Top 10 Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are essential for an aircraft maintenance supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a high level of expertise and knowledge in the field. They provide proof that the individual has achieved a certain level of professional competence and is qualified to perform the duties associated with their job. Having certifications can give an aircraft maintenance supervisor an edge over other applicants in the job market. Additionally, certification programs often provide continuing education opportunities which can help supervisors stay up-to-date on new technologies and industry developments. This can make them more valuable to employers as they will be able to better support their team’s success.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Aircraft Maintenance Supervisors and explains how they can contribute to an aircraft maintenance supervisor's career.

What are Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certifications?

Aircraft maintenance supervisor certification is a type of credential that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and experience in supervising aircraft maintenance operations. The certification is typically obtained by taking a course or program that covers the various aspects of aircraft maintenance supervision. The coursework includes topics such as safety regulations, aircraft systems and components, preventive maintenance, troubleshooting techniques, and regulatory compliance.

Having an aircraft maintenance supervisor certification can be beneficial in several ways. It can help demonstrate to an employer that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage aircraft maintenance operations. It can also provide the individual with a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the aviation industry. Additionally, having a certification may open up more career opportunities for those interested in working in the field of aviation maintenance supervision. Lastly, being certified may lead to increased salary potential for those who hold the credential.

Pro Tip: Obtain a certificate from an accredited aviation maintenance organization to ensure that you meet the requirements for aircraft maintenance supervisor certification. This will ensure that you have the proper education and experience necessary to be certified as an aircraft maintenance supervisor.

Related: What does an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor do?

Top 10 Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Aircraft Maintenance Supervisors today.

1. Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certification is a certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which allows an individual to work on aircraft. This certification is required for anyone who wishes to work in the aviation industry, including mechanics, inspectors, and technicians.

The A&P Certification requires a minimum of 18 months of experience working on aircraft or related equipment. This experience must be acquired through either a formal training program or through on-the-job training. In order to qualify for the A&P Certification, individuals must also pass two written exams administered by the FAA. The first exam covers general knowledge of airframes and powerplants, while the second exam focuses more specifically on airframe systems and components.

In order to obtain an A&P Certification, individuals must complete an approved course at an FAA-approved school or college. These courses typically take between 6 months and 2 years to complete depending upon the level of instruction desired. The cost of these courses can range from $2,000-$10,000 depending upon the institution and type of instruction offered.

Once all requirements are met and both exams have been successfully passed, individuals will receive their A&P Certification from the FAA. This certification is valid for two years before it must be renewed with additional training or testing as required by the FAA.

2. Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Certification

Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) Certification is a credential issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and proficiency in aircraft maintenance. It is required for anyone who works on aircraft, from mechanics to avionics technicians.

The certification process involves passing written and practical exams, as well as completing an approved training program. The written exam covers topics such as aviation regulations, aircraft systems, and maintenance procedures. The practical exam requires hands-on experience with aircraft components and systems.

The process typically takes between six months to two years to complete, depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of training program they choose. To get started, individuals must first obtain a general airframe or powerplant certificate from an FAA-approved school or college. From there, they can apply for the AMT certification by submitting the appropriate paperwork to the FAA.

The cost of obtaining an AMT certification varies depending on the individual’s experience level and the type of training program they choose. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

3. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Inspector Certificate

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airworthiness Inspector Certificate is a certificate issued by the FAA to qualified individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to inspect aircraft for airworthiness. This certificate is required for anyone who wishes to work as an FAA-certified airworthiness inspector.

In order to obtain the FAA Airworthiness Inspector Certificate, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of experience in aviation maintenance or inspection and passing a written exam. Additionally, applicants must complete an approved training program and pass a practical test administered by an FAA-designated examiner.

The process of obtaining the FAA Airworthiness Inspector Certificate can take several months depending on the individual’s experience level and availability of training programs. Applicants should plan on completing all required steps within six months of applying for the certificate.

The cost of obtaining an FAA Airworthiness Inspector Certificate varies depending on the type of training program chosen and other associated costs such as examination fees, travel expenses, etc. However, most applicants can expect to pay anywhere from $2,000-$3,000 for their certification.

