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Best pilot certifications

The best certifications for a pilot are Commercial Pilot (CP), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).

Pilot certifications demonstrate your competency as a pilot to employers. However, not all pilot certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best pilot certifications. Obtaining a pilot certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best pilot certifications

1. Commercial Pilot (CP)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
Federal Aviation Administration

2. Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
Federal Aviation Administration

3. Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

NBAA's Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) Program identifies qualified professionals to lead flight departments and companies that use business aircraft. Join the ranks of esteemed aviation professionals who have already been recognized as Certified Aviation Managers and apply for the CAM Exam today.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

4. Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit (RP)

RP holders are authorized to operate most aircraft and aeronautical ground stations. They can also operate marine radiotelephone stations aboard pleasure craft (other than those carrying more than six passengers for hire on the Great Lakes or bays or tidewaters or in the open sea) when operator licensing is required. An RP is NOT needed to operate the following: a voluntarily equipped ship or aircraft station (including a CAP station) which operates only on VHF frequencies and does not make foreign voyages or flights.an aeronautical ground or coast station which operates only on VHF frequencies.on-board stations.a marine utility station unless it is taken aboard a vessel which makes a foreign voyage.a survival craft station when using telephony or an emergency position indicating radiobeacon (EPIRB) station.a ship radar station, if the operating frequency is determined by a fixed tuned device and the radar is capable of being operated by only external controls.shore radar, shore radiolocation, maritime support, or shore radio-navigation stations.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No

What is the best certification for a pilot?

The best pilot certification is Commercial Pilot (CP). The Commercial Pilot (CP) is awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this pilot certification:

  • To become a certified Commercial Pilot (CP), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 2 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for pilots?

The most in-demand pilot certification is Commercial Pilot based on all active job postings. Having this pilot certification will give you access to more pilot jobs with higher salaries.

Best certifications

The most common combination of pilot certifications include: Commercial Pilot (CP), Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), and Certified Aviation Manager (CAM).

Online courses for pilots to earn certifications

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