1.5 Knowledge-Test Logistics and Scoring

Know the exact test logistics

The FAA Airman Knowledge Testing Matrix lists the three AMT knowledge tests separately. AMG, Aviation Maintenance Technician General, has 60 listed questions. AMA, Aviation Maintenance Technician Airframe, has 100 listed questions. AMP, Aviation Maintenance Technician Powerplant, has 100 listed questions. Each test has an allotted time of 2.0 hours and a passing score of 70.

These facts should appear exactly in your study plan. Do not write 260 questions as if they are one test. Do not write one combined A&P passing score. Do not assume the Airframe and Powerplant timing differs from General because the counts differ. The FAA matrix lists all three with the same 2.0-hour allotted time and the same passing score.

The testing matrix also explains validation questions. Any test described in the matrix may include validation questions. Those questions are used for statistical analysis of test question validity and performance. Validation questions are not scored and do not count for or against the final score. The listed number of questions does not include validation questions, while the listed allotted time includes the time required to respond to validation questions.

This means a candidate should not panic if the testing experience includes more work than the listed scored count suggests. The FAA rule is not that validation questions add a separate time period. The rule is that the allotted time already includes time required to respond to validation questions. The candidate still works within the test clock.

A clean pacing note can be built from the official numbers:

• AMG: 60 listed questions in 2.0 hours, with 70 as the passing score.
• AMA: 100 listed questions in 2.0 hours, with 70 as the passing score.
• AMP: 100 listed questions in 2.0 hours, with 70 as the passing score.
• Validation questions may appear on any of the tests.
• Validation questions are not scored and are not part of the listed counts.
• The listed time includes time needed to answer validation questions.

The purpose of learning these logistics is not to predict the exact screen count. It is to prevent false study assumptions. General is not shorter because it is less important; it simply has 60 listed questions. Airframe and Powerplant are not longer in time; they each have the same 2.0-hour allotment. A candidate seeking both ratings should plan for three separate attempts, three separate score outcomes, and three separate AKTR records.

Treat the score threshold with the same precision. Each test uses 70 as the passing score. Passing one test does not create a passing score on another. A study plan should track AMG, AMA, and AMP independently until the applicable set is complete.