How Long Does A&P Certification Take?

Pursuing A&P certification typically requires 18 to 24 months at an FAA Part 147 school. With accelerated programs, such as APMI's, you can complete A&P school in just 15 months. Your timeline depends on your current background and availability. If you are looking to continue working a full-time job outside the aviation field, schools like A&P Mechanic Institute can have you completed in 22 months

The FAA Part 147 School Timeline

FAA Part 147 schools offer training to prepare aspiring aviation mechanics for certification. It's often necessary to complete 1,800 classroom and lab hours across three different program segments.

With A&P Mechanic Institute in Lakeland, Florida, you can complete an accelerated program in just 15 months when enrolling on a full-time basis. Our curriculum includes General Studies (360 hours), Airframe (720 hours) and Powerplant segments (720 hours). You receive hands-on training with aircraft, with each session guided by experienced instructors. We offer day and night classes to fit students' schedules, and no prior aviation experience is required.

Our focused approach enables you to be exam-ready upon graduation.

Timelines for Other Certification Pathways

If you served in the military with an aviation maintenance specialty, you may qualify for certification testing through the Joint Service Aviation Maintenance Technician Certification Council. This pathway for qualifying veterans can condense the training timeline down from the traditional 18 to 24 months, depending on how documented experience aligns with FAA guidelines for testing readiness.

What Determines the A&P Certification Timeline?

Multiple variables can influence how quickly you can earn A&P certification:

• Prior experience: Backgrounds in automotive repair or military service may reduce the learning curve. Aspiring aviation mechanics must still meet the training-hour requirements for Part 147 graduates.

• Day or night classes: Full-time students complete day class programs in 15 months with A&P Mechanic Institute. For added flexibility, night classes allow you to work Monday-Friday from 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, with completion in 22 months.

• Program structure: Accelerated schools like A&P Mechanic Institute focus training into 15 months compared to the 18- to 24-month timelines often associated with traditional schools.

• Testing readiness: You must finish the General, Airframe and Powerplant courses prior to testing. Strong preparation minimizes delays caused by retesting.

Start Your A&P Certification Journey Today

At A&P Mechanic Institute, our 15-month program allows you to get certified quickly without sacrificing training depth or quality. Interested in learning more? Explore our admissions and financing options. You can contact our team today to discuss your path to certification.