What A&P School Really Costs: Tuition, Tools and FAA Test Fees

Updated October 16, 2026 · Written and reviewed by the Wrench & Wing editorial team

Tuition varies widely; check each school's published price
Budget for tools, books and living costs
Written tests and oral/practical exams carry separate fees

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Average program cost and length (ATEC)

Program type	Average tuition	Average completion time
All A&P programs	$20,425	21 months
Public community colleges	$13,371	22 months
Private programs	$39,706	18 months

Source: ATEC/Oliver Wyman 2026 Pipeline Report, ATEC's analysis of published tuition for all aviation maintenance technician schools. ATEC also reports 19 programs with a pathway of 12 months or less, and that survey respondents named high test costs as a barrier to certification. Averages hide wide variation; check each school's published price. Tools, FAA knowledge-test fees, examiner fees and living costs are extra.

Cost categories

Tuition and fees: published by each Part 147 school; public community colleges are often cheaper than private programs. Compare the total program price, not monthly figures.
Tools: many programs require a personal tool set.
FAA knowledge tests: taken at an approved testing center for a fee set by the center.
Oral and practical exams: given by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME), who sets their own fee.
Living costs during the program, and lost income if you study full time.

For aid options see financing and aid basics. The experience route can avoid tuition. See school vs experience.

The two FAA routes (14 CFR Part 65)

The mechanic certificate rules are in 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D. You must be at least 18, read, write, speak and understand English, and pass three tests: written (knowledge), oral, and practical (§65.71, §65.75).

School route: graduate from an FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance technician school (§65.77(b)).
Experience route: documented practical experience: 18 months for airframe or powerplant, or 30 months working on both at the same time (§65.77(a)).
Military experience can also qualify. See the FAA's "become a mechanic" page.

New: test yourself with the free A&P Powerplant practice quiz (24 questions, beta).

Questions and answers

What is the average cost of A&P school?

ATEC's 2026 Pipeline Report gives average A&P program tuition of $20,425, with public community colleges averaging $13,371 and private programs $39,706.

Are there costs beyond tuition?

Yes: tools, books, FAA knowledge-test fees, examiner fees for the oral and practical test, and living costs. ATEC survey respondents named high test costs as a barrier.

Related guides

Pay and outcomes vary; no job or pay is guaranteed. Informational only. Not affiliated with the FAA or any school. No school pays to appear on this site.