One of the key takeaways from Make it Stick by Brown, Roediger, and McDaniel (2014) is that effective learning hinges not on cramming or passive review, but on active, effortful retrieval and spaced repetition. This principle is particularly salient for candidates preparing for the Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification. The AET exam—offered by the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT)—tests a wide array of foundational avionics knowledge. Success requires not only familiarity with the content but also mastery through efficient and intentional study strategies. This essay applies the evidence-based learning principles from Make it Stick to explore the best study resources and methods for excelling in the AET exam.
Understanding the Nature of the AET Exam
Before diving into strategies, it is essential to understand the AET certification itself. The AET exam is designed to certify foundational knowledge in aircraft electronics and is often a stepping stone to other NCATT endorsements. Many candidates pursue this credential to launch or advance careers in avionics maintenance, installation, and inspection. A key advantage of this certification is its alignment with industry standards, making it a recognized benchmark across aviation sectors. For more information on how to register, visit the NCATT AET registration page.
Recommended Study Resources
High-quality materials are vital. Among the most effective are structured, targeted resources like an NCATT AET exam prep course, which typically includes video instruction, interactive assessments, and real-world application scenarios. These courses facilitate deeper understanding and retrieval practice—a key principle from Make it Stick.
Equally important is the NCATT AET study guide, which breaks down core topics such as DC/AC electrical theory, digital electronics, connectors and wiring, and communication systems. When paired with NCATT AET practice test questions, learners can simulate testing conditions, identify knowledge gaps, and engage in the “testing effect,” a phenomenon Roediger and McDaniel highlight as one of the most potent learning tools available.
Another valuable component is participating in a NCATT AET online course, which offers the flexibility of self-paced learning while integrating multimedia to reinforce core concepts. This multimodal approach caters to diverse cognitive styles and encourages repeated exposure—another memory-strengthening tactic advocated in Make it Stick.
Best Strategies for Mastery
1. Retrieval Practice
According to Roediger et al., students retain far more information when they practice recalling it than when they passively review notes. In the context of AET certification, this means prioritizing self-quizzing using flashcards, practice exams, or having a peer pose verbal questions on concepts. When reviewing “wiring diagrams” or “signal types,” for instance, test yourself without looking at your notes and then check for accuracy. Spaced retrieval, revisiting concepts days or weeks later, boosts retention even more.
2. Interleaving and Variation
Many learners fall into the trap of studying one topic intensively (blocked practice). However, the authors of Make it Stick argue for “interleaved practice”—mixing topics to enhance discrimination and transfer of knowledge. Applied here, learners should alternate between digital circuits, troubleshooting techniques, and communications theory rather than mastering one before moving to the next. This more accurately mirrors the unpredictability of real-world applications in avionics maintenance.
3. Elaboration and Dual Coding
Explaining concepts aloud in one’s own words or teaching them to another person—known as elaborative interrogation—reinforces deeper learning. For example, don’t just memorize what a “bus architecture” is; explain why it is preferable in a given aircraft system. Similarly, drawing schematics, labeling parts, and associating concepts with real aircraft systems harness the power of dual coding (using both verbal and visual memory paths).
4. Reflection and Metacognition
Reflection is another central strategy. After each study session, learners should ask themselves what they’ve learned, where they are still uncertain, and how they plan to address those uncertainties. This habit builds metacognitive awareness and allows for more targeted review sessions. Reflecting after practice tests—analyzing why certain answers were incorrect—can also clarify misunderstood content.
Strategic Preparation and Scheduling
Since the AET certification is both rigorous and comprehensive, candidates should treat preparation like a structured campaign. Begin by assessing your current understanding and building a timeline that incorporates at least 6–8 weeks of consistent study. Use the AET certification training program as a central resource, complemented by personalized notes and retrieval activities.
For those comparing pathways in aviation maintenance, resources addressing AET vs. A&P certification provide clarity on whether your goals align more with electronics or mechanical systems. For career-oriented decisions, you can also explore opportunities on the aviation job search page.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for the AET certification is not merely about accumulating facts but about transforming understanding into usable, durable knowledge. The principles from Make it Stick encourage learners to challenge themselves, vary their approaches, and reflect consistently. When paired with high-quality resources like NCATT AET online courses and robust practice tools, these methods provide a framework for long-term mastery and success in the field of avionics.