FAA Oral and Practical Study Guide
The oral and practical (O&P) exams are the final hurdle between you and your A&P mechanic certificate. After passing the written exams, you must demonstrate your knowledge verbally (oral) and your skills physically (practical) to a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). This combined exam tests not just what you know, but what you can do.
Success on the O&P exams requires a different kind of preparation than the written exams. You need to verbalize concepts clearly, perform hands-on tasks to professional standards, and demonstrate the judgment and safety awareness of a certified mechanic. This guide covers what to expect and how to prepare effectively.
The Oral Exam: Verbal Knowledge Assessment
The DME asks questions from the FAA Oral and Practical Study Guide, covering General, Airframe, and Powerplant subjects. Questions range from definitions to scenario-based problems. The DME evaluates not just whether you know the answer, but whether you can explain it clearly and demonstrate understanding. Prepare by practicing answers out loud — verbal fluency is a skill that improves with practice.
The Practical Exam: Hands-On Skill Demonstration
The DME assigns tasks from the Practical Test Standards. You must perform each task using proper tools, following approved procedures, and meeting industry standards. Tasks may include safety wiring, magneto timing, compression testing, fluid line fabrication, precision measuring, and sheet metal repair. The DME evaluates your technique, tool selection, safety practices, and the quality of your work.
Combining Oral and Practical Preparation
The most effective preparation combines knowledge and skills. Study the theory with flashcards and study guides, then practice the hands-on tasks physically. Use AI DME oral practice sessions to simulate the verbal exam, and use maintenance simulations to understand practical procedures before performing them. This combined approach ensures you can both explain and perform every task.
Start Preparing for Your A&P Exam
Access flashcards, practice tests, AI DME oral sessions, and maintenance simulations — all in one FAA-aligned platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
The oral and practical (O&P) exam is the final step in A&P certification. After passing the written exams, you must pass the oral (verbal questions from a DME) and practical (hands-on task performance) exams for each section: General, Airframe, and Powerplant. The DME evaluates your knowledge and skills against FAA standards.