Part-66 examination requirements

Part-66 basic-knowledge examinations support an application for an EASA aircraft maintenance licence (AML). The examination rules are set out in Annex III (Part-66) to Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014, particularly Appendix II.

To qualify for a licence, an applicant must normally meet the applicable basic-knowledge, basic-experience and application requirements. The required modules and knowledge levels depend on the licence category or subcategory sought, including A, B1, B2, B2L and B3.

How many Part-66 modules are there?

Part-66 contains 17 basic-knowledge modules. Applicants do not automatically need to sit every module. The required modules, submodules and knowledge levels vary by licence category and subcategory.

Check the current Part-66 module matrix for the precise category before booking examinations. A competent authority or approved Part-147 maintenance training organisation can confirm which examinations are required for a particular application route. UK applicants should also check the latest CAA aircraft maintenance licensing guidance.

If you are selecting a training provider, browse our directory of Part-147 training schools to identify suitable approved training options.

The Part-66 pass mark

The pass mark is 75% for each Part-66 module examination.

Where an examination includes both multiple-choice and developmental questions, each applicable part must meet the required standard. A candidate should not assume that a strong result in one question type will compensate for an unsuccessful result in another.

No negative marking

Part-66 multiple-choice examinations do not use negative marking. A correct answer receives credit, while an incorrect or unanswered question receives no credit. Candidates should therefore answer every question, using their best technical judgement where uncertain.

Multiple-choice question format

Each Part-66 multiple-choice question has three alternative answers, of which one is correct. The questions are based on the applicable syllabus and may test definitions, limitations, procedures, conditions and maintenance principles.

The standard examination allowance is an average of 75 seconds per multiple-choice question. The total duration and number of questions vary by module and licence category. Confirm the prescribed examination format for each module before the examination date.

Developmental questions

Some Part-66 examinations include developmental questions, often referred to as essay questions. These require a written response that explains, describes or sets out a maintenance-related subject in sufficient technical detail.

Developmental questions are used in the relevant areas of Modules 7A and 7B, Maintenance Practices, Modules 9A and 9B, Human Factors, and Module 10, Aviation Legislation.

The standard allowance is 20 minutes per developmental question.

How developmental questions are marked

To pass a developmental question, an answer must include at least 75% of the required key points and contain no significant errors relating to those key points.

Write directly to the command in the question. Use clear, structured points, correct terminology and the appropriate maintenance or safety context. A lengthy answer will not compensate for omitted key points or a significant technical error.

Part-66 resit rules

A failed examination may normally be retaken after 90 days. The interval may be reduced to 30 days where the candidate has completed acceptable remedial training, approved by the competent authority or an appropriately approved Part-147 maintenance training organisation.

A candidate is limited to three consecutive attempts within a 12-month period for the same module. After three unsuccessful consecutive attempts, a further set of attempts is permitted only after a 12-month waiting period and completion of further training determined by the competent authority or approved training organisation.

Do not treat a third attempt as a routine booking. Review the failed syllabus areas, address weak knowledge systematically and retain any evidence of remedial training required by the examination provider or competent authority.

Booking and result requirements

Examination providers may impose additional administrative conditions, including requirements to receive a result before booking a further attempt, identification checks, cancellation deadlines and evidence of remedial training. These conditions do not replace the Part-66 rules, but candidates must comply with both.

Validity of examination credits

Examination credits must remain valid when the licence application is made. The applicable validity period and its calculation can depend on the route taken, including whether the basic knowledge was obtained through an approved Part-147 basic training course.

Confirm the current validity requirements with the competent authority responsible for the licence application before delaying an application or planning a long training programme. Your practical experience records are equally important when preparing a licence application, so consider using our Part-66 Logbook Analysis to review your logbook against the relevant requirements.

Analyse Your Logbook Today!

Practical examination approach

For additional revision guidance, see our ultimate Part-66 exam guide for engineers.

For multiple-choice papers

• Read the complete question before selecting an answer.
• Identify qualifying words such as most, first, maximum, minimum, except and only.
• Apply the stated condition rather than answering a different, broader question.
• Answer every question because there is no negative marking.
• Maintain pace and return to difficult questions only if time permits.

For developmental questions

• Identify whether the question asks you to state, list, describe, explain or compare.
• Set out the key points in a clear order.
• Use accurate technical terminology.
• Include relevant maintenance, airworthiness and safety considerations.
• Avoid unsupported statements and significant factual errors.

Key points

• Part-66 has 17 basic-knowledge modules, although the required modules vary by licence category.
• The pass mark is 75%.
• Multiple-choice questions have three answers and one correct option.
• There is no negative marking.
• The average time allowance is 75 seconds per multiple-choice question.
• Developmental questions allow 20 minutes each and require at least 75% of the required key points, with no significant errors.
• A failed examination is normally retaken after 90 days, or after 30 days with acceptable remedial training.
• Three consecutive attempts are permitted within 12 months before a 12-month waiting period and further training are required.