Certification Comparison
CAET vs NCATT AET: Which Avionics Certification Should You Get?
A side-by-side comparison of the two major avionics technician certifications — exam format, career impact, cost, and which one fits your goals.
Short answer: Both certifications validate avionics knowledge applicable across all aviation sectors. The CAET offers remote online testing and a modern exam format. The NCATT AET is the established credential with FAA recognition. If you can, get both — they complement each other and maximize your career options.
Side-by-Side
CAET vs NCATT AET Comparison
Every hard number you need, in one table.
| Feature | CAET | NCATT AET |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician | Aircraft Electronics Technician |
| Created By | Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) | ASTM International (formerly NCATT) |
| Launched | Fall 2025 | ~2010 |
| Questions | 100 multiple-choice | 106 multiple-choice |
| Time Limit | 90 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Passing Score | 70% | 73% |
| Attempts | 3 per purchase | Varies by testing center |
| Proctoring | Remote online (from home) | Testing center (in-person) |
| Focus Area | All aviation sectors (GA, business, commercial, military, UAS) | All aviation sectors |
| FAA Recognition | Industry credential | Equivalent to formal avionics training for repairman cert |
| COOL Eligible | Yes | Yes |
| Renewal | TBD (new cert) | Every 5 years |
| Advanced Tiers | CAET-Advanced, CAET-Pro | AET endorsements (RCS, FO, etc.) |
Detailed Breakdown
What Each Certification Covers
Different origins, different strengths, significant overlap.
The CAET
- Created by the Aircraft Electronics Association, applicable across all aviation sectors
- 100-question remote proctored exam — take it from home
- Focuses on the skills needed at Part 145 repair stations
- Brand new (Fall 2025) — growing industry adoption
- Three-tier structure: CAET → CAET-Advanced → CAET-Pro
- Aligned with ASTM F3245-25 standard
The NCATT AET
- The established avionics certification since ~2010
- Broader coverage: military, air carrier, cargo, GA, manufacturing
- FAA recognizes it as equivalent to formal avionics training
- 106 questions in testing center with 120-minute limit
- Multiple endorsements available: RCS, Fiber Optics, etc.
- Administered by ASTM International (formerly NCATT/SpaceTEC)
Decision Guide
Which Certification Should You Choose?
Three scenarios, three clear answers.
Get the CAET if...
- You want a modern, remote-proctored exam format
- You want remote testing convenience (take from home)
- You're at or heading to a Part 145 repair station
- Your employer is an AEA member
- You want the newest industry-specific credential
Get the NCATT AET if...
- You work across multiple aviation sectors
- You need FAA-recognized training equivalency
- You want endorsement specializations (RCS, FO)
- You're military and want the broadest credential
- You prefer the established, well-known certification
Get Both if...
- You want maximum career flexibility
- Different employers value different certs
- You're building a complete credentials portfolio
- The knowledge overlap means less total study time
Study Efficiency
Can You Use One to Prepare for the Other?
Yes — and here's why that matters
About 70–80% of the content overlaps. Both cover electrical fundamentals, digital electronics, wiring, avionics systems, and regulations. If you study for one, you're most of the way to the other. The main differences are in focus area and specific exam question style.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what avionics techs actually ask.
Ready?
Ready to Start Preparing?
Ace Avionics Training covers both CAET and AET exam prep with scenario-based learning and spaced repetition.