DC Fundamentals
Ohm's Law, series/parallel circuits, power calculations, and DC circuit analysis used in aircraft systems.
The Definitive Resource
The Complete Guide to CAET Certification
Everything you need to know about the Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician exam — what it covers, how to prepare, and why it matters for your avionics career.
Overview
What is the CAET Certification?
The CAET (Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician) is an industry certification created by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA). Launched in Fall 2025, it validates foundational knowledge for avionics technicians across all aviation sectors — from general and business aviation to commercial, military, and UAS.
The certification is designed for technicians working at FAA Part 145 repair stations and manufacturers. It covers everything from DC circuit fundamentals to navigation and surveillance systems — the core knowledge every avionics tech needs on the shop floor.
There are three certification tiers. CAET is the entry-level credential for technicians starting their careers. CAET-Advanced is for experienced technicians with 3-5 years on complex systems like FMS and autopilots. CAET-Pro is a leadership-level credential for senior technicians and shop supervisors.
100
Multiple-choice questions
90 min
Time limit
70%
Passing score
3
Attempts allowed
Remote
Proctored online
USI
Administered by Unmanned Safety Institute
Exam Categories
What Topics Are on the CAET Exam?
The CAET covers 11 knowledge categories. Each one maps to real skills you'll use every day as an avionics technician.
AC Fundamentals
Sine waves, frequency, phase, inductance, capacitance, impedance, and AC power distribution.
Solid-State Devices
Diodes, transistors, voltage regulators, and semiconductor fundamentals for avionics power supplies.
Digital Electronics & Data Buses
Logic gates, binary math, ARINC 429, RS-232/422, MIL-STD-1553 — the backbone of avionics communication.
Technical Documentation & Regulations
CMMs, ADs, Service Bulletins, Part 43, Part 145, and regulatory compliance for repair stations.
Wire & Harness Fabrication
Crimping, soldering, shield termination, coax connectors, wire types, and IPC/WHMA workmanship standards.
Safety & Human Factors
ESD protection, FOD prevention, CRM, fatigue management, and aviation safety culture.
Aircraft Electrical Systems
Bus bars, circuit breakers, power distribution, generators, DMM usage, and electrical troubleshooting.
Communication Systems
VHF/HF COM, SATCOM, intercom, audio panels, antenna systems, and comm troubleshooting.
Navigation Systems
VOR, ILS, DME, GPS, RNAV, WAAS, and FMS operation for approach and en-route navigation.
Surveillance & Flight Instruments
Transponders, ADS-B, TCAS, weather radar, pitot-static systems, EFIS, PFD, and glass cockpit displays.
Who It's For
Who Should Get CAET Certified?
The CAET is designed for anyone entering or advancing in the avionics trade. Three groups benefit the most.
Entry-Level Avionics Technicians
Starting at a Part 145 repair station or avionics manufacturer? The CAET validates your foundational knowledge and gives you a competitive edge in hiring. Shops want to see a credential — this is the one.
Military Service Members Transitioning to Civilian Careers
You've maintained avionics systems for your country, but civilian employers need a recognized credential. The CAET bridges that gap — and your COOL benefit covers up to $4,000 toward certification prep.
Aviation Maintenance Professionals Adding Avionics
Already an A&P or airframe tech? Adding avionics to your skill set opens higher-paying positions. The CAET proves you understand electronics, not just mechanical systems.
Preparation
How to Study for the CAET Exam
Five strategies based on the real exam structure and how top-performing candidates actually prepare.
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1
Start with DC and AC fundamentals
These two categories are the foundation for everything else on the exam. If you don't understand Ohm's Law and basic circuit analysis, you'll struggle with aircraft electrical systems, data buses, and troubleshooting. Master the fundamentals first.
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2
Don't skip Digital Data Buses
Digital Electronics & Data Buses accounts for roughly 16% of the real CAET exam — and it's the #1 area where candidates struggle. ARINC 429, RS-232/422, and MIL-STD-1553 are not optional. This is where many people fail.
-
3
Focus on practical job knowledge
About 80% of CAET questions test real-world job skills, not academic theory. You won't see questions about thyristor gate turn-off characteristics or op-amp gain equations. Focus on what you'd actually do on the shop floor: reading CMMs, crimping connectors, troubleshooting a nav receiver.
