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Pathway · Military

Military to A&P

Military maintenance experience can count toward FAA eligibility. Many maintainers already have much of what they need; the work is translating and documenting it. The FAA still makes the call.

Best for: Current and former military aircraft maintainers.

Typical time

Often a few months of paperwork and study if experience qualifies; longer if you need to fill gaps

Typical cost

Often low. Test fees may be covered by COOL programs or GI Bill test benefits.

Earn while learning?

Yes. Many start while still serving.

What to do next

This week

  • Run the Military Experience Mapper and print or save your checklist.
  • Download your Joint Services Transcript and locate your DD-214 (or request it).

This month

  • Ask your education office about a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility and COOL funding for your MOS/AFSC/rating.
  • Ask a former supervisor for a signed letter describing your duties, aircraft, and dates.
Open the Military Experience Mapper

Typical timeline

  1. Map & gather records

    2–6 weeks

    Use the Mapper, then collect DD-214, JST, training records, and supervisor letters.

  2. Certificate of Eligibility (if offered)

    Weeks

    Some specialties qualify for a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility through your service.

  3. FSDO review

    Weeks

    An FAA inspector reviews your records and, if satisfied, signs Form 8610-2.

  4. Study & test

    1–4 months

    Knowledge tests, then oral & practical. All tests must be passed within 24 months.

Cost ranges

ItemTypical range
Knowledge tests (3)

Often reimbursable via COOL or GI Bill test benefits.

~$175–$250 each
Oral & practical (examiner fee)

Check COOL and GI Bill eligibility before paying.

$1,000–$3,000+
Test prep

Base education centers may offer resources.

$0–$1,500
Gap training (if needed)

Specialists may need extra experience or coursework in areas they didn't cover.

Varies

Step by step

  1. 1

    Map your experience

    Use our Military Experience Mapper to see roughly where your experience stands across General, Airframe, and Powerplant areas.

  2. 2

    Gather documentation

    DD-214, Joint Services Transcript, training and qualification records, and supervisor letters describing duties, aircraft, and dates.

  3. 3

    Check for a Certificate of Eligibility

    Some specialties qualify for a JSAMTCC Certificate of Eligibility, which can simplify FSDO review. Ask your education office.

  4. 4

    Get FSDO approval (Form 8610-2)

    An FAA inspector reviews your records and, if approved, authorizes testing.

  5. 5

    Fill gaps, study, and test

    Then knowledge tests and oral & practical. Transitioning members may also look at DoD SkillBridge to train with an employer during their last months of service.

Upsides

  • ✅ Often the fastest path
  • ✅ Funding programs may cover costs
  • ✅ Can start while still serving

Trade-offs

  • ⚖️ Specialist roles may leave gaps
  • ⚖️ Documentation can be tedious
  • ⚖️ FSDO review varies

Official sources

ArcPath is for orientation only. It does not decide eligibility. Only the FAA can authorize you to test or issue a mechanic certificate. Content last reviewed 2026-10-16. Questions? See the FAQ.

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