Rated Practical Study Strategy
After passing the three Knowledge Tests, candidates must complete the Oral and Practical Test (O&P). Rated refers to this as the O&P portions of the A&P process. These portions are conducted by a Designated Maintenance Examiner (DME). Users select the Practical Section and appropriate exam on the main Rated screen, which presents a list of tasks. Users can select any number of tasks to study and organize them by specialized categories such as Most Likely, by code, word, and more. After tapping the Practice button, users see a list of selected tasks where they can begin studying. Users review the list to identify required references, safety precautions/concerns, and \"chair fly\" or mentally practice the task. Then, users select individual tasks requiring further investigation to see what they got right or what needs fixing. They will see safety concerns, manuals with task information, a link to the Dynamic Regulatory System to read and review references, and a video showing someone performing the task.
Philosophy:
• The Practical Section assesses your ability to logically think, objectively apply knowledge, and demonstrate the physical skills necessary for safe aircraft maintenance. Practice logical thinking and application of knowledge while maintaining strict safety protocols. Candidates are required to complete 9 General, 11 Airframe & 11 Powerplant Skills.
• Nothing can replace hands-on learning, but Rated provides resources and helps those in remote areas or away from home base to study effectively and take advantage of continued learning.
• Remember, the Rated study strategy emphasizes learning fundamentals, understanding the "why," and staying engaged. The main "why" for the practical portion is to measure the applicant's ability to think logically and apply knowledge.
• Remember: Most Likely tasks (green) are commonly tested, Likely tasks (orange) should be manageable, and Less Likely tasks (red) are time-consuming or require specialized equipment.
• Another change that came with the ACS for the practical portion was adding practical questioning specific to the practical projects. Unlike the Oral portion, applicants may use reference materials to answer the two practical questions per task assigned.
• Safety is the prime consideration at all times during the O&P portion. Any disregard for safety is not tolerated and will result in failure.
User Interface:
• Select the Practical Section and appropriate exam to see the complete list of tasks.
• Choose tasks by specialized categories: Most Likely (green tab), Likely (orange tab), or Less Likely (red tab).
• Select the number of tasks you want to study and tap the Practice button to see your selected task list.
• Review each task to identify required references, safety precautions, and mentally practice the procedure.
• Select individual tasks to review performance, safety concerns, required manuals, and access the Dynamic Regulatory System as required.
• Use reference materials provided during the practical portion (unlike the Oral Section where they are prohibited).
Task Categories:
• Most Likely: Practical Skills, highlighted with a green tab, are projects a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) is most likely to assign to assess a candidate's proficiency. While not more difficult than others, these tasks are commonly tested, so Rated advises users to prioritize these skills during preparation for the Oral and Practical portion of the certification process.
• Likely: Practical Skills, highlighted with an orange tab, are straightforward tasks that candidates should be able to complete without additional preparation at this stage of training.
• Less Likely: Practical Skills, highlighted with a red tab, are considered by Rated to be time-consuming, require specialized equipment, or less probable for testing. While included in the ACS guide, these tasks are less likely to appear on the exam. However, as the FAA determines random skill selection, users should still be aware of these tasks.