Overall, obtaining an FAA Airworthiness Inspector Certificate is a lengthy process that requires dedication and commitment from applicants in order to successfully complete all necessary steps.

4. Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor (AMS) Certification

Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor (AMS) Certification is a certification offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that allows individuals to supervise and direct aircraft maintenance activities. The certification requires individuals to demonstrate knowledge and experience in aircraft maintenance, repair, and alteration. It also requires them to demonstrate the ability to safely manage aircraft maintenance personnel and operations.

The AMS certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To become certified as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, applicants must first obtain an Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate from the FAA. After obtaining the A&P certificate, applicants must then pass a written exam on their knowledge of aircraft maintenance supervision. Finally, applicants must successfully complete a practical test demonstrating their ability to supervise aircraft maintenance activities.

The cost of obtaining an AMS certification varies depending on the individual’s circumstances but typically ranges from $1,500-$3,000 USD. This cost includes fees for the A&P certificate exam, study materials, and other administrative costs associated with obtaining the certification.

5. Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (CAMT) Certification

Certified Aviation Maintenance Technician (CAMT) certification is a credential that recognizes the expertise of aviation maintenance technicians. The CAMT certification is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is considered to be a professional designation for those who work in aircraft maintenance.

The CAMT certification requires applicants to have at least 18 months of experience working with aircraft systems, components, and related equipment. Applicants must also pass a written exam and an oral/practical exam in order to obtain the certification. The written exam covers topics such as airframe systems, powerplant systems, electrical systems, avionics systems, and general maintenance procedures. The oral/practical exam tests the applicant’s knowledge of aircraft maintenance practices and procedures.

It typically takes around 6 months to prepare for the exams and obtain the CAMT certification. During this time, applicants should study for the exams and gain relevant experience working with aircraft maintenance tasks. There are several online courses available to help prepare for the exams as well as FAA-approved training programs offered by certain schools or organizations.

The cost of obtaining the CAMT certification varies depending on how much preparation is necessary before taking the exams. Generally speaking, it can range from around $500-$1,000 USD including fees for taking the tests and any other associated costs such as books or training materials.

6. National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate

The National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate is a professional certification program designed to recognize those individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to supervise aircraft maintenance operations. The certificate is issued by NCATT, an organization dedicated to the advancement of aerospace and transportation technologies.

The certificate requires successful completion of a two-day course that covers topics such as aircraft maintenance regulations, safety practices, maintenance processes and procedures, and management techniques. The course is offered at various locations throughout the United States. It typically takes two days to complete the course, but this may vary depending on the location and availability of instructors.

To obtain the certificate, applicants must pass an examination administered by NCATT at the end of the course. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions designed to test knowledge in areas such as aircraft systems, airworthiness requirements, maintenance processes and procedures, and management techniques.

The cost of obtaining the NCATT Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate varies depending on location and instructor availability. Generally speaking, it costs around $600-$800 for registration fees plus any travel expenses associated with attending the course.

7. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate is a professional qualification for personnel who supervise aircraft maintenance operations. It is designed to ensure that supervisors have the necessary knowledge and skills to manage aircraft maintenance activities in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner.

The IATA Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate covers topics such as aircraft maintenance management, safety management systems, human factors in aviation maintenance, quality assurance and control, regulations and standards, aircraft systems and components, troubleshooting techniques, and more. It takes approximately 40 hours of study to complete the certificate program.

To get the IATA Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate you must first complete an approved training course from an accredited training provider. You can find a list of approved providers on the IATA website. Once you have completed the training course you will need to pass an online examination administered by IATA. The cost for the certificate program varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

8. European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License

The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License is a certification that allows an individual to perform maintenance on aircraft in the European Union. This license is required for all aircraft mechanics and engineers who work on civil aviation aircrafts.

To obtain the EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License, an individual must first complete a course of theoretical training and practical experience approved by EASA. The theoretical training consists of a minimum of 18 months of classroom instruction covering topics such as airframes, power plants, electrical systems, avionics, and aerodynamics. After completing the theoretical training, applicants must then pass a series of written exams administered by EASA. Once these exams are passed, applicants can then proceed to the practical experience portion of their training which requires them to demonstrate their ability to perform maintenance tasks on actual aircrafts.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants can apply for the EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License from their local Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The CAA will review the application and issue the license if all requirements have been met.

