Competence before CASA exams: why full unit assessment matters
Training pathways · Published 19 March 2026
A CASA knowledge exam and a completed MEA unit answer different questions. Sigma trains and assesses the unit requirements first, then prepares the student for the applicable licensing exams. That gives learning and practical competence a place of their own in the pathway.
What does each part establish?
The unit of competency
Assessment must address the unit’s requirements: the work to be performed, underpinning knowledge, performance evidence and assessment conditions. A written result alone cannot demonstrate practical performance.
The licensing knowledge exam
The applicable CASA or MTO exam tests the prescribed knowledge under its exam conditions. It is a separate licensing requirement, not a substitute for every piece of unit evidence.
The aircraft experience
Licensing also requires relevant practical maintenance experience. The required scope, records and recency must be considered separately from passing exams.
The qualification
A qualification is awarded when its packaging and assessment requirements are met. Its title alone does not tell you whether every requirement for a particular licence has been satisfied.
ASQA’s assessment guidance requires assessment to address all training product requirements and gather valid, sufficient, authentic and current evidence. Where a licensing assessment does not cover the whole training product, additional assessment may be needed.
See also how to tell whether you have achieved a complete MEA unit.
A practical example: knowing the answer and doing the work
A student may answer a question about a maintenance procedure correctly. Depending on the unit, an assessor may also need evidence that the student can select and use the right information and equipment, carry out the task safely, recognise problems and complete the required records.
Those are different forms of evidence. A knowledge question can contribute to assessment; it cannot, by itself, show that someone performed the work. The exact evidence and conditions come from the applicable unit.
Build competence before the high-stakes exam
- Learn and practise
Work through the material and connect it to maintenance tasks, with trainer support.
- Get feedback
Use practice questions, discussion and formative tasks to find misunderstandings while there is time to address them.
- Demonstrate the unit requirements
Provide the required knowledge and practical evidence. Complete the missing knowledge and practical requirements. An average exam score does not establish competence across the whole unit.
- Prepare for the licensing exam
After completing the relevant learning, prepare for the separate licensing exams and their conditions.
CASA distinguishes the Part 147 and self-study exam pathways. Choosing the supported route does not remove exams where they are required. It gives the engineer structured training and assessment alongside them.
Read how we assess full competence and support progress, or compare supported Part 147 training with CASA self-study.
Your next step
Bring your experience. We will work through the gaps.
Choose the qualification or licence outcome you need and start the RPL and gap application. Your existing competence is the starting point.
Find an RPL & gap courseWritten by the Sigma Aerospace College training team. AMROBA is cited as an industry source; these are Sigma’s explanations and services, not an AMROBA endorsement.
Ready to put this into practice?
Know the licence or qualification you need? Choose your course, apply online and follow the payment steps.
Choose a licence courseNeed help choosing? Enquire with our teamUseful links
College course information and CASA guidance for further reading.
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