How to get your first FAA medical certificate

Which class do you need?

The FAA issues first-, second- and third-class medical certificates. You need the class that matches the flying you plan to do: first class for airline transport pilot privileges, second class for commercial pilot privileges, third class for private or recreational pilot privileges.^[3] You can apply for any class as long as you meet its standards; you don't need to hold an ATP certificate to get a first-class medical.^[3]

How long a certificate lasts depends on its class, the privileges you use and your age on the exam date. For example, a third-class certificate is valid for the rest of the month of issue plus 60 calendar months if you were under 40 at the exam, or 24 calendar months if you were 40 or over.^[4] The FAA page lists every case.

Step 1: Fill in the application in MedXPress

Create an account in FAA MedXPress, answer the medical questions and submit the application. Save or print it: the AME needs the confirmation number.^[1] MedXPress is the online version of FAA Form 8500-8, and you need only a valid email address to create an account.^[2]

You need to complete the AME exam within 60 days of submitting the application; after 60 days it drops out of the system if the AME hasn't uploaded it.^[1]

Step 2: Find an AME

An AME is a physician with specific training in FAA exams. The FAA points to its Designee Locator to find one: FAA Designee Locator (start from the FAA's Find an AME page).^[1][5] The FAA also says pilot advocacy groups or local flight schools can recommend one.^[1] For HIMS AMEs and your FAA regional flight surgeon office, see the BlockTime AME finder by state.

Step 3: Gather documents before the appointment

If you have a current or past medical condition or take medication, the FAA recommends reading the requirements in its Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners first. For some conditions the FAA may ask for a detailed Clinical Progress Note from a visit no more than 90 days before the exam; a patient-portal After Visit Summary is not enough.^[1] Missing documents can delay the certificate.^[1]

Step 4: The day of the exam

Bring your MedXPress confirmation number, any medical records, and a government-issued ID. Staff take vitals, test your eyes (including color vision), hearing and a urine sample, and do an EKG if required; the AME reviews your history and does the physical exam.^[1]

Step 5: Issued, deferred or denied

If everything meets the FAA standards and the documents are in order, the AME issues the certificate. For some conditions, or if documents are missing, the AME defers to the FAA, which writes to you with what it needs. A denial can be appealed, and some applicants can still be certified through Special Issuance.^[1]

Sources

1. How do I get a Medical Certificate and what to expect during the AME examination (FAA, last updated May 14, 2026)
2. Medical Certification (FAA)
3. Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners: classes of medical certificates (FAA)
4. Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners: validity of medical certificates (FAA)
5. Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (FAA)
6. FAA MedXPress

Checked 2026-10-22. Looking for a school? See flight schools and type rating schools or Zero to Commercial/CFI programs.

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