Why Exam Structure Matters

Knowing the structure of each FAA test is not just about satisfying curiosity — it directly affects how you should prepare. The number of questions determines how many topics you need to cover. The time limit determines your pacing strategy. The passing score determines the margin for error. And the main topic areas tell you exactly which reference materials to prioritize during your studies.

All three FAA A&P written tests share a common pass mark of 70%, are delivered as computer-based multiple-choice tests at FAA-approved knowledge testing centers (operated by PSI), and are drawn from the subject areas defined in the FAA's Aviation Mechanic Airman Certification Standards (ACS) and the FAA handbooks. However, the similarities end there. Each test has a unique scope, depth, and character that demands a tailored study approach.

For a broader overview of how all the tests fit together in your certification journey, read our complete FAA A&P license guide. If you are still deciding between a single rating or the full A&P, our A&P career guide will help you choose the right path.

FAA A&P Test Comparison Table

The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of the three FAA A&P written tests. Use it as a quick reference to understand the scope and structure of each test.

Test	Questions	Time Limit	Pass Score	Main Topics
General	60	2 hours	70%	Electricity, Drawings, W&B, Materials, Physics, Records
Airframe	100	2 hours	70%	Structures, Systems, Landing Gear, Flight Controls
Powerplant	100	2 hours	70%	Reciprocating & Turbine Engines, Propellers, Fuel Systems

As the table shows, the General test is shorter (60 questions) while Airframe and Powerplant each carry 100 questions — all with a 2-hour time limit and a 70% pass mark. The shorter General test gives you about 2 minutes per question, while the two 100-question tests give you about 1.2 minutes per question. You must pass all three tests (or General plus one rating test for a single rating) before you are eligible for the oral and practical exam.

Common Features Across All Three Tests

Pass mark: 70% — for the General test that means at least 42 of 60 questions; for Airframe and Powerplant, at least 70 of 100.
Question format: Multiple-choice with one correct answer and three distractors. Figure-based questions reference numbered illustrations in the test.
Computer-based: All tests are administered at FAA-approved knowledge testing centers on desktop computers.
Closed book: No reference materials are permitted, though a calculator and scratch paper are provided.
Retake policy: If you fail, you must wait at least 30 days before retaking under 14 CFR Part 65.
Validity: Written test credit is valid for 24 months — you must complete the oral and practical exam within that window.

Despite these common features, each test demands a distinct preparation strategy. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of each test, including specific study tips.

1. General (AM.I)

Questions	60
Time Limit	2 hours (120 minutes)
Pass Score	70%
Time per Question	2.0 min
Main Topics	Basic Electricity (Ohm's Law, Circuits, Batteries) Aircraft Drawings (Schematic, Block, Exploded Views) Weight and Balance (Computations, Loading) Materials and Processes (Metals, Composites, Fasteners) Physics (Force, Pressure, Temperature, Motion) Inspection Fundamentals and Quality Control Maintenance Forms and Records (Part 43.9 Logbooks, Form 337) FAA Regulations (14 CFR Parts 43, 65, 91)

The General test is the foundation of FAA A&P certification and is required for both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings. It covers the broad fundamentals every mechanic must master: basic electricity, aircraft drawings, weight and balance, materials and processes, physics, inspection practices, maintenance records, and the FAA regulations governing maintenance work. Because it spans many topics, it rewards systematic coverage over deep specialization.

How to Prepare for the General Test

Study the FAA-H-8083-30B General Handbook chapter by chapter — every subject area is drawn from it.
Practice the calculation questions (electricity, weight and balance, physics) until they are automatic.
Learn the maintenance record rules of 14 CFR §43.9 and the Form 337 major repair/alteration requirements — these are consistently tested.
Use Sky License General practice questions to identify which subject areas you need to review further.

2. Airframe (AM.II)

Questions	100
Time Limit	2 hours (120 minutes)
Pass Score	70%
Time per Question	1.2 min
Main Topics	Airframe Structures (Sheet Metal, Composites, Welding, Fabric) Aircraft Systems (Hydraulic, Pneumatic, Fuel, Cabin Atmosphere) Landing Gear (Struts, Wheels, Brakes, Retraction) Flight Controls (Primary and Secondary) Ice and Rain Protection Cabin Systems (Equipment, Furnishings) Airframe Electrical Systems Aircraft Instrument Systems Fire Protection Systems

The Airframe test covers aircraft structures and systems — essentially everything on an aircraft that is not the engine. This is the largest test in terms of subject-area breadth: candidates must be comfortable with sheet metal and composite repair, hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear, flight controls, fuel systems, cabin systems, and more. It tests general airframe knowledge applicable to everything from a Cessna 172 to a Boeing 787.

How to Prepare for the Airframe Test

Start with airframe structures — sheet metal repair, rivet spacing, edge distance, corrosion treatment, and composite repair techniques are heavily tested.
Study flight control systems in detail — understanding mechanical vs. hydraulic vs. fly-by-wire control systems is essential.
Use diagrams and cutaways to visualize landing gear retraction mechanisms, fuel system schematics, and hydraulic system layouts.
Practice calculations related to torque values, rivet spacing, and cable tension — these are common on the Airframe test.
Drill with FAA-H-8083-31B Airframe Handbook (Volume 1: structures, Volume 2: systems) and AC 43.13-1B for repair methods.

