AME Exam Structure: Number of Questions, Time Limits, and Passing Scores
Every Transport Canada AME written exam follows a standardized format, but there are important differences in question counts, time allocations, topic coverage, and difficulty across the five exams. This comprehensive guide breaks down the structure of each exam — CARS, Standards, Airframe, Powerplant, and Electrical — so you know exactly what to expect on exam day.
Sky Licence Team
AME exam preparation specialists — helping engineers earn their Transport Canada license since 2025
Why Exam Structure Matters
Knowing the structure of each AME exam is not just about satisfying curiosity — it directly affects how you should prepare. The number of questions determines how many topics you need to cover. The time limit determines your pacing strategy. The passing score determines the margin for error. And the main topic areas tell you exactly which reference materials to prioritize during your studies.
All five Transport Canada AME written exams share a common pass mark of 70%, are delivered as computer-based multiple-choice tests at Transport Canada-approved testing centres, and are drawn from the learning objectives defined in the TP14038E syllabus. However, the similarities end there. Each exam has a unique scope, depth, and character that demands a tailored study approach.
For a broader overview of how all the exams fit together in your licensing journey, read our complete AME exam study guide. If you are still deciding which licence category to pursue, our M vs E vs S comparison guide will help you choose the right path.
AME Exam Comparison Table
The table below provides a side-by-side comparison of all five Transport Canada AME written exams. Use it as a quick reference to understand the scope and structure of each test.
| Exam | Questions | Time Limit | Pass Score | Main Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CARS | ~50 | 90 min | 70% | CAR Parts I, II, V, VI, VII |
| Standards | ~50 | 90 min | 70% | Standard 571, ADs, SBs, Maint. Schedules |
| Airframe | ~50 | 90 min | 70% | ATA 20, 24, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 34, 51–57 |
| Powerplant | ~50 | 90 min | 70% | ATA 60–80 (Engines, Propellers, Fuel) |
| Electrical | ~50 | 90 min | 70% | ATA 24, Avionics, Electrical Theory |
As the table shows, all five exams now share the same structure — approximately 50 questions, 90 minutes, and a 70% pass mark. Earlier versions of the syllabus had variable question counts (the Electrical exam once had only 30 questions and 60 minutes), but Transport Canada has standardized the format across all domains. For the most up-to-date syllabus breakdown, review the TP14038E syllabus guide.
Common Features Across All Five Exams
- Pass mark: 70% — you must correctly answer at least 35 out of approximately 50 questions.
- Question format: Multiple-choice with one correct answer and three distractors.
- Computer-based: All exams are administered at Transport Canada-approved testing centres on desktop computers.
- Closed book: No reference materials are permitted during the exam.
- Retake policy: If you fail, you must wait a specified period before retaking (typically 30 days).
- Validity: Passed exam credits remain valid for a defined period (check current Transport Canada guidelines).
Despite these common features, each exam demands a distinct preparation strategy. The following sections provide a detailed breakdown of each exam, including specific study tips.
1. CARS (Canadian Aviation Regulations)
| Questions | ~50 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Time per Question | 1.8 min |
| Main Topics |
|
The CARS exam tests your knowledge of the Canadian Aviation Regulations that govern all aspects of aircraft maintenance in Canada. This is a foundational exam required for all AME licence categories (M, E, and S). Candidates must understand how to interpret regulatory language, apply airworthiness standards, and follow maintenance and approval procedures as defined in the regulations.
How to Prepare for the CARS Exam
- Read the actual CARS text — do not rely solely on summaries. Transport Canada questions often quote specific sections verbatim.
- Focus on Part V (Airworthiness) and Part VI (Maintenance), which make up the bulk of exam content.
- Study the relationship between CARs and the associated Standards (571, 573) to understand how regulations and standards work together.
- Use Sky Licence CARS-specific practice questions to identify which Parts you need to review further.
2. Standards (Airworthiness)
| Questions | ~50 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Time per Question | 1.8 min |
| Main Topics |
|
The Standards exam focuses on the detailed airworthiness requirements outlined in Transport Canada Standards — primarily Standard 571 (Maintenance). While the CARS exam covers the "what" of aviation regulations, the Standards exam covers the "how" — the specific procedures, documentation, and quality systems required to maintain aircraft and components in an airworthy condition.
