Thinking about a career that keeps aircraft safe and flying? The AME entrance exam is usually the first step on the route to becoming an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, a technical, hands‑on, and highly responsible role in aviation. This revised guide explains what the AME entrance exam is, who manages AME training and licences in different countries, how to qualify, what topics are tested, a practical preparation plan, and what comes after you pass.
Quick definition — what the exam is for
The AME entrance exam commonly refers to an institute-level selection test used to screen candidates for Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) courses. These AME courses lead to the practical and theoretical training required before you can attempt regulator examinations and apply for a formal AME licence. There is no single, universal AME entrance exam. Different countries and institutes run different admission tests, and the regulatory licence exams are a separate step.
Why the entrance exam matters for your career
The entrance test matters because it helps institutions and training organisations determine whether a candidate possesses the foundational knowledge, particularly in physics, mathematics, and basic electrical/electronic principles, necessary to succeed in a demanding technical programme. Clearing an entrance test typically gives you admission to a DGCA‑approved institute (India), a Transport Canada‑approved basic training provider (Canada), or other nationally approved training organisations. From admission, you will go on to complete regulated modules and supervised experience before applying for a licence.
Who runs the exams and licensing?
A few different players are involved:
- National aviation regulators set the licensing rules and module syllabi and run (or supervise) regulator examinations. For example, India’s regulator operates AME examinations under the CAR‑66/CAR framework and lists DGCA module exams; Canada’s regulator is Transport Canada, which publishes the AME licensing pathway and approved basic training providers.
- Individual institutes and academies run their own entrance tests or common entrance tests to select students for their AME programmes.
- After (or during) training, the regulator module exams test the detailed technical and regulatory knowledge required to be issued an AME licence.
Important terminology
Different countries use different terms for broadly the same job. Many ICAO member states use AME (Aircraft Maintenance Engineer) or Licensed AME. In the United States, the FAA issues A&P (Airframe & Powerplant) certificates (commonly referred to as an A&P mechanic or AMT Aviation Maintenance Technician). These are equivalent job roles in the sense of maintaining aircraft, but they are issued under different national systems and have different regulatory names and rules.
Eligibility — who typically can apply
Eligibility varies by country and by institute. In many countries, the common requirements are:
- Educational background: most institutes expect 10+2 (high‑school) with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) or an equivalent diploma in a relevant engineering discipline; some programmes accept related diplomas or degrees.
- Minimum age for admission: many training programmes admit candidates from age 16 onwards; however, note that the minimum age to hold or be issued a regulator’s AME licence may be higher (for example, some regulators require applicants to be 18 or 21 at licence issue).
- Medical fitness: practical training and later licensing typically require medical fitness (vision standards, no disqualifying conditions such as certain colour‑vision deficiencies).
Because rules differ, always check the specific regulator and institute for final eligibility details.
What types of AME exams may you face
There are two clear stages most aspirants will see:
- Institute/entrance tests — MCQ‑style admission tests run by colleges or common entrance exam bodies that check PCM, basic electronics, and reasoning. Clearing these gets you into the training programme.
- Regulator module exams — after or during your training, you must pass regulator‑level module tests (for example, under the DGCA CAR‑66 structure in India, or Transport Canada’s AME technical/regulatory exams) to qualify for a licence issue. These are more detailed and linked to licence privileges.
Syllabus — what is covered (from entrance to regulator modules)
Entrance-level tests generally focus on fundamentals: mathematics (algebra, trigonometry, basics of calculus, where applicable), physics (mechanics and basic thermodynamics), basic chemistry (material and fuel basics), and introductory electrical/electronics principles. They also commonly include English comprehension and basic aptitude.
Regulator modules expand to deep aircraft systems and regulations. Under the DGCA framework, you will see a list of modules covering subjects such as Maintenance Practices, Aerodynamics, Materials & Hardware, Electrical Fundamentals, Gas Turbine Engines, Aircraft Structures, Avionics, Human Factors, and Aviation Legislation. DGCA publishes a set of 17 modules in its AME syllabus framework; candidates study and pass the module subset that applies to their chosen stream (mechanical/airframe B1, avionics B2, etc.).
Typical exam formats
Institute entrance exams are usually objective (MCQ) tests. Common features:
- Duration: often 90–120 minutes.
- Questions: typically 60–120 MCQs, depending on the institute.
- Marking: +1 for correct answers; some tests use negative marking for incorrect responses (e.g., −0.25).
- Sections: mathematics, physics, chemistry/electronics, and English/aptitude are typical.
Regulator module exams tend to be longer, more detailed multiple‑choice exams aligned to each module’s syllabus.
How to register and apply
Start by shortlisting institutes that are approved by your national regulator, for example, look up the DGCA list in India or Transport Canada’s list of approved basic training providers in Canada. Check the institute’s admission notification for application windows, required documents (mark‑sheets, ID, photos), fees, and how admit cards are issued. For regulator module exams, follow the regulator’s registration and scheduling guidance (e.g., Pariksha DGCA portal in India, or Transport Canada’s exam booking process).
A practical 12‑week preparation roadmap
Weeks 1–2: Diagnostic mock, prioritise weaker topics, gather materials.
Weeks 3–6: Build core skills, speed, and accuracy in mathematics and physics; basic circuit problems.
Weeks 7–9: Timed mixed practice and full mocks every few days.
Weeks 10–12: Final polishing, revise formula sheets, work on negative marking strategy, plan logistics for test day.
Consistency, error review, and regular timed mocks are more effective than last‑minute cramming.
Study resources
Focus first on clear high‑school maths and physics texts, then use institute‑specific AME guides and past papers. For later regulator study, always use official module syllabi and regulator‑approved materials.
After admission, training, regulator modules, and licensing steps
After you join an approved AME programme, you will undertake both academic theory and workshop/practical training. You must clear the regulator module exams for your chosen category and log the practical, supervised experience required by your regulator before applying for the licence. Different regulators set different experience and age thresholds for licence issue checks in the regulator’s official guidance.
Career paths and responsibilities
A licensed AME works in line and base maintenance for airlines, MROs, OEMs, training organisations, and regulators. Responsibilities include inspection, repair, overhaul, and once licensed and authorised, signing the certificate of release to service. Salary ranges and responsibilities vary considerably by country, licence category, and experience.
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Avoid skipping fundamentals; weak maths/physics will slow you down later. Practice timed tests to improve speed and accuracy, and prioritise hands‑on workshop exposure. Finally, always verify that the institute is regulator‑approved before you pay fees.
Short country comparison (India vs Canada)
India (DGCA): training and modules are handled under the DGCA framework (CAR‑66/CAR references). There are 17 official DGCA modules; candidates take the subset that matches their chosen licence category. Admission to institutes commonly requires 10+2 (PCM) or an approved engineering diploma.
Canada (Transport Canada): Transport Canada requires approved or acceptable basic training (or acceptable experience), passing the technical and regulatory exams, and meeting the experience and age requirements before issuing a licence.
Final checklist before an entrance test
First, confirm your eligibility for the examination and obtain the necessary approval from your institution. Next, gather all required documents, such as identification, transcripts, and any other forms specified by the testing authority. After that, proceed to register for the exam and ensure you download your admission card, as this will be essential for entry on test day.
Following registration, plan your travel to the test center thoughtfully. Consider factors such as the distance, mode of transportation, and estimated travel time to ensure you arrive on time. Finally, prioritize getting adequate rest in the days leading up to the test to ensure you are well-prepared and alert on the day of the examination.