-
4
Use spaced repetition for retention
Research shows spaced repetition increases long-term retention by 41% compared to massed study. Instead of cramming the night before, review material at increasing intervals. Our flashcard engine handles the scheduling automatically.
-
5
Take practice tests under timed conditions
The real exam gives you 90 minutes for 100 questions — that's 54 seconds per question. If you've never practiced under time pressure, you'll burn 5 minutes on one hard question and run out of time on the easy ones. Simulate test conditions before the real thing.
Comparison
CAET vs Other Avionics Certifications
How the CAET stacks up against the NCATT AET and FCC GROL — the other credentials avionics employers recognize.
| Feature | CAET | NCATT AET | FCC GROL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Questions | 100 | 106 | Varies by element |
| Passing Score | 70% | 73% | 75% |
| Focus | Business & GA avionics | Broad avionics (military, air carrier, GA) | Radio & telecom operations |
| Proctoring | Remote online | Testing center | Testing center |
| Created By | AEA | NCATT (ETA International) | FCC |
| Industry Alignment | ASTM F3245-25 | NCATT standard | FCC Part 87 |
Career Outlook
Avionics Technician Salary & Job Growth
The numbers behind the career. Avionics technicians are in high demand, and certified techs earn more.
$81,390
Median annual salary (BLS)
~$52K
Entry-level salary
~$89K
Senior (8+ years)
5%
Job growth through 2034
Certified avionics technicians earn $10,000-$20,000 more annually than non-certified peers. The certification signals to employers that you have verified, standardized knowledge — which reduces on-the-job training costs and speeds up your path to productivity.
Top-Paying Markets for Avionics Technicians
San Francisco, Los Angeles, Anchorage, Seattle, and the DFW metroplex consistently offer the highest avionics wages. Business aviation hubs like Wichita, Savannah, and Teterboro also have strong demand and competitive pay for certified techs.
Military Benefits
Military COOL Funding for CAET Certification
Your COOL benefit can cover up to $4,000 toward CAET certification training. Here's what you need to know.
COOL Covers Your Training
The Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (COOL) program provides funding for industry credentials while you're still serving. CAET certification prep from Ace Avionics Training is eligible across all branches.
COOL funding covers up to $4,000 — enough for the full Ace Avionics Training program at $2,995. You pay $0 out of pocket.
Navy COOL
Marine Corps COOL
Army COOL
Air Force COOL
Coast Guard COOL
Full Military & COOL Guide →
Frequently Asked Questions
CAET Certification FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about the CAET exam, eligibility, and preparation.
The CAET (Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician) is an industry certification created by the Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) that validates foundational knowledge and skills for avionics technicians across all aviation sectors — general aviation, business aviation, commercial, military, and UAS.
The CAET exam has 100 multiple-choice questions with a 90-minute time limit. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass.
You get up to 3 attempts. There's a 24-hour wait between attempts 1 and 2, and a 2-week wait between attempts 2 and 3.
The CAET exam fee is set by AEA. Ace Avionics Training offers comprehensive CAET prep training for $2,995, which is eligible for military COOL funding up to $4,000.
Yes, the CAET is a remote proctored online exam administered through AEA's partnership with the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI). You can take it from home or your workplace.
The CAET and NCATT AET both validate avionics knowledge but come from different organizations. The CAET is from AEA with a modern exam format (remote proctored, online). The NCATT AET is from ASTM International with in-person testing. Both are industry-recognized and cover overlapping content. See our full comparison.
Yes, the CAET and CAET preparation training are eligible for COOL (Credentialing Opportunities On-Line) funding across all military branches, covering up to $4,000.
The CAET covers 11 categories: DC Fundamentals, AC Fundamentals, Solid-State Devices, Digital Electronics & Data Buses, Technical Documentation & Regulations, Wire & Harness Fabrication, Safety & Human Factors, Aircraft Electrical Systems, Communication Systems, Navigation Systems, and Surveillance & Flight Instruments.
Get Started
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Start training today with scenario-based learning, interactive simulations, and spaced repetition flashcards.
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