How to Prepare for the Standards Exam
- Master Standard 571 sections on maintenance releases and technical records — these are consistently tested.
- Understand the difference between mandatory and recommended Service Bulletins, and how Airworthiness Directives are categorized and tracked.
- Study the maintenance schedule system (phase checks, calendar-based vs. flight-hour-based intervals).
- Practice scenario-based questions that ask you to determine the correct documentation or approval path for a given maintenance situation.
3. Airframe (Structures and Systems)
| Questions | ~50 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Time per Question | 1.8 min |
| Main Topics |
|
The Airframe exam covers aircraft structures and systems — essentially everything on an aircraft that is not the engine or electrical/electronic systems. This is one of the largest exams in terms of syllabus depth, covering standard practices, flight controls, landing gear, fuel systems, and structural components. For Licence M candidates, this exam (along with Powerplant) forms the core technical qualification.
How to Prepare for the Airframe Exam
- Understand ATA chapter numbering — knowing what each chapter covers helps you navigate both the exam and real-world maintenance manuals.
- Focus on ATA 51–57 (structures) — sheet metal repair, rivet spacing, edge distance, corrosion treatment, and composite repair techniques are heavily tested.
- Study flight control systems (ATA 27) in detail — understanding mechanical vs. hydraulic vs. fly-by-wire control systems is essential.
- Use diagrams and cutaways to visualize landing gear retraction mechanisms (ATA 32), fuel system schematics (ATA 28), and hydraulic system layouts.
- Practice calculations related to torque values, rivet spacing, and cable tension — these are common on the Airframe exam.
4. Powerplant (Engines and Propellers)
| Questions | ~50 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Time per Question | 1.8 min |
| Main Topics |
|
The Powerplant exam covers aircraft engines and propellers — both reciprocating (piston) and turbine. This is a technically demanding exam that requires strong understanding of thermodynamics, engine construction, fuel metering, ignition systems, and propeller operation. For Licence M candidates, this exam is equally weighted with Airframe.
How to Prepare for the Powerplant Exam
- Start with turbine engine theory (ATA 72) — gas turbine cycles, compressor types (centrifugal vs. axial), combustion chambers, and turbine configurations are foundational.
- Study reciprocating engine systems — ignition, fuel metering (carburetors vs. fuel injection), and cooling systems.
- Learn propeller systems in detail (ATA 61) — constant-speed propellers, governors, feathering, and reversing mechanisms.
- Understand FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) and how it differs from traditional hydro-mechanical fuel control systems.
- Use Sky Licence Powerplant practice questions to drill engine indicating systems (ATA 77) — knowing normal temperature, pressure, and RPM ranges is frequently tested.
5. Electrical and Electronics
| Questions | ~50 |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes |
| Pass Score | 70% |
| Time per Question | 1.8 min |
| Main Topics |
|
The Electrical exam is the primary technical exam for Licence E (Electronics) candidates, though it is also part of the Licence M syllabus. It covers electrical theory, aircraft electrical power systems, and avionics. The exam requires strong foundational knowledge of DC and AC circuits, semiconductor devices, electrical power generation and distribution, and basic avionics system operation.
How to Prepare for the Electrical Exam
- Master basic electrical theory first — Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Laws, power calculations, and AC/DC circuit analysis are the foundation upon which all other topics are built.
- Study aircraft electrical power systems (ATA 24) — generators, alternators, voltage regulators, inverters, batteries (lead-acid vs. Ni-Cad vs. lithium), and bus distribution systems.
- Learn wiring practices — wire gauges, circuit protection devices, bonding and grounding, shielding, and connector types.
- Understand avionics systems at a functional level — VOR, ILS, ADF, DME, transponders, GPS, and communication radios.
- Practice calculations involving voltage drop, load analysis, and battery capacity — numerical questions are common on the Electrical exam.
- For Licence E candidates, supplement this exam guide with our comprehensive study approach covering all 10 TP14038E Electronics chapters.
