San Bernardino Valley College began FAA-certificated A&P classes in January 2022. Its 58-unit certificate is one of the least expensive routes to an A&P certificate in Southern California.
Verified October 2, 2026 against the college’s 2026-27 catalog and fee schedule. Compare all California A&P schools.
Quick Facts
- Length: About 2 years (58-unit A&P certificate)
- Cost: $2,780 resident tuition + fees (A&P certificate)
- Location: San Bernardino, CA
- Website: Official School Web Page
Compare with other A&P schools nearby: Los Angeles area and Inland Empire A&P schools.
Our Take
SBVC suits Inland Empire residents who want the lowest possible cost and can commit to about two years. At about $2,780 for residents it undercuts most of the region. The program is young and small: its graduates passed 26 of 34 FAA written tests (76.5%), below Chaffey and Victor Valley, and the college does not publish class times or its current training site.
At a Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| FAA status | Part 147 approved (certificate HO8T197Q) |
| Full A&P credential | Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate, 58 units |
| Other credentials | Aviation Maintenance Technician AS (58 major units plus general education); Airframe Maintenance Technician certificate (36 units) |
| Length | About two years (1,908 hours) |
| Tuition + fees | $2,780 for California residents; $38,392 nonresident |
| FAA pass rate | 76.5% (26 of 34 written tests, Aug 2023–Dec 2024) |
| Campus | 701 S Mount Vernon Ave, San Bernardino; classes were held at San Bernardino International Airport when the program launched |
| Verified | October 2, 2026 |
Programs and Costs
The 58-unit certificate combines General, Airframe and Powerplant courses (AERO 050–055 with labs). The associate degree adds general education to reach 60 units.
| Program | Units | FAA exams covered | Resident cost (2026-27) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aviation Maintenance Technician certificate | 58 | General, Airframe, Powerplant | $2,780 |
| Aviation Maintenance Technician AS | 58 major + general education | General, Airframe, Powerplant | $46 per unit |
| Airframe Maintenance Technician certificate | 36 | General, Airframe | About $1,656 + fees |
Resident totals use the $46-per-unit enrollment fee plus health ($26) and representation ($2) fees over four semesters.
What You Will Actually Pay
For the full certificate, California residents pay 58 × $46 = $2,668 in enrollment fees plus about $112 in campus fees, about $2,780. The California College Promise Grant can waive the $46 per unit for eligible residents.
Nonresidents pay $414 per unit in tuition plus a $200 capital outlay fee in 2026-27, about $38,392 for the program. Tools, books and FAA testing are extra.
Industry Partners
The college launched the program with Certified Aviation Services, which provides practical experience and job placement support, according to the college’s 2022 announcement.
How It Compares in the Inland Empire
| School | Full A&P path | Length | Cost | FAA pass rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Bernardino Valley College | 58 units | 2 years | $2,780 | 76.5% |
| Chaffey College (Rancho Cucamonga) | About 53 units | About 18 months | About $2,507 | 91.4% |
| Victor Valley College (Victorville) | 82 units | 18 months to 2 years | $3,884 | 82.4% |
| Spartan College (Riverside) | 60 credits | 15 months | $51,237 | 83.0% |
SBVC is the lowest-cost Inland Empire option for residents. Chaffey has a stronger pass rate at a similar price, and Victor Valley runs year-round with rolling applications. See the Los Angeles-area comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is San Bernardino Valley College’s aviation program FAA-approved?
Yes. The catalog describes it as FAA Part 147-approved, and its graduates passed 26 of 34 FAA written tests from August 2023 to December 2024, per the FAA’s pass-rate report.
How long does the program take?
About two years for the 58-unit certificate.
How much does it cost?
About $2,780 for California residents and $38,392 for nonresidents in 2026-27, before tools, books and FAA testing.
Related Programs
View All Aviation Mechanic Schools in California
- Antelope Valley College - Lancaster
- Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) - Fremont
- California Aeronautical University - Bakersfield
- Chaffey College - Rancho Cucamonga
- College of Alameda - Alameda
- Cuesta College - San Luis Obispo
- Gavilan College - San Martin
- Mt. San Antonio College - Walnut
- North Valley Occupational Center - Van Nuys
- Orange Coast College - Costa Mesa
- Reedley College - Reedley
- Sacramento City College - Sacramento
- San Diego Miramar College - San Diego
- San Joaquin Valley College - Fresno
- Solano Community College - Vacaville
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology - Inglewood & Riverside
- Universal Technical Institute - Long Beach
- Victor Valley College - Victorville
- West Los Angeles College - Culver City