You want in on aviation maintenance.
But one question can stop you before you even apply: Can you enter A&P school without a high school diploma?
If you guess wrong, you might spend extra time on paperwork or find out you need one more step before you can apply.
This guide breaks down what most aviation mechanic schools require, what “equivalent” can mean, and what steps can help you qualify.
What A&P Certification Is and Why It Matters
A&P stands for Airframe and Powerplant. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mechanic certificate can help you qualify to work on aircraft. The FAA lists basic eligibility rules, like age and English proficiency, plus tests you must pass.
In plain terms: A&P certification is a widely recognized credential in aviation maintenance. Many employers look for it when hiring aircraft mechanics.
What an A&P School Is
An A&P school is an aviation mechanic school that teaches the skills used to inspect, fix and service aircraft parts and engines. Many programs are designed to help students prepare for FAA testing.79,128
Minimum Age and English Rules
These rules come from the FAA for getting a mechanic certificate:
- Age: You must be at least 18 to be eligible for the mechanic certifcate.
- English: You must be able to read, write, speak and understand English.
Some people can train before 18, but they cannot be issued the certificate until they meet the age requirement.
Can You Enter A&P School Without a High School Diploma?
Most A&P programs require a high school diploma or an equivalent, like a GED certificate. That is the common “entry gate” at many aviation mechanic schools.
Here is the key point: school admission rules are not the same as FAA testing rules. A school can require a diploma or GED certificate even if the FAA’s core rules focus on age, English, experience and testing.
What “GED” means
GED is an abbreviation for General Educational Development tests, which are designed to measure high school equivalency. Passing the tests and earning a GED diploma or certificate shows you have academic skills similar to a high school graduate, even if you did not finish traditional high school.
Many schools accept it in place of a diploma because it meets the “high school or equivalent” requirement. If you are aiming for an aviation mechanic school, a GED certificate can be a straightforward way to qualify to apply.
Two Main Paths to A&P Eligibility: School-Based vs. Experience-Based
If you are trying to plan your next move, this quick compare helps.
Path | What it usually requires | What you gain |
FAA-approved school route | Meet the school’s entrance requirements, then complete training. | Structured training, lab time, test prep. |
Experience-based route | Documented work experience, reviewed by the FAA. | A way to qualify without graduating from an AMT school. |
The FAA experience route, in simple terms
If you do not graduate from an aviation maintenance technician school, the FAA may accept documented practical experience instead. The FAA describes time requirements like 18 months for one rating (airframe or powerplant) or 30 months for both.
Hands-on experience means time spent doing real maintenance work, not just watching or sitting in a class. The FAA also notes your documents must show you gained actual experience with common tools, materials and tasks.
Our Airframe and Powerplant program is an FAA-certificated aviation maintenance technician school program (often called a “Part 147” school). That matters because completing an FAA-certificated program gives you an authenticated school document you can use to show eligibility to apply and test for the FAA mechanic certificate when you meet the other requirements.
What To Do if You Do Not Have a Diploma
If your goal is to start an A&P program, a smart next step is to focus on what schools typically ask for.
Here are common moves that can help:
- Earn a GED certificate. This is the most direct way to meet many school entrance requirements.
- Ask about approved equivalents. Some states have other accepted options.
- Talk to an Admissions team early. You can learn what documents are required before you apply.
If you are looking at the UTI A&P program, be aware that there are entrance requirements that include a standards-based high school diploma or a state-issued GED certificate or approved equivalent documentation.
So for UTI, the right plan is usually: get your diploma or equivalent first, then apply.
What You Learn in an A&P Program
An industry-aligned aviation mechanic curriculum is built around the core systems and skills aircraft mechanics use on the job. Through courses at the UTI A&P program, you will train on topics like:
- Basic aircraft systems and safety.
- Engines and engine systems.
- Hydraulics and controls.
- Inspection and repair methods.
- Prep for written, oral and practical FAA exams.
Why Hands-on Training Matters
A&P work is physical, detailed work.
You will use tools. You will follow steps. You will inspect parts and document what you find.
That is why many students look for training that includes:
- Lab time with real equipment.
- Instructor support.
- A structured plan that builds skills step by step.
When people search “aviation mechanic school,” they are usually looking for training that feels close to real work, not just reading and lectures. That is why hands-on learning matters. In the Airframe and Powerplant programs at Universal Technical Institute, students build skills through lab work and guided instruction designed to match what employers expect.79
Career Support and Next Steps
Starting is not only about class. It is also about planning your path into aviation maintenance job opportunities.
Good career support can help you with basics like:
- Building a resume for technician roles.
- Helping with interview prep.
- Understanding what potential employers may ask for.
Just keep expectations realistic: Training can help you prepare, but no school can promise a job or a certain pay.
Aviation Mechanic School Admissions Requirements FAQs
Can I enroll in A&P school without a high school diploma?
Often, no. Many programs require a diploma or GED certificate. Some schools may accept other approved equivalents, so you should check each school’s rules.
What practical experience counts toward A&P certification without formal schooling?
The FAA focuses on documented practical experience gained over the required time. Your documents must show actual work with common maintenance tasks and tools.
How long does it take to qualify?
It depends on your path. Some school programs take under two years. The FAA experience route can take 18 to 30 months, depending on which ratings you seek. The Airframe and Powerplant programs at Universal Technical Institute can be completed in as little as 18 months, depending on the campus and program.79
What are the language requirements?
The FAA says applicants must be able to read, write, speak and understand English, with limited exceptions.
Get Qualified for UTI’s A&P School!
If you want the simplest path, start by meeting common school entry rules first. For many people, that means finishing high school or earning a GED certificate. From there, you can compare program timelines and support, including hands-on Airframe & Powerplant training at Universal Technical Institute.79
Want help mapping your next step into A&P training? Speak with an Admissions Representative about requirements, start dates and what you need to apply. Click the button below or call 1-800-834-7308.
Ready to get started? Enroll now.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.