A&P License Cost 2026: Test Fees and Who Sets Each One

What does an A&P license cost?

You take three knowledge tests for both ratings: General, Airframe and Powerplant. At PSI’s $175 each, that’s $525, and each retake is another test.

The FAA’s FAQ confirms that the oral and practical tests have a fee but gives no amount, because the Designated Mechanic Examiner sets it. The FAA’s companion guide says designees may charge a reasonable fee, which should be discussed and agreed before the test. So ask when you book.

PSI: FAA Airman Knowledge Testing ↗

Refunds and no-cost testing

PSI says you can cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours before your appointment, as long as you paid within the past year. If you’re eligible under the FAA’s agreement with the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council (JSAMTCC), the knowledge tests cost nothing at its military test sites. That covers active-duty, guard and reserve members, their dependents, military retirees and Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS) civilians, among others.

Who can test free on base →The inspection authorization test →

Aircraft mechanic school cost

The FAA doesn’t set or publish tuition for Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS). Each school sets its own, and the FAA says to contact a school directly about its enrollment and completion requirements. Compare total cost against the time to finish: the FAA estimates 18 to 24 months at a school.

On-the-job training is the other route, and the FAA calls it “usually the most inexpensive method” of getting the experience.

Finding an FAA-certificated school →Getting experience on the job →

Prep course prices

Short “2 week” A&P prep courses are priced by the companies that run them, and none is listed here. Question banks and test guides are cheaper study tools; their prices are on the study options page.

Study options compared →

Sources: PSI · FAA and 3 more. Checked November 2026.