The AME Regulatory Exam

The regulatory examination tests your knowledge of the Canadian Aviation Regulations framework as it applies to aircraft maintenance — the rules, responsibilities, and processes, rather than the hands-on technical knowledge of a specific aircraft system. This is a genuinely separate exam from the technical examination (which tests rating-specific systems knowledge) — passing one doesn't substitute for the other, and each has its own Transport Canada application form.

The regulatory examination uses 50 questions for the M, E, and S ratings, and 25 questions for the Balloon rating, per Transport Canada's published exam structure. The passing grade is 70%, per CARs Standard 566.

Eligibility for the regulatory examination is tied to your licence application (Transport Canada form 24-0083) and generally follows having completed — or being far enough along in — the technical knowledge and experience requirements for your rating. Confirm your specific eligibility timing directly with Transport Canada, since exact eligibility conditions are set by regulation and administrative policy that can be updated.

Because this exam tests the regulatory framework rather than technical systems knowledge, effective preparation looks different from studying aircraft systems: it rewards understanding how CARs is structured (which part covers what), knowing key definitions and responsibilities precisely, and being comfortable with regulation-style question phrasing. See our How to Study for AME Exams guide for a study structure that works well for this kind of material, and our AME Practice Questions guide for how to use practice questions effectively.