Hey y’all!
As I wrap up the airframe section of my aviation maintenance science degree, I’m officially in comp exam season. If you’re not familiar, comp exams are required for maintenance students before we can move on to our FAA written, oral, and practical exams.

What Comp Exams Are Like
Comp exams cover a lot of material, especially after finishing a full section like airframe. It’s not just memorizing a few things, it’s going back through everything you’ve learned and making sure you actually understand it. It definitely feels like a lot at times, but it’s also a good way to see how much you’ve learned. They also help you prepare for the actual FAA exams.

How I’m Studying
One of the main tools I’ve been using is ASA Prepware. It’s been really helpful for practicing questions and getting familiar with how the exams are structured. I like that I can go through different sections and focus on areas where I need more practice. I’ve also been trying to study in smaller chunks instead of cramming everything at once. Breaking it up makes it feel more manageable and helps me actually retain the information.

Staying Consistent
The biggest challenge has honestly just been staying consistent. Some days I feel really motivated, and other days it’s harder to sit down and focus. On those days, I try to at least do a little bit so I don’t fall behind. Even small progress adds up over time.

Looking Ahead
While comp exams are definitely stressful, they’re also an important step toward moving forward in the program. It’s kind of exciting knowing that passing them gets me one step closer to my FAA exams and eventually working in the field.

Final Thoughts
Studying for comp exams isn’t always easy, but it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come in the program. Taking it one section at a time and staying consistent has been key. It’s a challenge, but it’s all part of the process.
Until next time,
Olivia Strickland ✈️