The cost for obtaining an EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License varies depending on where you live and what type of license you are applying for. Generally speaking, however, it can cost anywhere from €2,000 - €4,000 depending on your location and the type of license you are applying for.

In total, it can take up to three years to get an EASA Part-66 Aircraft Maintenance License due to the amount of study time required as well as any additional practical experience or tests that may be necessary in order to receive your license.

9. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automotive Technician Certification

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Automotive Technician Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize automotive technicians who have achieved a high level of competency in the diagnosis, repair, and service of vehicles. This certification requires passing eight ASE tests and two years of hands-on work experience as an automotive technician.

To become certified, individuals must first pass all eight ASE tests within a two-year period. The tests cover topics such as engine repair, automatic transmissions/transaxles, manual drivetrain and axles, suspension and steering, brakes, electrical/electronic systems, heating and air conditioning systems, engine performance and light vehicle diesel engines. After passing all eight tests, applicants must provide proof of two years of relevant work experience as an automotive technician.

The cost for taking the ASE tests varies depending on the number of tests taken at one time but generally ranges from $30-$50 per test. Additionally, there is a $36 fee associated with submitting an application for certification after passing all eight tests.

Once certified as an ASE Master Automotive Technician, individuals must renew their certification every five years by retaking any applicable tests or providing proof that they have kept up with industry changes through continuing education courses or other activities related to automotive service excellence.

10. Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Quality Management System Certification

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aerospace Quality Management System Certification is a certification program that provides companies with an internationally accepted set of standards to ensure quality and safety in the aerospace industry. The certification is based on the ISO 9001:2015 standard and requires organizations to demonstrate that they have implemented effective processes for meeting customer requirements, monitoring performance, and improving their operations.

It typically takes between six months and one year to get SAE Aerospace Quality Management System Certification, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. In order to get certified, organizations must first complete a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if they meet the requirements for certification. They then need to submit a formal application along with supporting documents such as policies, procedures, records of training programs, etc. After submitting the application, an auditor will visit the organization’s facilities and review its operations before issuing a certificate.

The cost of getting SAE Aerospace Quality Management System Certification varies depending on factors such as the size of the organization, number of employees, number of locations being audited, etc. Generally speaking, it can range from several thousand dollars up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Do You Really Need a Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's career goals. If an individual is looking to become a certified aircraft maintenance supervisor, then they will need to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate. This certificate is required by most employers and provides proof that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain aircraft safely and in accordance with industry standards.

In order to obtain an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate, individuals must complete a training program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The program includes courses on aircraft maintenance principles, safety practices, regulations, and troubleshooting strategies. Upon successful completion of the program, individuals will receive their certificate from the FAA.

For those who are not looking to become a certified supervisor but are still interested in working in the aviation industry, other certifications may be more appropriate. These could include certifications for aircraft technicians or mechanics which provide similar knowledge and skills as those learned through a supervisor certification course.

Ultimately, whether or not an individual needs an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certificate depends on their career goals. For those looking to work as a supervisor in aviation maintenance, obtaining this certificate is essential; however, for those who do not plan on taking on supervisory roles within the industry other certificates may better suit their needs.

Related: Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor?

A: To become an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, you must have a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Science or a related field, as well as at least 5 years of experience in aviation maintenance. You must also be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technician.

2. How long does it take to obtain Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor certification?

A: The process of obtaining Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor certification can take anywhere from 4-6 months, depending on the individual's prior experience and training.

3. What is the cost of Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor certification?

A: The cost of obtaining Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor certification can vary depending on the institution providing the training. Generally, the cost ranges from $2,000-$5,000 USD.

4. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining a valid Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor certificate?

A: Yes, you must complete a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain your valid certificate as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor.

5. What type of license do I need to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor?

A: In order to work as an Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, you must possess a valid FAA Mechanic Certificate with Airframe and Powerplant ratings (A&P).