Certifications for the Electronics Field

Introduction

• This lesson covers the following topics:

• The basis for certification• The requirements for various certifications• How to prepare for a certification

Basis for Certification

• Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA-I)

• Professional organization• Offers over 50 certifications• Certifications accredited by the

International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)

Electronics Technician Association International logo. Courtesy of ETA International.

Link to ETA Certification page

Basis for Certification (cont’d.)

• International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians

• Trains, prepares, and tests technicians

• Certified Electronics Technicians (CET) Program• Founded in 1965• Protects consumers and employers

International Society of Certified Electronics Technician logo.  

Link to ISCET Certification page

Basis for Certification (cont’d.)

• Certification exams test individual proficiencies

• Exams are reviewed regularly by panel of experts

• Government and private organizations may require certification

• As a condition of employment

Identifying Certifications Requirements

• Associate-Level CET Exam• May be taken by students• Part of the full credit CET exam

• Electronics Systems Associate (ESA) Exam• Four part exam covers DC, AC, semiconductors, and

digital

Identifying Certifications Requirements (cont’d.)

• Journeyman level CET• Must first pass associate level electronics test• Pass one of journeyman level exams

• Communications, computer, consumer, industrial, medical, or radar

How to Prepare for a Certification

• Use online learning material to prepare for a certification exam

• Practice tests are available

• Practice electronics technician tasks• Repair, maintain, assemble and test electronics

equipment

Example of practice Associate CET exam on the ETA-I web site.Courtesy of ETA International

Specific Areas of Certification

• Bench electronics technician• Indoor repair, test, or assembly work at a workbench

• Computer electronics technician• Focuses on computer and information technology

Specific Areas of Certification

• Support field electronics technician• Outdoor or off-site maintenance and repair

tasks

• Metrology electronics technician• Equipment calibration and repair

• Senior electronics technician• Requires extensive experience

Preparing for Certification

• Electronics technician job requirements• Two-year technical degree• Diploma from vocational or technical school• Military training

Preparing for Certification

• Required skills• Reading schematics and maintenance manuals• Test and troubleshoot equipment• Solder and unsolder components• Research part availability and costs• Determine if further assistance is needed