FAA A&P Written Tests Explained

The Three Tests: General, Airframe, and Powerplant

The General knowledge test has 60 questions drawn from subjects that apply to both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings: FAA regulations (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91), ground operations, mathematics, physics, fluid lines and fittings, aircraft drawings, weight and balance calculations, nondestructive testing (NDT) methods, and electrical fundamentals. The Airframe test has 100 questions covering aircraft structures (sheet metal, wood, fabric, composites, welding), aircraft systems (hydraulics, pneumatics, fuel, ice and rain protection), and instruments, communications, and navigation systems. The Powerplant test also has 100 questions covering reciprocating and turbine engines, engine instruments, propellers, and fuel and ignition systems. All three tests must be passed regardless of whether you are seeking one rating or both.

The 70% Passing Standard

You must score 70% or higher on each test to receive a passing Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR). For the 60-question General test, that means answering at least 42 questions correctly. For the 100-question Airframe and Powerplant tests, the minimum passing score is 70 correct answers. There is no partial credit — each question is either correct or incorrect. Your score and the ACS codes of any missed questions are printed on the AKTR, which you must present to your DME on exam day.

Where and How to Schedule the Tests (PSI)

FAA Aviation Mechanic knowledge tests are currently administered by PSI Services LLC at hundreds of authorized test centers across the United States. To schedule, visit the PSI website, create an account, and select an FAA Mechanic knowledge test (you can schedule all three in advance or one at a time). You will need to pay the test fee at the time of scheduling. Bring a government-issued photo ID on test day — no mechanical pencils, calculators (unless the testing software provides one), or reference materials are permitted in the testing room.

The ACS Question Bank — What Is Actually Tested

The FAA publishes the complete question bank used for all Aviation Mechanic knowledge tests. Every question is tagged to one or more ACS knowledge codes, and the ACS lists the reference material (AMT handbook chapter, FAA regulation, or industry standard) that is the authoritative source for each item. This transparency is unique in professional aviation testing: you can study the exact pool of questions, learn the rationales, and identify which ACS areas you are weakest in. AMTprep's adaptive practice engine uses this pool with ACS-code tagging so every practice session closes real knowledge gaps.

AKTR Validity and the 24-Month Window

A passing AKTR is valid for 24 months from the date you passed the test. You must complete your oral and practical exam with a DME before your earliest-passing AKTR expires. If you let one expire, you must retake that test. If you fail a test, you must wait 30 days before retesting. There is no limit on the number of retakes. The 24-month clock starts on the date of your first passing test, so candidates who pass the General in January and the Powerplant in March of the same year have until January (not March) to complete the O&P — plan accordingly.

Using Your AKTR to Target Remediation

The AKTR is not just a score document — it is a diagnostic tool. The ACS codes printed for each missed question tell you exactly which knowledge area let you down. Compare those codes against the ACS document and the AMT handbook chapters they reference. Targeted study on those specific areas — rather than re-reading everything — is the fastest path to a passing retake score. Use AMTprep's ACS-code remediation feature to drill exactly those codes with fresh questions and worked rationales.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to take all three tests before scheduling the oral and practical?

Yes. All three knowledge tests (General, Airframe, and Powerplant) must be passed before you can schedule the oral and practical exam with a DME.

Can I take the three tests in any order?

Yes. The FAA does not require a specific sequence. Most candidates take General first because it covers foundational material that underpins both Airframe and Powerplant subjects. However, the order is your choice.

How long is each test?

The testing software enforces time limits: typically 2.5 hours for the General test and up to 4 hours for the Airframe and Powerplant tests. Most well-prepared candidates finish well within the allotted time. PSI's scheduling page shows the exact time limit for each test.

Are reference materials allowed during the test?

No printed references are permitted in the testing room. The PSI testing software provides any figures or charts you need as part of the on-screen question. Practice reading aviation charts and diagrams on-screen so the format is familiar on test day.

What happens if I pass two tests but let the third expire before taking it?

There is no mechanism for the third test to 'expire' before you take it — the 24-month clock runs from the date you passed a test. If you passed General and Airframe but have not yet attempted Powerplant, the General AKTR expires 24 months after you passed it. If you then pass Powerplant but your General AKTR has lapsed, you must retake General before your O&P. Avoid this by scheduling all three tests close together.

Primary sources

• FAA Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards FAA-S-ACS-1 (PDF)
• PSI Aviation Testing — Schedule an FAA Knowledge Test
• 14 CFR §65.75 — Knowledge Requirements (eCFR)

Related guides

• FAA Mechanic ACS Explained — What Is the Airman Certification Standards?
• How to Become an FAA Aircraft Mechanic (A&P Certificate Guide)
• FAA A&P Oral and Practical Test — What to Expect from the DME Exam
• FAA General Knowledge Test Prep (A&P) — Free Sample Questions
• Airframe Written Test Questions (FAA A&P) — Free Samples
• Powerplant Written Test Questions (FAA A&P) — Free Samples