickable FAA source links.
- Required knowledge tests passed
- Every AKTR code reviewed
- ACS elements mapped to study notes
- Oral explanations practiced aloud
- Practical tasks rehearsed using acceptable data
- Documents and logistics confirmed
Demonstrate how you think, not just what you know.
The evaluation is about judgment, process, data use, communication, and safe performance. Slow down, verify, and be honest when you need to locate information.
Request your FAA O&P examination.
Include the ratings requested, eligibility pathway, knowledge-test status, and preferred testing timeframe.
Email jhauch@faa-dme.com