AME Technical Exams

The technical examinations test the systems and technical knowledge specific to the rating being sought, rather than the regulatory framework. Per Transport Canada's official study guide (TP 14038), the M rating's content spans standard practices (mathematics, electricity, hardware, structures) plus airframe and powerplant systems; the E rating emphasizes avionics, electronics, and navigation systems; and the S rating focuses on structural repairs and material properties.

Technical examinations use 90 questions for the general ratings (M, E, S), and 25 questions for the Balloon rating, per Transport Canada's published exam structure — noticeably more questions than the 50-question regulatory exam, reflecting the broader technical subject matter. The passing grade is 70%.

Transport Canada explicitly states its study guide is "not to be interpreted as an all-inclusive list" of exam content, and reserves the right to modify what's covered — treat the guide as a strong indicator of scope, not an exhaustive locked syllabus.

If you complete a Transport Canada Approved Training Organization (ATO) program, you may receive knowledge credit that reduces or removes the need to sit the technical examination directly — the technical examination path (application form 26-0638) exists specifically for people who need to demonstrate that knowledge independently of an ATO program. See our How to Become an AME guide for how training and examinations fit together overall.