Aviation Institute of Maintenance Announces New ‘Test-Out’ Policy to Grant Transfer Credits for Choose Aerospace Curriculum

To combat the growing national shortage of aviation mechanics and create a more seamless pathway for future technicians, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) today announced a new "test-out" policy. This initiative allows students who have completed the Choose Aerospace aviation maintenance curriculum to earn transfer credits toward their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification training at AIM campuses nationwide.

Through this newly established policy, students who successfully complete the Choose Aerospace general aviation maintenance curriculum—often offered in high schools and technical centers—will be eligible to take a series of competency-based "test-out" examinations upon enrolling at AIM. Students who pass these exams will be awarded direct transfer credit for the corresponding General courses within AIM’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program.

This articulation strategy significantly reduces both the time and tuition required for aspiring mechanics to complete their education and enter the workforce.

"Our goal at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance has always been to remove barriers to entry for passionate individuals who want to build a career in aviation," said Dr. Ben Clark, VP of Business & Civic Impact of the Aviation Institute of Maintenance. "By recognizing the rigor of the Choose Aerospace curriculum and offering a clear, competency-based test-out option, we are rewarding students for their hard work in high school and accelerating their journey toward becoming fully certified A&P mechanics."
Choose Aerospace, a non-profit organization spearheaded by a coalition of aerospace stakeholders, was designed to build a diverse, robust pipeline of aviation professionals. Its FAA-aligned curriculum introduces high school students to the foundational concepts of aviation maintenance.

"Partnering with a premier institution like AIM to provide tangible college credit for our curriculum is a game-changer for our students," said Kelly Filgo, Director of Operations at Choose Aerospace. "This test-out policy validates the quality of the Choose Aerospace program and provides our graduates with a fast track to high-paying, high-demand careers in the aviation industry."

The test-out policy is fully compliant with the FAA's Part 147 regulations, ensuring that all safety, knowledge, and practical skill standards are rigorously maintained. Eligible students can begin taking advantage of the test-out exams during the enrollment process for the upcoming academic term.
For more information about the Aviation Institute of Maintenance, its programs, and the new Choose Aerospace transfer credit policy, please visit aviationmaintenance.edu.