Pacing Strategy for 90-Minute Exams
With approximately 50 questions and 90 minutes, you have roughly 1.8 minutes per question. This sounds generous, but some questions — particularly those involving calculations or regulatory interpretation — can take 3–4 minutes. Here is a proven pacing strategy:
- First pass (0–60 min): Answer all questions you are confident about. Flag questions you are unsure of and move on immediately. Aim to complete 40+ questions in the first hour.
- Second pass (60–80 min): Return to flagged questions. Spend up to 3 minutes each. Eliminate obviously wrong answers first, then choose the best remaining option.
- Final review (80–90 min): Review all answers, especially questions you flagged. Check for careless mistakes (misread questions, wrong units, simple arithmetic errors).
Practicing with timed simulations is the best way to develop this pacing instinctively. Sky Licence offers full-length timed simulations for all five AME exams that replicate the exact exam environment.
Using Study Tools to Master Exam Structure
Understanding the exam structure is only the first step. To actually prepare efficiently, you need study tools that align with the structure of each exam:
- Practice questions by topic: Use Sky Licence to drill questions organized by ATA chapter or regulatory section, matching the exact topic distribution of each exam.
- Timed simulations: Take full-length practice exams under real conditions to build pacing and identify weak areas before exam day.
- Performance analytics: Track your scores across all five domains to see which exams need more attention and which topics within each exam are dragging your score down.
- AI Tutor: When you encounter a concept that is difficult to grasp, ask the AI Tutor for a plain-language explanation tailored to the AME exam context.
To get started with free practice material, visit our free AME practice questions page.
Frequently Asked Questions About AME Exam Structure
Are all AME exams the same length?
Yes — as of the latest TP14038E syllabus update, all five Transport Canada AME written exams have been standardized to approximately 50 questions with a 90-minute time limit. Earlier versions had variable lengths (for example, the Electrical exam was previously 30 questions in 60 minutes), but the current structure is uniform across all domains.
What is the pass mark for AME exams?
The pass mark for all Transport Canada AME written exams is 70%. With approximately 50 questions, you need to answer at least 35 correctly to pass. There is no negative marking, so you should answer every question — even if you have to guess.
Which AME exam is the hardest?
Difficulty is subjective and depends on your background. Most candidates find the Powerplant exam the most technically challenging due to the depth of thermodynamics and engine systems knowledge required. Candidates with strong regulatory backgrounds may find CARS and Standards easier, while those with hands-on mechanical experience may breeze through Airframe but struggle with Electrical theory.
Do I need to take all five exams?
It depends on your licence category. Licence M (Airframe and Powerplant) candidates must pass all five exams: CARS, Standards, Airframe, Powerplant, and Electrical. Licence E (Electronics) candidates must pass CARS, Standards, and Electrical. Licence S (Structures) candidates must pass CARS, Standards, and Airframe (with a structures focus). See our licence comparison guide for full details.
How many times can I retake an AME exam?
There is no formal limit on the number of retakes, but you must wait a minimum of 30 days between attempts. Each retake incurs additional fees, and repeated failures may trigger a review of your preparation by Transport Canada. It is strongly recommended to achieve consistent scores of 80% or higher on practice simulations before booking a retake.
Where can I find free AME practice questions?
Sky Licence offers a free tier with practice questions covering all five AME exams. The free plan gives you access to a representative sample of questions aligned with the TP14038E syllabus, allowing you to evaluate the platform before committing to a paid subscription.
Next Steps in Your AME Exam Journey
Now that you understand the structure of each AME exam, here are your recommended next steps:
- Review the TP14038E syllabus — Read our complete syllabus breakdown to understand every learning objective you will be tested on.
- Build a study plan — Use our AME exam study guide to create a structured preparation schedule spanning 8–16 weeks.
- Take a diagnostic test — Start with our free practice questions to establish your baseline score in each exam area.
- Choose your licence path — If you have not already decided, read our M vs E vs S comparison to confirm which licence category aligns with your career goals.
📥 Get the free printable study checklist — a 30-day AME exam prep plan with daily tasks covering CARs, Standards 571, ATA chapters, and full-length exam simulations.
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