Part 1: How to Study for FAA Written Exams

What the Written Exams Actually Test

FAA written exams are knowledge validation exams, not real-world troubleshooting tests. They focus on:

  • Regulatory understanding

  • Systems theory

  • Standard practices

  • Safety and limitations

  • FAA terminology

Written exams are derived directly from FAA-published source material.

Pass the FAA A&P Written Exams

Step 1: Know Which Written Exams You Are Taking

Before you begin studying, be clear about which FAA written exams apply to you.

Most applicants will take:

  • General – Basic aviation knowledge common to all mechanics

  • Airframe – Structures, systems, and aircraft maintenance

  • Powerplant – Engines, propellers, and related systems

Each exam is independent and must be studied separately.
Passing one does not prepare you for the others.

Know what you are taking, plan accordingly, and study with intent.
Clarity at the start prevents wasted time later.

Step 2: Use Official FAA Study References (Required)

Your study foundation must come from the following FAA publications:

Core Certification Standard

Step 2.1: Written & Oral Exam References (Required)

Step 2.2: Regulatory References

14 CFR Title 14 – Federal Aviation Regulations
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14

Key Parts (Mechanic Focus):
• Part 1 – Definitions
• Part 21 – Certification Procedures
• Part 43 – Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Alterations
• Part 45 – Identification and Registration Marking
• Part 65 – Certification of Mechanics

Part 91 (Mechanic-Relevant Sections Only):
• §91.7 – Civil aircraft airworthiness
• §91.403 – Owner/operator responsibility
• §91.405 – Maintenance required
• §91.407 – Operation after maintenance
• §91.207 – Emergency Locator Transmitters (ELT)

Step 2.3: Practical Task & Industry Standard References

Primary Acceptable Data

  • Aircraft Maintenance Manuals (AMM)

  • Engine Maintenance Manuals (EMM)

  • Component Maintenance Manuals (CMM)

  • Illustrated Parts Catalogs (IPC)

Manufacturer instructions are the controlling authority when applicable.

Step 3: Study by Concept, Not by Question

  • Effective study focuses on understanding systems, not memorizing answers.

    • Begin by reading the applicable FAA handbook section in full

    • Learn why systems operate the way they do, not just what happens

    • Connect components, airflow, forces, or electrical flow into a mental model

    • Practice test questions only after the underlying concept is understood

    • Use missed questions to identify knowledge gaps, not shortcuts

    If you cannot explain the concept out loud in plain language, you are not ready for the written or practical exam.

    Understanding first. Questions second.

Step 4: Written Exam Test-Taking Strategy

Read every question carefully, paying close attention to wording and context before selecting an answer.

  • Watch for absolute words such as “always,” “never,” “only,” and “must”

  • Eliminate clearly incorrect answers first to improve odds

  • Identify what the question is actually asking, not what you expect

  • Flag difficult or time-consuming questions and return to them later

  • Use remaining time to review flagged questions and verify selections

Most written exam failures are caused by misreading the question, not a lack of knowledge or preparation.

Slow down. Read precisely. Answer what is asked.

Part 2: How to Study for FAA Oral & Practical (O&P)

The O&P is a professional evaluation, not an academic test. It is conducted directly from FAA-S-ACS-1.

You are evaluated on:

  • Knowledge application

  • Skill execution

  • Judgment

  • Safety mindset

  • Communication

Pass the FAA A&P Oral & Practical Exams

Step 5: Use the ACS as Your Roadmap

The ACS tells you exactly what can be tested.

Each task includes:

  • Knowledge elements

  • Risk management considerations

  • Skill elements

You must be able to:

  • Explain what you are doing

  • Explain why it is safe

  • Reference the correct regulation or manual

Perfection is not required. Safe, compliant performance is.

Step 6: How to Study for the Oral Portion

The Oral exam is based on your written test and is closed book.

Best practices:

  • Your AKTR shows exactly what you got wrong

  • Those missed topics will be asked again during the Oral

  • Look up each code in FAA-S-ACS-1 and study that topic

  • Use FAA handbooks, CFR, and AC 43.13

  • Be able to explain how things work, not just recognize answers

  • Take a second, think it through, and answer logically

  • Don’t try to fake it. If unsure, give your best reasoned answer

Key point:

70% is passing, but it puts you in a bad spot.
More wrong answers = more Oral questions in those same weak areas.

Even with a high score, you will still get additional questions you can’t predict.

85% is the target.
That’s the range where you reduce weak areas but still have enough understanding to handle anything else.

Use a study app and don’t take the written until you can score 85%+ on 3 full practice tests in a row.

Step 7: How to Study for the Practical Portion

The Practical exam evaluates what you can do, not just what you know.

You will perform tasks to standard using proper procedures and acceptable data.

Best practices:

  • Follow maintenance data step-by-step, do not rely on memory

  • Use the correct tools and verify values (torque, limits, clearances)

  • Use AC 43.13-1B when needed

  • Be able to explain your data source and why it is acceptable

  • Work methodically and verbalize what you are doing

Common mistake:

Not knowing what to do when no manual exists.

  • Relying on habit or “industry practice”

  • Using judgment without a valid data source

Key point:

When manufacturer data is unavailable, use methods acceptable to the Administrator under 14 CFR Part 43.

That means using FAA data or other acceptable references and returning the aircraft to an airworthy condition.

You are expected to be safe, methodical, and compliant.

Step 8: Common O&P Failure Points

Most Applicants Fail Due To:

  • Poor communication
    Inability to clearly explain what they are doing and why

  • Overconfidence
    Rushing tasks or skipping verification steps

  • Guessing instead of referencing data
    Failing to use FAA handbooks or manufacturer instructions

  • Skipping safety steps
    Ignoring PPE, lockout, grounding, or hazard awareness

  • Not knowing where to find information
    Struggling to locate correct manuals, chapters, or procedures

Very few applicants fail because they lack mechanical skill.
Most failures are preventable with discipline, data use, and communication.

Final Preparation Strategy

During the final week before your exam, shift from learning to consolidation.

  • Stop learning new material
    New topics increase confusion and dilute retention

  • Review weak areas only
    Focus on gaps you already identified, not entire subjects

  • Practice oral explanations out loud
    If you can explain it clearly, you understand it

  • Rest properly
    Sleep, hydration, and routine matter more than cramming

Mental fatigue causes more exam failures than lack of study.
Confidence comes from preparation that is already complete.

Trust the work you’ve done.

Examiner Perspective

The examiner’s role is to confirm that the Federal Aviation Administration can trust you to work safely, competently, and legally on certificated aircraft.

This evaluation is not about perfection.
It is about judgment, process, and professionalism.

Examiners are looking for:

  • Safe decision-making and hazard awareness

  • Proper use of approved data and references

  • Clear communication and logical task execution

  • Willingness to slow down, verify, and ask when unsure

Professionalism, preparation, and honesty matter.
Demonstrate how you think, not just what you know.

That is what earns trust.