IA privileges are exercised across two 1-year periods. Each period has an activity (work performed, training, or oral examination) requirement. The renewal period for an inspection authorization is every two years, from April 1 of each odd-numbered year to March 31 of the next odd-numbered year. During March of every odd-numbered year, an applicant for renewal must present evidence to the FAA of meeting the inspection authorization renewal requirements of 14 CFR 65.93(a).

To maintain currency and ensure a consistent level of safety, IA holders must fulfill one of the activities of 14 CFR 65.93(a)(1) through (5) during the first year of the 2-year IA period.

If an IA holder does not complete the activity requirement by March 31 of the first year of the 2-year IA period, the IA holder may not exercise the privileges of the authorization after that date. The IA holder may resume exercising inspection authorization privileges during the second year of the 2-year IA period after the IA holder passes an oral test. That test is administered by an FAA inspector to determine that the IA holder's knowledge of applicable regulations and standards is current. Upon passing the oral test, the IA holder will be deemed in compliance with the first year activity (work performed, training, or oral examination) requirement. Alternatively, the IA holder may surrender the inspection authorization and retake the IA examination without a waiting period before re-examination.