Need engineers with certification privileges for particular systems? A CASA modular licence lets you build that capability, with exclusions defining the limits. Match the initial scope to your operation, then extend it as the work and experience grow.
Choose the modular course that fits the systems you need. Check the requirements, apply online and follow the payment and enrolment steps.
Two extra letters. A different meaning.
Yes, those names are confusingly close. Why did the regulator choose them? We don’t know either. Here’s the distinction.
This page · what you can certifyA CASA Part 66 licence covering selected systems. Exclusions set the limits of your certification privileges. You can extend that scope later.
Knowledge subjects · what you studySubjects such as electrical fundamentals, maintenance practices and human factors. The relevant modules form part of the knowledge requirements for a licence — modular or full category.
A modular licence has a narrower scope and a two-year initial experience minimum. A full-category minimum ranges from one to five years. Select your category and background to compare the applicable experience periods.
2 years minimum practical experience
Complete the knowledge and experience for the selected systems. CASA endorses exclusions for the systems outside that scope.
Example only: a B1 airframe-only licence may carry E3 (powerplant), E1 (electrical) and E4/E5/E6 exclusions. Your actual endorsements define your privileges.
3 years minimum practical experience
Complete the full knowledge and competency requirements for the selected category or subcategory. Build evidence across a broader range of maintenance tasks.
A full B1 category is not a B2 licence. Type ratings, recent experience and employer authorisations still apply where required.
For B1.1/B1.3/B2 with relevant skilled-worker training, initial modular issue has a two-year minimum; full-category issue has a three-year minimum. Relevant training or self-study knowledge requirements, tasks and recent experience must also be completed.
Is modular always shorter? No. Full B1.1/B1.3/B2 after a relevant MTO category course also has a two-year minimum. Full B1.2/B1.4 after that course has a one-year minimum. Modular focuses the systems you qualify for; the calendar saving depends on your starting point.
This example compares turbine-powerplant-only modular training with a full B1.3 category. It is separate from the experience selector above.
7 knowledge modules
with the applicable examinations
20 units of competency
before any RPL credit
Engine systems and their maintenance. Airframe, rotor, electrical and avionics privileges remain excluded.
12 knowledge modules
with the applicable examinations
36 units of competency
before any RPL credit
Engine, airframe, rotor and applicable electrical / avionic tasks across the B1.3 category.
Worked example from Part 66 MOS Appendix I (Parts 2 and 2A), Appendix IV and Appendix X. Modular B1.3 turbine powerplant uses modules 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 15. Full B1.3 uses modules 1–10, 12 and 15. These are subject-module counts, not a promise of the number of separate exam sittings or assessment events.
The 20-unit modular count includes MEA323 as applied to the chosen scope. The 36-unit full-category example uses MEA294 instead of MEA223 plus MEA227, and MEA304 for the structural-unit choice, or their current equivalent units. Choosing MEA223 and MEA227 gives 37 units. Qualification packaging, prerequisites, current equivalents and individual gaps must be mapped by the MTO; these numbers are not a diploma total or a course quote.
Both examples have a two-year initial experience minimum after the relevant MTO category course, but the relevant range of tasks differs. RPL can recognise demonstrated competence; it does not waive the standard.
These are minimum experience periods for initial issue under Part 66 MOS 66.A.30, not course lengths or a promised issue date. Relevant tasks, recency, knowledge, competency and application requirements must also be satisfied. Prior experience may count after assessment; an RPL package does not automatically establish eligibility for the completed-category-course minimum.
For B1.2/B1.4, full-category experience minima are 1 / 2 / 3 years for the three backgrounds above. For B1.1/B1.3/B2 they are 2 / 3 / 5 years. Initial modular issue requires 2 years plus the relevant MTO category training or self-study knowledge and logbook evidence. Later extensions have separate requirements.
For general aviation operators
A GA operator may have steady work on airframes, piston engines or particular avionics systems, without access to every system needed for a full category. A modular plan can align training with that real task base.
01
Choose an initial scope supported by the aircraft, systems and tasks in your operation.
02
Exclusions show which systems the engineer cannot certify. The selected scope still has to meet the applicable standard.
03
Add systems as your fleet, work and experience grow. Extensions need their own training and evidence plan.
The trade-off, clearly
What you gain
A narrower initial syllabus and evidence scope can make the goal more manageable. Build certification capability for work you actually have.
What you commit to
Excluded systems stay outside your privileges. Later extensions may need further study, assessment and experience. Plan for future roles as well as today’s fleet.
Less scope does not mean a lower standard. You still demonstrate the requirements for the privileges you seek.
Training to fit the scope
First agree on the systems you need to certify. Then choose how to complete the training and evidence for that scope.
Sigma can build a Part 147 RPL and gap package for an individual engineer, or a workplace-delivered package for an operator. Both provide a mapped plan and trainer support.
Browse every current modular course, including B1 airframe and powerplant packages, B2 systems and B1 electrical/instrument extensions.
19 courses
RPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 15 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 5 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 12 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 4 weeks break)
View course & applyFor an existing B1 modular licence. This is not a standalone initial licence package.
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 8 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 15 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 5 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 13 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 4 weeks break)
View course & applyFor an existing B1 modular licence. This is not a standalone initial licence package.
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 9 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 11 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 4 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 10 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyFor an existing B1 modular licence. This is not a standalone initial licence package.
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 7 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 2 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 12 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 4 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 10 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyFor an existing B1 modular licence. This is not a standalone initial licence package.
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 8 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 10 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 10 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyRPL and gap assessment, relevant units and module exams, with application guidance.
RPL (Ranged Estimate: 8 months \ Study Load: 8 hours per week / 3 weeks break)
View course & applyNo course matches those filters. Try the exclusion code alone, reset the category, or ask Sigma to map your licence.
Course study estimates are separate from CASA practical-experience requirements. Electrical extensions require an existing modular licence.
No. You must meet the requirements for the scope you seek. The difference is the systems included, with exclusions recording the limits.
Yes, after meeting the applicable knowledge, competency and practical requirements. Extension experience is governed by the relevant Part 66 rules, including Table 3A; it is not automatically covered by buying another course.
Not automatically. Sigma’s modular packages issue Statements of Attainment for units achieved. A diploma requires its complete packaging and assessment requirements.
No. The comparison above shows why your category and training background matter. A focused modular syllabus can suit your work without necessarily shortening the statutory experience period.
Plan with the right information
Three useful places to check the scope, evidence and experience before you commit.
01 · Licence scope
CASA explains modular privileges, exclusions and the subjects for each initial scope.
02 · The rules
The Part 66 MOS sets the knowledge, competency and experience requirements. Start with 66.A.25, 66.A.30 and Appendix X.
03 · Your evidence
Understand practical experience and recency, then ask Sigma to review the evidence for your intended scope.
Choose the modular course that fits the systems you need. Check the requirements, apply online and follow the payment and enrolment steps.