The Eligibility Requirements for an FAA Flight Dispatcher Course

For individuals who are interested in attending a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certified flight dispatcher school, there are many questions and inquiries that Sheffield School of Aeronautics consistently receives. Since Sheffield is the world’s oldest and most reputable aircraft dispatcher school, we know more than just a thing or two about effective aircraft dispatching training programs, FAA flight dispatcher exams, and the job market and placement for flight dispatchers.

When potential flight dispatchers are interested in enrolling in aircraft dispatcher courses, one of the most common questions they have is about eligibility requirements. To help answer the most common questions and concerns, Sheffield has outlined, in-depth, the eligibility requirements for prospective aircraft dispatchers.

Eligibility Requirements for an FAA Flight Dispatcher Course

Aircraft Dispatcher Course Requirements

There are no pre-existing experience requirements for Sheffield’s FAA Dispatcher Certificate course since you will be attending the course in the United States. Individuals who seek other dispatcher certifications that are hosted outside of the U.S. are required to complete the Flight Operations Management level one course or take a bypass exam before they can enroll in an FAA Dispatcher Certification course at Sheffield School of Aeronautics.

Proficiency in the English language is required for all FAA Flight Dispatcher courses. Students who are not fluent in English may need to enroll in the ICAO English Testing and Training before they are eligible to enroll in the second level of the flight dispatcher course at Sheffield.

FAA Written Aircraft Dispatcher Exam Requirements

There is only one prerequisite for the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher written exam, which is that you must be at least 21 years of age. Once you have completed the written exam, your test score is only valid for two years from the date of the examination. The FAA Aircraft Dispatcher written exam can only be given at an approved and proctored FAA authorized testing center.

FAA Practical Aircraft Dispatcher Exam Requirements

The FAA practical exam will cover a series of forms and eligibility requirements for every person applying for FAA flight dispatcher certification. All of the required forms and instructions for the exam is supplied by the Sheffield School of Aeronautics and include:

Age: You will need a government-issued photo ID that shows that you (the applicant) are 23 years of age. FAA Applicants between 21 and 23 years of age may take the course and FAA practical test; however, you will only receive a letter of aeronautical competency. When you turn 23 years old, you will be issued a license.

Written test results: Every applicant must pass the Aircraft Dispatcher Knowledge exam (ADX exam) with a 70% score or above.

Course graduation certificate: Every applicant must complete the FAA Aircraft Dispatcher Course and be signed off by a recommended (for the practical exam) instructor.

Oral and practical exam application: Each graduate will be required to complete an FAA application for an airman certificate, and then present the examiner with photo identification and a Sheffield School of Aeronautic Certification of Graduation.

Contact Sheffield School of Aeronautics

As the oldest and most reputable aircraft dispatcher school, Sheffield School of Aeronautics is proud to train the generation of airline and aviation employees. We have helped thousands of people turn their love of flying and aviation into a lucrative and high-demand career. You can complete Flight dispatch training at our in-person or online dispatcher school. We give you the means to obtain your CAA, ICAO, and FAA aircraft dispatcher license. Contact us today to have your career take off tomorrow!

Related Readings:

  • Contact Us

    • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

  • Testimonials

    “Sheffield School of Aeronautics is known worldwide for its quality training and has been recommended to me by our national airline Swiss International Airlines. Whenever I mention the name ‘Sheffield’ it rings a bell in people’s ears.” IW IW
    “Being that half my new hire class dropped out over the course of training, I can confidently say that Sheffield helped to prepare me for the real world.” GT – abridged testimonial – school selection matters
    “My experience at Sheffield and my exposure to other aircraft dispatchers that did not go to Sheffield has resulted in an awareness of the superior depth and quality of the training provided by the Sheffield instructors.” CD Sidebar CD
    “now that I’ve been in an indoctrination class with students from other schools, I know I made the right choice with Sheffield.”   Kindest regards,  A.R.  All schools are created equal?! yeah…sure ;)
    “These men represented the highest caliber of professionalism and integrity. The education I received from these gentleman has afforded me to be gainfully employed while having the opportunity to use the education received, all over this country, and more than a few others.” WG sidebar wg
    “I wanted to tell you I got the job offer from Expressjet, and start next month! I think a couple others from class were hired as well. It just shows the Sheffield reputation when I see graduates from other schools complaining that they can’t get an interview – I wasn’t even back home to Minneapolis […] Dan Gustafson
    “After receiving my certificate, I joined a class of 4 experienced dispatchers for Part 121 initial training. Without experience, my preparation at Sheffield enabled me to become active at the same time after the initial training.” PR PR
    “As a graduate of the aircraft dispatcher program at the Sheffield School of Aeronautics…My training was intense and thorough and furnished me with the requisite skills for performing my current job as a Flight Dispatch Supervisor.” N.S. Sidebar NS
    “While touring my company’s dispatch department before I had my license our OCC manager pointed out that 7 of the 10 dispatchers on shift had come from Sheffield. The overall consensus was that Sheffield grads were able to hit the ground running as they were better prepared.” K.O. Sidebar K.O.
    “Your school has offered me an incredible advantage in the Dispatcher job market.” D.K. D. Kircher
    “Going to Sheffield prepared me for the real world challenges of Aircraft Dispatching. I certainly believe that the method Sheffield used is one not only for success in a real world career, but also one that prepares students to correctly dispatch aircraft.” T.Z. Sidebar TZ
    “I am a month into my new job at a airline coming out of reorganization, and am helping the training department by referencing the excellent and up to date course book provided to all Sheffield grads.” RW RW
    “This was an amazing class! Always interesting! It was like drinking from a fire hose, but I have never enjoyed a course more than this one. Thank you for a great 5 weeks & EWINS!” R.S. R.S. Testimonial – 5-weeks & EWINS
    “This school came highly recommended by multiple past students and EVEN OTHERS FROM OTHER SCHOOLS. Reputation is fantastic from multiple companies that I have worked for.” A. – September 2020
    “Their reputation of excellence amongst the industry is second to none. Sheffield School of Aeronautics should be seen as the standard of how it can be done and how it should be done. I was hired at a major airline with no dispatch experience.” A.Z. Sidebar AZ
  • Online Catalog

    Sheffield Flight Dispatch Training Catalog

  • Connect