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Aviation Subject Matter Experts (SMEs)
Contribute your expertise to support the development of FAA Airman Knowledge Tests (AKT).
Support the future of aviation safety
PSI relies on experienced aviation professionals to support the development and maintenance of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airman Knowledge Tests (AKT) used in pilot, mechanic, and instructor certification.
Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) play a critical role in helping ensure these examinations reflect current aviation practices, technical standards, and real-world operational knowledge.
FAA partnership
Through its partnership with the FAA, PSI facilitates the recruitment and coordination of aviation professionals who wish to contribute their expertise to FAA exam development activities.
These activities help ensure FAA certification exams continue to support aviation safety and professional standards across the industry.
Individuals selected as SMEs may participate in activities such as:
Job analysis studies
Knowledge exam development
Item writing and review
Exam committee workshops
Who can apply
Aviation professionals interested in contributing their expertise may apply to be considered for participation in FAA exam committees.
All SME candidates are reviewed and approved by the FAA before participating in any committee activities.
Approved SMEs are placed on a roster of qualified experts and may be contacted when opportunities arise that match their qualifications and experience.
Qualification requirements
Eligibility requirements vary depending on the type of exam committee.
Flight related committees
To be eligible to serve as a SME, applicants must:
- Hold multiple relevant FAA certificates associated with the committee they are volunteering for
- Have at least 1 year of professional aviation experience
- Have logged 500 or more flight hours
When additional qualifications are needed due to the volume of applicants, preference may be given to individuals who:
- Have instructor experience
- Have 5 or more years of aviation experience
Aviation mechanic committees
To be eligible to serve as a SME, applicants must:
- Hold multiple relevant certificates associated with the committee they are volunteering for
- Have at least 1 year of professional aviation maintenance experience
When additional qualifications are needed due to the volume of applicants, preference may be given to individuals who:
- Have instructor experience
- Have 5 or more years of experience
Instructor related committees
To be eligible to serve as a SME, applicants must:
- Hold multiple relevant FAA certificates associated with the committee they are volunteering for
- Have at least 1 year of professional aviation experience
- Have logged 500 or more flight hours
- Have at least 1 year of instructor experience
When additional qualifications are needed due to the volume of applicants, preference may be given to individuals who:
- Have 5 or more years of instructor experience
- Have 5 or more years of aviation experience
The SME selection process
Individuals interested in participating as a Subject Matter Expert can apply through the FAA SME recruitment survey.
Applications are reviewed by PSI twice per year.
The review process includes:
- Application submission through the SME recruitment survey
- Initial eligibility review conducted by PSI
- Submission of qualified applicants to the FAA for review
- FAA approval of SME candidates
- Placement of approved candidates on the SME roster
FAA SME application
Approved individuals may be invited to participate in exam development activities based on project needs.
What to Expect as an AKT SME
Approved SMEs are added to a roster of qualified aviation professionals who may be contacted when exam committee opportunities arise.
Once the required number of SMEs is confirmed, the committee is formed and PSI coordinates the project meetings.
SMEs are compensated for their participation once the activity concludes.
Each year, SMEs are contacted to confirm whether they would like to remain on the active roster.
For each activity:
PSI sends an invitation with activity details, timelines, and expectations
Approved SMEs may choose whether they are available to participate
Participation is voluntary and declining an activity does not affect future opportunities
Why aviation professionals participate
Many aviation professionals choose to contribute as an SME supporting FAA Airman Knowledge Tests because they want to contribute to the future of the industry, by:
- Supporting aviation safety through high-quality certification standards
- Contributing expertise to the development of FAA knowledge exams
- Helping ensure exams reflect real-world aviation practices
- Giving back to the aviation community
FAA test center access
Find nearby FAA knowledge test centers with transparent, data‑driven coverage designed to expand access where it’s needed most.
FAA testing programs
Explore PSI services supporting FAA airman knowledge testing, including vouchers, scheduling, and program support for organizations.
Apply to become an AKT SME
If you are interested in contributing your expertise to the development of FAA Airman Knowledge Tests, you can apply using the SME recruitment survey.