3. Powerplant (AM.III)

Questions	100
Time Limit	2 hours (120 minutes)
Pass Score	70%
Time per Question	1.2 min
Main Topics	Reciprocating Engines (Theory, Construction, Operation) Turbine Engines (Theory, Components, FADEC) Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems Ignition and Starting Systems Engine Lubrication Systems Engine Cooling Systems Propellers (Governors, Feathering, Reversing) Engine Instrument and Indicating Systems Engine Electrical and Fire Protection Systems

The Powerplant test covers aircraft engines and propellers — both reciprocating (piston) and turbine. This is widely regarded as the hardest of the three FAA A&P tests: it requires strong understanding of engine theory, fuel metering, ignition systems, lubrication, and propeller operation, plus the troubleshooting logic that connects them. Candidates typically report needing the most practice time on this test.

How to Prepare for the Powerplant Test

Start with turbine engine theory — gas turbine cycles, compressor types (centrifugal vs. axial), combustion chambers, and turbine configurations are foundational.
Study reciprocating engine systems — ignition, fuel metering (carburetors vs. fuel injection), and cooling systems.
Learn propeller systems in detail — constant-speed propellers, governors, feathering, and reversing mechanisms.
Understand FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and how it differs from traditional hydro-mechanical fuel control systems.
Use Sky License Powerplant practice questions to drill engine indicating systems — knowing normal temperature, pressure, and RPM ranges is frequently tested.

Pacing Strategy for 2-Hour Tests

With the 2-hour time limit, you have roughly 2 minutes per question on the 60-question General test and 1.2 minutes per question on the 100-question Airframe and Powerplant tests. This sounds tight, and some questions — particularly those involving calculations or figure interpretation — can take 2–3 minutes. Here is a proven pacing strategy:

First pass (0–60 min): Answer all questions you are confident about. Flag questions you are unsure of and move on immediately. Aim to complete 40+ questions on the General test (or 70+ on the 100-question tests) in the first hour.
Second pass (60–95 min): Return to flagged questions. Spend up to 2 minutes each. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first, then choose the best remaining option.
Final review (95–120 min): Review all answers, especially questions you flagged. Check for careless mistakes (misread questions, wrong units, simple arithmetic errors).

Practicing with timed simulations is the best way to develop this pacing instinctively. Sky License offers full-length timed simulations for all three FAA A&P tests that replicate the exact testing environment.

Using Study Tools to Master Exam Structure

Understanding the test structure is only the first step. To actually prepare efficiently, you need study tools that align with the structure of each test:

Practice questions by topic: Use Sky License to drill questions organized by ACS subject area, matching the exact topic distribution of each test.
Timed simulations: Take full-length practice tests under real conditions to build pacing and identify weak areas before test day.
Performance analytics: Track your scores across all three tests to see which need more attention and which topics within each test are dragging your score down.
AI Tutor: When you encounter a concept that is difficult to grasp, ask the AI Tutor for a plain-language explanation tailored to the FAA A&P test context.

To get started with free practice material, visit our free FAA A&P practice questions page.

Frequently Asked Questions About FAA A&P Test Structure

Are all FAA A&P tests the same length?

No. The General test has 60 questions, while the Airframe and Powerplant tests each have 100 questions. All three share a 2-hour time limit and a 70% pass mark. The shorter General test gives you more time per question (2.0 minutes vs 1.2 minutes).

What is the pass mark for FAA A&P tests?

The pass mark for all three FAA A&P written tests is 70%. On the General test that means at least 42 of 60 correct; on Airframe and Powerplant, at least 70 of 100 correct. There is no negative marking, so you should answer every question — even if you have to guess.

Which FAA A&P test is the hardest?

Difficulty is subjective and depends on your background. Most candidates find the Powerplant test the most technically challenging due to the depth of engine theory and systems knowledge required. Candidates with strong electrical backgrounds may find General easier, while those with hands-on structural experience may breeze through Airframe but struggle with engine theory.

Do I need to take all three tests?

It depends on which certificate you are pursuing. For the full A&P (both Airframe and Powerplant ratings), you must pass all three tests: General, Airframe, and Powerplant. For a single rating (Airframe-only or Powerplant-only), you must pass General plus the relevant rating test. Most employers strongly prefer the full A&P. See our career guide for full details.

How many times can I retake an FAA A&P test?

There is no formal limit on the number of retakes, but you must wait a minimum of 30 days between attempts under 14 CFR Part 65. Each retake incurs additional testing fees, and your written test credit is valid for only 24 months — so repeated failures can jeopardize your certification timeline. It is strongly recommended to achieve consistent scores of 80% or higher on practice simulations before booking a retake.

Where can I find free FAA A&P practice questions?

Sky License offers a free tier with practice questions covering all three FAA A&P tests. The free plan gives you access to a representative sample of questions aligned with the ACS, allowing you to evaluate the platform before committing to a paid subscription.

Next Steps in Your FAA A&P Test Journey

Now that you understand the structure of each test, here are your recommended next steps:

Review the ACS and FAA handbooks — Read the Aviation Mechanic ACS and the FAA handbooks (FAA-H-8083-30B, -31B, -32B) to understand every subject area you will be tested on.
Build a study plan — Use our study mistakes guide and study resources guide to create a structured preparation schedule spanning 8–16 weeks.
Take a diagnostic test — Start with our free practice questions to establish your baseline score in each test area.
Choose your path — If you have not already decided, read our certification guide to confirm which pathway (Part 147 school or experience) aligns with your situation.

Start your FAA A&P test preparation with Sky License free →