FAA Data
FAA Mechanic Certificates by the Numbers
Active Mechanic Certificates
348,426
FAA, Dec 31, 2025
Original Certificates Issued, 2025
11,103
FAA Airmen Statistics
Examiner Approval Rate, 2025
74.6%
FAA, original applicants
Knowledge Test Passing Score
70%
FAA.gov
In 2025, examiners approved 11,065 of 14,838 original mechanic applicants they tested. Applicants who fail can retest after 30 days, or sooner with a signed statement of additional instruction.
Credentials
Aviation Maintenance Certifications Compared
The FAA does not issue specialist mechanic ratings, so there is no separate avionics or welding certificate. Certificated Airframe mechanics may work on avionics; the FCC and ASTM credentials below cover radio and electronics skills.
| Credential | Issued By | Key Requirements | Validity | Rule or Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanic Certificate (Airframe and Powerplant) | FAA | Completion at an FAA-approved (Part 147) school, or 18 months of experience for one rating (30 for both), then knowledge, oral, and practical tests | Does not expire; using it requires 6 months of work, or an FAA finding, in the prior 24 months | 14 CFR 65 Subpart D |
| Inspection Authorization (IA) | FAA | Airframe and Powerplant ratings held at least 3 years, 2 years of active maintenance work, a fixed base, and a written test | Expires March 31 of each odd-numbered year | 14 CFR 65 Subpart D |
| Repairman Certificate | FAA | Age 18, employer recommendation, and 18 months of experience or acceptable training in a specific job | Valid only for work for the employer that recommended you | 14 CFR 65 Subpart E |
| General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) | FCC | Pass written Elements 1 and 3 | Normally valid for life | 47 CFR Part 13 |
| Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) | ASTM NCATT | 90-question exam, 73% to pass; open to anyone | Renew every 5 years | ASTM International |
Step by Step
How to Earn the FAA Mechanic Certificate
The FAA charges no fee to issue the certificate itself. Once issued, it stays valid until it is surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
-
Meet the Basic Eligibility Rules
Be at least 18 and able to read, write, speak, and understand English. The FAA sets no general education requirement.
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Qualify Through School or Experience
Finish an FAA-approved school, or document at least 18 months of practical experience for one rating or 30 months for both.
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Pass the Knowledge Tests
Pass the General test plus the Airframe and Powerplant tests for the ratings you want, each with a score of 70% or higher.
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Pass the Oral and Practical Test
A Designated Mechanic Examiner gives the oral and practical test. All tests must be passed within 24 months.
Keep Exploring
Find Aviation Maintenance Schools and Pay by State
State pages list every FAA-approved school in the state with its certificate number, city, and local mechanic pay.
Sources
- FAA: Become an Aviation Mechanic
- eCFR 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D (Mechanics): current as of Sept 18, 2026 issue
- eCFR 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart E (Repairmen): current as of Sept 18, 2026 issue
- eCFR 47 CFR Part 13 (Commercial Radio Operators): current as of Sept 18, 2026 issue
- ASTM International: NCATT Certification Program page
- FAA U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics 2025 (2025_Active_Civil_Airmen_Statistics_FINAL.xlsx)
All sources retrieved .
Every figure on this page comes from a published source listed above. Our data methodology explains how the school list, distances, pay data, and rankings are built.