Confirm your experience pathway
Determine whether your documented practical maintenance experience meets the requirements of 14 CFR § 65.77 for the Airframe rating, Powerplant rating, or both.
International Certification Pathway
International
Applicants
A clear route from foreign maintenance experience to FAA eligibility, U.S.-based knowledge testing, and the mechanic oral and practical examination.
Plan the entire process before you travel.
FAA authorization, PSI knowledge testing, preparation, travel, and the oral and practical examination must be coordinated in the correct order.
Choose the correct FAA office
Applicants outside the United States normally work through the appropriate FAA International Field Office. Applicants physically inside the United States may contact a Flight Standards District Office.
Prepare the supporting records
Organize employer letters, training records, licenses, logbooks, identification, translations, and other evidence needed to establish the type and duration of your experience.
Complete the FAA interview
The FAA reviews your documents, evaluates your experience, and determines whether Form 8610-2 may be signed to authorize the requested mechanic tests.
Obtain your FTN and plan U.S. testing
Create or confirm your FAA Tracking Number and coordinate the required testing sequence. FAA mechanic knowledge tests administered by PSI must be taken inside the United States.
Travel, prepare, and take the knowledge tests
Most international applicants coordinate a U.S. trip that includes a preparation course, the PSI knowledge tests, and the oral and practical examination. Build enough time into the schedule for preparation and unexpected delays.
Complete the oral and practical examination
After passing the required knowledge tests, present the original documents and reports to the DME and complete the FAA oral and practical examination for the requested ratings.
Do not book the trip too early.
Secure FAA testing authorization first. Then coordinate a realistic U.S. schedule for preparation, PSI knowledge testing, and the oral and practical examination.
Carry the checklist through every step.
The complete guide includes the route at a glance, document checkpoints, FAA office selection, Form 8610-2 guidance, official links, travel planning, PSI testing, and O&P preparation.
- Experience pathway confirmed
- Correct FAA office identified
- Supporting records organized
- Form 8610-2 signed
- FTN and PSI plan confirmed
- U.S. preparation and testing scheduled
Confirm your pathway before scheduling.
Include your country, experience pathway, FAA authorization status, requested ratings, and intended U.S. testing timeframe.
Email jhauch@faa-dme.com