DALLAS, TEXAS, March 23, 2026 – In today's rapidly evolving aviation landscape, demonstrating knowledge of aircraft electronics is more critical than ever. That's why the Aircraft Electronics Association recently developed the Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CAET) credential, and in the last 12 months, the CAET has quickly become the industry standard that validates the knowledge of dedicated avionics professionals.
During today’s opening session at the 69th annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Dallas, the AEA announced that all individuals who previously earned the Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification from ASTM International can easily upgrade to the modernized, primary certification for technicians, the CAET. Effective immediately, all existing AET certificate holders may take the CAET upgrade examination for a reduced price of $49. The CAET upgrade test is a remote-proctored online exam with 50 multiple-choice questions and a required passing score of 80%.
First introduced to the industry in 2025, the CAET is a knowledge-based certification for entry-level technicians and requires passing a written exam that must be taken online through the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI). The credential is the foundation for a series of stackable certifications for avionics technicians.
Today, the AEA also announced that the second level of certification – the CAET-Advanced – will be available in the second quarter of 2026. The CAET-Advanced requires technicians to demonstrate competency through a three-part assessment: a hands-on practical qualification, a written exam, and an oral board. The certification covers more than 60 practical tasks across eight system categories, from wire harness fabrication to flight management systems. It aligns with Level 2 of the ASTM standard for aircraft electronics technicians and is built for technicians who are actively working in Part 145 repair stations, enrolled in apprenticeship programs, or transitioning from military avionics roles.
"The CAET-Advanced credential doesn't just test what technicians know, it proves what they can do," said Mike Adamson, AEA president and chief executive officer. "When a technician holds this second-level certification, employers know they can work independently. The CAET-Advanced positions avionics professionals for lead technician roles, and it shows employers you've been evaluated and signed off on real systems."
The third level of the CAET's stackable certification – the CAET-Pro – will be available in 2027 and is designed for experienced technicians and avionics managers. It assesses skills needed to successfully lead a team of professionals. When the CAET-Pro becomes available, it will be the highest level of certification that validates the aptitude of a lead technician and adds professional skills, human factors, safety management, and leadership.
"The CAET and CAET-Advanced does more than recognize knowledge," Adamson said. "It establishes a national standard of excellence. For technicians, it creates a professional pathway and elevates the value of their expertise. For repair stations and OEMs, it provides confidence in hiring, training, and quality assurance. And for our industry as a whole, it raises the bar for safety, consistency, and credibility. Approved maintenance organizations will want to include CAET certifications as part of their hiring processes as well as their continuous training requirements for current employees."
For more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the CAET, visit aea.net/caet.
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Founded in 1957, the Aircraft Electronics Association represents nearly 1,300 member companies in more than 40 countries, including approved maintenance organizations specializing in maintenance, repair and installation of aircraft electronics systems in general aviation aircraft. The AEA membership also includes manufacturers of aircraft electronics equipment, instrument repair facilities, instrument manufacturers, airframe manufacturers, test equipment manufacturers, major distributors, engineers and educational institutions.