All flight attendants must be certified by the FAA. To become certified, flight attendants must complete their employer's initial training program and pass an exam.

To become a certified flight attendant in 2026, you must first be hired by an airline, as they provide the mandatory FAA-approved (or international equivalent) training. The process begins with a rigorous multi-week "ground school" at the airline's training center, lasting anywhere from 3 to 8 weeks. During this time, you must pass written and practical exams on emergency procedures, first aid, firefighting, and aircraft-specific safety equipment. The most critical part is the "Final Competency Check," which includes simulated evacuations and water landings. Upon successful completion, the airline applies for your FAA Certificate of Demonstrated Proficiency. In 2026, many candidates also choose to obtain a "pre-certification" from private flight attendant schools to make their resumes more competitive, but you cannot legally work as a crew member until you complete the specific training program of the airline that employs you and receive your official federal credentials.