A&P Written Test Day: What to Bring and What Happens

October 26, 2026 · Primary sources checked October 26, 2026

For airframe and powerplant (A&P) written test day, set up your tracking number in advance, then bring valid, current identification and the authorization documents for the mechanic test you will take. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing matrix and mechanic FAQ describe different details for some applicants; check the correct route before traveling, and keep the resulting report for later oral and practical (O&P) preparation.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; General Requirements · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMT authorization

Set up the FTN before the appointment

The September 25, 2026 matrix calls the number a Federal Tracking Number (FTN). Applicants who do not already have an FTN should establish one by creating a profile in the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA) system before taking a knowledge test. The mechanic FAQ uses the name “FAA Tracking Number” for FTN and says that if you do not already have one, you must register for one before taking the knowledge test(s). The FAQ says IACRA registration supplies the FTN, but mechanic certificate applications still use paper forms; creating the profile does not submit that application.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; General Requirements · Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026) — What is an FTN?; HTML, printed/PDF pages not applicable · Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026) — How do I test for an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate?; HTML, printed/PDF pages not applicable

What identification does the matrix require?

Identification information must be valid and current and include a photo, date of birth, signature and physical residential address. More than one acceptable document may supply the required information. Use the exact citizenship/residency column in the matrix, rather than assuming every applicant can bring the same single card.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; Identification table and notes

• For U.S. citizens and resident aliens, the matrix lists an identification card issued by any U.S. state, territory, or government entity (for example, a driver permit or license, government identification card, or military identification card), a passport, or an alien residency card.
• For non-U.S. citizens, its column lists a passport AND either a U.S. state/territory driver permit or license OR an identification card from any government entity.
• When acceptable ID lacks current physical/residential-address proof, the matrix permits the parent’s physical/residential address or an acceptable address-verification document listed on page 4.
• Page 4 examples include water/electric/gas utility statements, mortgage statements and signed leases; the full page lists other acceptable forms.
• A cable-company statement is expressly not accepted as address verification.
• The matrix gives a post office box, rural route, flight school address (unless the applicant resides at the school) or a commercial business/employer address as examples of an unacceptable physical/residential address.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; ID table, U.S. citizens/resident aliens · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; ID table, non-U.S. citizens · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; Address note · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 4, PDF 4; Acceptable Forms of Applicant Address Verification · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 4, PDF 4; Address verification

For an applicant under 18 without acceptable identification, the matrix requires an accompanying parent or legal guardian who presents the specified identification and may then attest to identity. For an applicant without a passport due to asylum status, the matrix says the applicant may present government-issued documentation to an FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) or International Field Office (IFO) for approval as identification in lieu of a passport; that office notifies the FAA Testing Standards Section of approval or disapproval. Our advice: resolve an unusual identification case with the testing center and relevant FAA office before arrival. Do not treat an exception as permission to improvise a substitute at the desk.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; Under-18 ID note · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; Asylum-status note

Which mechanic authorization will the proctor check?

For mechanic tests, page 6 says an applicant may present one or more of its listed acceptable authorization forms.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMT table

• Original FAA Form 8610-2: the proctor checks the applicable test/rating blocks and completed block V, including date, FAA official signature and office/designator number. The applicant must retain both original 8610-2 forms issued by the FSDO; the proctor scans the form and returns the original.
• For original issuance, an Airframe and/or Powerplant application authorizes the General test; a General-only original-issuance application is not accepted. The matrix separately notes that an added-rating application does not require the General test.
• An authenticated document from an FAA-certificated aviation maintenance technician school (AMTS) may be a certificate, letter or similar document that includes the school name and certificate number, graduation date, curriculum from which the applicant graduated and applicant name; an Airframe and/or Powerplant graduation document also authorizes General.
• Before graduation, an authenticated document showing satisfactory completion of the General curriculum may authorize the General test.
• A military Certificate of Eligibility (COE) authorizes the tests listed on that certificate; the proctor scans it and returns the original.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Original Form 8610-2 and proctor action · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Original Form 8610-2 proctor action · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMTS authorization · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMTS early-General authorization · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Military COE/proctor action

When the FAQ and the matrix list different documents

The mechanic FAQ’s general testing steps say to present an FAA-signed Form 8610-2, or the graduation certificate for an AMTS graduate. The newer matrix expressly also lists the military COE and the early-General AMTS document. The FAA pages describe different levels of detail. Match your actual route to the matrix and confirm the full document set with the testing center; do not erase a listed alternative by reading only the FAQ’s general steps.

Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026) — How do I test for an FAA Aviation Mechanic certificate?; HTML, printed/PDF pages not applicable · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMT authorization

For a previously failed written retest, the FAQ says Form 8610-2 plus valid AC Form 8080-2 from the preceding test. The matrix separately lists a passing report, an expired report or other acceptable form of first-take authorization, or a failed report as retest authorization. After a failure, the matrix requires you to submit the failed report to the testing center before retesting. A 30-day waiting period is required if you present a failed report but no retesting endorsement; the wait is not required if you present a signed statement from an airman holding the certificate and rating(s) you seek, certifying that the airman gave you additional instruction in each subject you failed and considers you ready for retesting. The proctor must scan the report, verify electronic storage, then destroy the failed report. Our advice: check your report’s actual status, read both FAA descriptions, and ask the testing center which documents it needs; do not assume one report alone is always enough.

Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026) — What documents must I present to retake a previously-failed AMT knowledge test?; HTML, printed/PDF pages not applicable · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Retest authorizations · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Notes 1–3 · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; Retest proctor action

What happens after the written and before the O&P?

The proctor scans and verifies electronic capture of identification and authorization documents during processing. The FAA describes the knowledge questions as objective multiple choice. The matrix says your FTN is printed on the resulting test report. The matrix marks the mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant tests as having Airman Certification Standards (ACS) codes printed on the report. Matching the ACS codes on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) with their code descriptions assists in evaluating the subject areas shown to be deficient on the knowledge test.

FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 3, PDF 3; General Guidelines · Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026) — What are the AMT knowledge test questions like?; HTML, printed/PDF pages not applicable · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed unnumbered first page, PDF 1; General Requirements · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 6, PDF 6; AMT table · FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026) — printed 2, PDF 2; Codes for Incorrectly Answered Test Questions

Our advice: check the name and FTN printed on the report, and keep your copy with your application documents. The report guide linked below explains score, codes and validity; the General written guide explains that test’s scope. For arrival time, check-in steps and hours, ask the testing center; the FAA pages cited here do not set them.

Practice the spoken part

DMEReady is an artificial intelligence (AI) voice examiner for the A&P oral, not a human designated mechanic examiner (DME), a written-test question bank, or hands-on practical training. You answer out loud in your phone or computer browser; the first drill is free with no sign-up, and the session report identifies what you covered, what you missed, what a complete answer includes, and where to read in the FAA handbooks. DMEReady is independent and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA.

Related guides

• General written format and subjects
• Report score, codes and validity
• Failed written retake: wait and documents

For fee planning, read the DME exam cost guide.

Primary sources

• FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix (September 25, 2026)
• Become a Mechanic Frequently Asked Questions (updated June 9, 2026)
• Mechanic Test Generator FAQs (May 22, 2023)

Before the oral

Under the FAA Mechanic Test Generator (MTG) FAQ, each distinct missed code among the ACS codes on your Airman Knowledge Test Report (AKTR) adds one oral question, plus at least four randomly generated questions per applicable section. Several missed written questions under one code add only one additional oral question. Our advice: explain the topic with the source closed, then reopen the exact page to check the conditions and cautions you left out.

Mechanic Test Generator FAQs (May 22, 2023) — printed unnumbered, PDF 3; Oral-related Questions · Mechanic Test Generator FAQs (May 22, 2023) — printed unnumbered, PDF 4; Oral-related Questions (continued)

Practice explaining it out loud

About this guide: drafted with AI from the FAA sources listed on this page and checked claim by claim against them. Not reviewed by an A&P mechanic or DME. How we make our guides