On Jan. 13, the FAA implemented its new Airman Certification Testing Service (ACTS). All applicants for airman certification must utilize the ACTS to register for an appropriate tracking number, though individuals seeking mechanic certificates or Inspection Authorization will continue using paper certification forms after initial account creation.

In early January, the FAA released a series of resources providing instruction for ACTS use. As explained on the agency’s informational webpage – and in a supporting webinar – the new system is the product of a contract awarded in 2019 to PSI Services.

“The ACTS contract provides a comprehensive, best practices approach to enhance the overall quality of FAA Airman Knowledge Testing,” the agency said. “The ACTS vendor supports the FAA in development, assessment, maintenance, and delivery of airman knowledge tests. The vendor also enhances knowledge test items, knowledge tests, and supplementary material with automated state-of-the-art technology and academic expertise.”

What is Actually Changing?

Not much, especially for mechanic and IA applicants whose actual testing process will not yet be run through the new system.

All certificate applicants must register an account with the Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA). The system will provide each applicant with an FAA Tracking Number (FTN), which must be available throughout the testing process and will become the means through which the applicant’s progress is recorded.

Airman Knowledge Test Reports (AKTR) will now be available through IACRA. These reports will no longer have an embossment or raised seal, but may easily be re-printed in the event one is lost or damaged. The system will store all testing progress information for each applicant, which may be accessed by referencing his or her FTN.

Individuals already holding a mechanic’s certificate or IA have had an FTN generated for them. Should a certificate holder require additional FAA testing, i.e., adding a rating, applying for IA, he or she will need to retrieve the number from IACRA.

For more information on ACTS, visit www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acts or send questions to airmanknowledgetesting@faa.gov.

More from ARSA