The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) sets national standards for safety, training, and professional qualifications across the aviation industry. FAA certification is the formal process the agency uses to verify that individuals and organizations meet federal aviation safety requirements.
For those pursuing aviation technician certification, earning an FAA certificate confirms that you have met the knowledge, experience, and examination standards required to work on U.S. aircraft. (1)
What Is an FAA Certificate?
An FAA certificate is a federally issued credential that authorizes a person or organization to perform specific aviation-related duties under Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR).
FAA certificates are issued only after applicants:
- Meet minimum age requirements.
- Demonstrate required knowledge.
- Complete qualifying experience or education.
- Pass required examinations.
FAA License vs. Certificate: Is There a Difference?
Yes, even though people often use the terms interchangeably. While many say “FAA license,” the FAA’s official term is “certificate.” For aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs), certification is issued under 14 CFR Part 65. (2)
Simply put, the difference is:
- FAA Certificate = Official regulatory term
- License = Informal term commonly used by the public
In aviation maintenance, the correct term is a “Mechanic Certificate” with an Airframe rating, a Powerplant rating, or both.
Who Issues FAA Certificates?
All mechanic and aviation maintenance certificates are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Testing is conducted through FAA-authorized testing centers and Designated Mechanic Examiners, but the certificate itself is federally issued.
Types of FAA Certificates
The FAA administers multiple types of FAA certification depending on professional role and responsibility.
1. Mechanic Certificates (A&P)
The most widely recognized maintenance credential is the Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and/or Powerplant ratings, often referred to as the A&P. (2) Graduates of SJVC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program are eligible to test for an FAA airframe and powerplant license after meeting FAA requirements.
Under 14 CFR 65.81, certificated mechanics may perform maintenance and approve for return to service work they perform within the scope of their rating, except where additional inspection authorization is required. (3)
2. Aviation Repair Station & Business Certifications
The FAA also issues certification to aviation maintenance businesses under 14 CFR Part 145. (4)
While these certifications apply to organizations rather than individual technicians, those who have completed the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at SJVC and earned their FAA airframe and powerplant license seek employment with FAA-certificated repair stations.
3. Pilot Certificates
Pilot certificates (not offered at SJVC) are issued under 14 CFR Part 61. (5)
4. Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)
This certification is required for commercial drone operations (not offered at SJVC). (6)
5. Air Traffic Controller Certification
This specialized federal certification applies to individuals responsible for managing aircraft movement and airspace (not offered at SJVC).
6. Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate
This certification authorizes individuals to plan and monitor airline flights (not offered at SJVC).
How to Get FAA Certification
If you’re researching how to get FAA certification, the process depends on the specific credential. For mechanics, it typically includes education or documented experience and passing specific exams.
How to Get an A&P Certification
To earn the FAA airframe and powerplant license, candidates generally:
- Meet FAA eligibility requirements (age and language standards). (2)
- Complete required training or document qualifying experience. (7)
- Pass FAA knowledge (written) exams. (8)
- Complete oral and practical exams. (8)
You can learn more about the exam process in SJVC’s A&P Test Guide.
Types of FAA Technical Careers and Certifications
When considering aviation technician certification, the most important step is matching your credentials to your long-term professional goals. For those who want to work directly on aircraft, from private Cessnas to massive commercial jetliners, the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) path is the industry standard.
This certificate authorizes mechanics to approve for return to service maintenance they perform within the privileges and limitations defined in 14 CFR 65.81.
Key Roles of an Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT)
Certified aviation maintenance technicians may: (3)
- Inspect aircraft components.
- Perform scheduled maintenance.
- Troubleshoot mechanical systems.
- Document repairs in compliance with FAA regulations.
What Are the Benefits of FAA Certification?
Because aviation safety is federally regulated, certification ensures consistency of training and evaluation across the US. Having your FAA certification proves to employers that you have established the federal safety and technical requirements necessary to work in a high-stakes environment.
What Can You Do With an FAA Certification?
With a Mechanic Certificate, you may:
- Perform maintenance and preventive maintenance.
- Conduct inspections within rating privileges.
- Approve work for return to service within regulatory limitations. (3)
- Document maintenance activities in compliance with FAA requirements.
Mechanics must also meet recent experience requirements to exercise certificate privileges. The certificate itself does not expire, but federal regulations require active engagement in aircraft maintenance within the previous 24 months. (9)
How SJVC Can Prepare You for a Career in Aviation Maintenance Technology
If you’re exploring becoming an FAA technician, structured training is important to building the foundational knowledge needed to work in the field. SJVC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program provides classroom instruction and hands-on lab experience aligned with FAA standards to help students prepare for required exams. (10)
Ready to begin your aviation journey? Learn more about SJVC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program now.
References
- Federal Aviation Administration. “Become an Aviation Mechanic.” https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. “14 CFR Part 65 – Certification: Airmen Other Than Flight Crewmembers.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-65
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. “14 CFR § 65.81 – General Privileges and Limitations.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-65.81
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. “14 CFR Part 145 – Repair Stations.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-145
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. “14 CFR Part 61 – Certification: Pilots, Flight Instructors, and Ground Instructors.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-61
- Federal Aviation Administration. “Commercial Drone (Part 107) Requirements.” https://www.faa.gov/uas/commercial_operators
- Federal Aviation Administration. “Experience Requirements for Mechanics.” https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/experience
- Federal Aviation Administration. “Test Requirements and Airman Certification Standards.” https://www.faa.gov/mechanics/become/test_requirements
- Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. “14 CFR § 65.83 – Recent Experience Requirements.” https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/section-65.83
- San Joaquin Valley College. “Aviation Maintenance Technology Program.” https://www.sjvc.edu/program/aviation-maintenance-technology/