FAA First Class Medical Exam Requirements: What Pilots Need to Know (2025 Guide) 

What Is the FAA First Class Medical Certificate? 

The FAA First Class Medical Certificate is the highest level of medical certification issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, our FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) specialize in helping pilots meet this critical requirement. 

You’ll need a First Class Medical if you're: 

✈️ An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) flying scheduled air carriers 

 🛫 Pursuing a career with a major or regional airline 

 📈 A corporate or charter pilot flying under Part 121 or Part 135 

 🎓 A student aiming to work professionally in airline or commercial aviation 

If your career goals involve flying for the airlines or corporate operators, this is the certificate to get—and keep. 

How Long Is a First Class Medical Certificate Valid? 

The FAA determines the validity based on your age and privileges: 

  • Under age 40: Valid for 12 months for ATP privileges 

  • Age 40 and over: Valid for 6 months for ATP privileges 

  • After expiration, it reverts to Second Class (for commercial privileges) or Third Class (for private flying) based on age and timeline 

FAA First Class Medical Exam Requirements (2025) 

To obtain a First Class Medical, the FAA requires that you meet specific health and performance standards. At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we guide you through each one. 

✅ Vision 

  • Distant vision: 20/20 or better in each eye (with or without correction) 

  • Near vision: 20/40 or better at 16 inches 

  • Intermediate vision (required age 50+): 20/40 or better at 50 cm 

  • Color vision: Must accurately perceive aviation-critical colors 

✅ Hearing 

  • Ability to hear a normal spoken conversation in a quiet room 

  • May be tested using FAA-approved audiometry 

✅ Cardiovascular Health 

  • No history of disqualifying heart conditions (e.g., angina, heart attack) unless cleared 

  • Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG) is required: 

  • At age 35 (first exam after turning 35) 

  • Annually after age 40 

✅ Neurological & Mental Health 

  • No disqualifying neurological disorders such as epilepsy or seizures 

  • Must be free of serious psychiatric diagnoses including bipolar disorder, psychosis, or substance abuse (unless cleared by FAA) 

✅ General Medical Health 

  • Review of height, weight, blood pressure, and full medical history 

  • Some conditions may require FAA Special Issuance or follow-up documentation 

What Happens During the First Class Medical Exam? 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, we make the FAA medical exam process efficient and pilot-friendly. 

Here’s what to expect: 

  1. 📝 Complete FAA Form 8500-8 online via MedXPress(opens in a new tab)

  1. 📋 Review of your medical history and medications 

  1. 🩺 Physical exam – blood pressure, pulse, reflexes, and general health 

  1. 👓 Vision and hearing tests 

  1. 💧 Urinalysis – checks for kidney function and blood sugar 

  1. 🫀 ECG/EKG – required based on age or condition 

  1. 💬 Discussion of any ongoing treatments, medications, or concerns 

Can You Still Get Certified With a Medical Condition? 

Yes—many pilots are certified through the FAA’s Special Issuance Authorization program. We help with: 

  • High blood pressure (with documentation) 

  • Diabetes – including insulin-treated, with FAA approval 

  • Heart conditions – such as stents, arrhythmias, or bypass (with cardiac clearance) 

  • Sleep apnea – if treated and compliant with CPAP 

  • Mental health conditions – under control and supported by medical documentation 

At Colorado Occupational Medical Partners, our AMEs regularly assist with Special Issuance applications and required FAA follow-ups. 

How to Prepare for Your First Class Medical Exam 

To help things go smoothly: 

📝 Complete your MedXPress application before your visit 

 💊 Bring a list of current medications and medical conditions 

 👓 Bring corrective lenses (and your prescription, if available) 

 📑 Bring supporting documents for any prior medical conditions (e.g., test results, specialist letters) 

 💧 Stay hydrated and well-rested before the exam—it can positively impact blood pressure readings 

Why Choose Colorado Occupational Medical Partners? 

We’re Colorado’s trusted partner for aviation medicals. Here’s why pilots choose us: 

 ✅ FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) on staff 

 ✅ Same-day and next-day scheduling available 

 ✅ Onsite ECG/EKG testing 

 ✅ Expert support for Special Issuance and FAA waivers 

 ✅ Convenient Denver-area locations 

 ✅ Focused on pilots—professional, fast, and aviation-aware 

Whether you're a seasoned airline pilot or applying for the first time, we make the certification process easy and efficient. 

✈️ Ready to Schedule Your FAA First Class Medical Exam? 

📞 Call us at (303) 214-0000 

 📅 Or Click here to book online(opens in a new tab)

Serving Colorado Pilots.