Certification & License Guides
Step-by-step roadmaps to the credentials that move aerospace and aviation careers forward — from the A&P mechanic license and Airline Transport Pilot certificate to DoD 8570/8140 cybersecurity baselines, FAA Part 107, security clearances, and the PMP.
A&PAviation Maintenance
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic License
The FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate authorizes you to inspect, maintain, repair, and return aircraft to service. It is the foundational credential for a career in aviation maintenance (MRO).
- Federal Aviation Administration
- 18-24 months via an FAA Part 147 AMTS, or 30+ months of documented experience
- $15,000-$50,000 (Part 147 school) or testing fees only (experience route)
ATPFlight Operations
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate
The ATP certificate is the highest level of pilot certification issued by the FAA. It is required to act as pilot-in-command of scheduled airline operations and many corporate flight departments.
- Federal Aviation Administration
- Typically 2-5 years of flight time accumulation after a commercial certificate
- $5,000-$15,000 for the ATP-CTP course and checkride (flight hours additional)
DoD 8570 / 8140Defense & Cybersecurity
DoD 8570 / 8140 Cybersecurity Certification
DoD Directive 8570 (now succeeded by the DoD 8140 framework) mandates baseline cybersecurity certifications for anyone performing Information Assurance (IA) work on Department of Defense systems. It is essential for defense aerospace IT and cyber roles.
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Varies by certification; 1-6 months of study per credential
- $370-$760 per certification exam (Security+, CISSP, CISM, etc.)
Part 107UAS / Drone Operations
FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
The FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate is required to operate small unmanned aircraft systems (drones under 55 lbs) for commercial purposes in the United States. It is the entry credential for the drone industry.
- Federal Aviation Administration
- 2-4 weeks of study
- $175 knowledge test fee (plus optional prep courses)
ClearanceDefense & Cybersecurity
U.S. Security Clearance (Secret / Top Secret)
A security clearance is a determination that you are eligible to access classified national security information. Many aerospace and defense roles require an active clearance, making it one of the most valuable credentials in the industry.
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency
- 3-12+ months for the investigation and adjudication process
- Paid for by the sponsoring employer or agency (no cost to the applicant)
PMPProgram Management
Project Management Professional (PMP) for Aerospace
The PMP, issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI), is the globally recognized standard for project managers. In aerospace it validates your ability to lead complex, schedule-driven, safety-critical programs.
- Project Management Institute
- 2-4 months of preparation
- $405 (PMI member) / $555 (non-member) exam fee
FAA↔EASADrone / UAS
FAA Part 107 ↔ EASA UAS: Cross-Border Drone Operations
An FAA Part 107 certificate is not valid in the European Union, and an EASA UAS authorization is not valid in the United States. This guide explains how remote pilots operate legally on both sides of the Atlantic.
- FAA
- A few days to a few weeks depending on category and national aviation authority processing
- FAA Part 107: ~$175 exam. EASA Open category: free A1/A3 training; A2 CofC fees vary by NAA (typically €30-€250)
FAA↔EASAFlight Operations
FAA ↔ EASA Pilot License Conversion
FAA and EASA pilot licenses are not directly interchangeable. This guide outlines the conversion paths between an FAA certificate and an EASA Part-FCL license.
- FAA
- Weeks to several months depending on exams, flight hours, and skill tests
- Varies widely — theoretical exams, skill tests, and any required training can range from a few thousand to tens of thousands of dollars
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Explore education programs to earn these credentials, or browse open roles that require them.