FAA A&P Powerplant Pass Rate, Format & Study Guide

The FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant knowledge test has 100 multiple-choice questions and a 120-minute time limit, drawn from the Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1). The minimum passing grade is 70 percent (14 CFR 65.17), and the content spans 13 areas, led by Reciprocating Engines (11%). This portal's practice mock has 100 questions; the FAA oral and practical tests are separate.

Passing the Powerplant knowledge test is a required step toward the powerplant rating on an FAA mechanic certificate, which lets you maintain and approve engines and propellers for return to service.

Aviation maintenance students and working technicians pursuing the Powerplant rating of the A&P certificate, and candidates retesting after a failed attempt.

The certifying body does not publicly publish an official pass rate for this exam. Be wary of third-party sites citing a specific number here — treat any pass-rate claim you see elsewhere for this exam as unverified.

After a failed knowledge test you may retest after 30 days, or sooner with a signed statement from an airman who holds the certificate and rating you seek, saying you received extra instruction in every failed subject (14 CFR 65.19).

The minimum passing grade for each FAA test is 70 percent (14 CFR 65.17). Format: 100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes; the oral and practical tests are separate and are not part of this knowledge test. No official pass rate is available for this exam, so none is quoted here.

The FAA Aviation Mechanic Powerplant knowledge test has 100 multiple-choice questions and a 120-minute time limit, drawn from the Airman Certification Standards (FAA-S-ACS-1). The minimum passing grade is 70 percent (14 CFR 65.17), and the content spans 13 areas, led by Reciprocating Engines (11%). This portal's practice mock has 100 questions; the FAA oral and practical tests are separate. 100 multiple-choice questions · 120 minutes · pass: at least 70 percent · written knowledge test only (oral and practical tests are separate). The minimum passing grade for each FAA test is 70 percent (14 CFR 65.17).

• Reciprocating Engines11%
• Turbine Engines9%
• Engine Inspection6%
• Engine Instrument Systems7%
• Engine Fire Protection Systems6%
• Engine Electrical Systems9%
• Engine Lubrication Systems7%
• Ignition and Starting Systems8%
• Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems9%
• Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems7%
• Turbine Engine Air Systems6%
• Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems6%
• Propellers9%

The content outline spreads questions across 13 areas: Reciprocating Engines (11.0%); Turbine Engines (9.0%); Engine Inspection (6.0%); Engine Instrument Systems (7.0%); Engine Fire Protection Systems (6.0%); Engine Electrical Systems (9.0%); Engine Lubrication Systems (7.0%); Ignition and Starting Systems (8.0%); Engine Fuel and Fuel Metering Systems (9.0%); Reciprocating Engine Induction and Cooling Systems (7.0%); Turbine Engine Air Systems (6.0%); Engine Exhaust and Reverser Systems (6.0%); Propellers (9.0%).

Under 14 CFR 65.71 an applicant must be at least 18 years of age, able to read, write, speak and understand English, and pass all prescribed tests within a 24-month period. Under 14 CFR 65.77 the experience requirement is 18 months of practical experience for an airframe or powerplant rating and 30 months for both ratings together, or an authenticated document from a certificated aviation maintenance technician school. Experience, oral and practical tests are handled with an FAA-designated examiner.

The FAA does not set the testing-center fee. A 2022 testing-center schedule listed about $175 for each of the General, Airframe and Powerplant knowledge tests, and the FAA calls such fees approximate; confirm the current charge with your test center. Oral and practical test fees are set by the examiner.

FAA mechanic certificates do not carry a renewal date in the rules we read, but 14 CFR 65.83 lets you exercise the privileges only if, within the preceding 24 months, the FAA found you able to do the work or you had at least 6 months of qualifying experience.

Start with the heaviest areas of the content outline: Reciprocating Engines (11.0%); Turbine Engines (9.0%); Engine Electrical Systems (9.0%). Then work through the remaining areas, and finish with timed full-length practice runs of 100 questions in one sitting.

Content outlines, fees and passing standards change; this guide follows the materials listed under Verification as of October 2026. Check the FAA and your testing center before you register.