Top 11 Composite Technician Certifications

Certifications for composite technicians are important for several reasons. First, certifications demonstrate to employers that the technician has a certain level of knowledge and skills related to the field. This can set them apart from other job applicants who don't have certifications and make them more attractive candidates. Second, certifications can help technicians stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and best practices in composite technology, thus making them even more valuable to employers. Finally, certifications might be required by some employers or government agencies in order to work in certain positions or on certain projects. In all cases, having a certification gives technicians an edge when looking for employment opportunities or advancing their career.

The purpose of this article is to review and explain the value of some of the top certifications for Composite Technicians and how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Composite Technician Certifications?

Composite Technician Certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of composite materials. It is designed to provide assurance to employers and customers that a technician has the necessary knowledge and experience to work safely, efficiently and effectively with composites. This certification can help individuals gain employment in the composites industry, as many employers require workers to have this type of certification before hiring them. Additionally, it can be used to demonstrate competency in the field when seeking promotions or furthering one’s career. Having this certification may also help an individual stand out from other applicants competing for positions within the same company or industry.

Pro Tip: When considering composite technician certification, research potential programs to ensure that the curriculum is up-to-date with current industry standards and best practices. Additionally, look for programs that offer hands-on training and provide comprehensive certification exams.

Related: What does a Composite Technician do?

Top 11 Composite Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Composite Technicians today.

1. Certified Composite Technician (CCT)

Certified Composite Technician (CCT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills to work with composite materials. The certification is offered by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA).

To become certified, applicants must complete an online course that covers topics such as composite materials, fabrication techniques, safety procedures, and quality control. Upon completion of the course, applicants must pass a written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and is administered at ACMA-approved testing centers.

The cost for the CCT certification program varies depending on whether or not you are an ACMA member. For non-members, the cost is $495 for the online course and $150 for the exam. For members, it is $395 for the course and $100 for the exam.

The entire process takes approximately four to six weeks to complete from start to finish.

2. Certified Advanced Composite Technician (CACT)

Certified Advanced Composite Technician (CACT) is a professional certification program for those who want to become experts in the field of composite materials. The certification is offered by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the design, fabrication, testing, and repair of composite materials.

The CACT certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive written exam that covers topics such as composite material properties, design principles, fabrication techniques, quality control procedures, and safety standards. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CACT certification program, applicants must have at least two years of experience working with composite materials or related technologies. They must also submit an application form with supporting documentation that includes proof of their experience in the field and any relevant training or education they may have completed.

The cost for the CACT certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The online exam costs $295 USD while the in-person exam costs $395 USD. There are additional fees associated with both exams including proctoring fees and retake fees if needed.

3. Certified Fiberglass Technician (CFT)

Certified Fiberglass Technician (CFT) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively install fiberglass products. This certification is offered by the National Fiberglass Association (NFA).

The CFT program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person practical exam. The online course covers topics such as fiberglass installation techniques, safety procedures, and product application. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, applicants must pass a practical exam administered at an NFA-approved testing facility.

The cost of the CFT program varies depending on the state in which you are located. Generally, it costs between $300-$400 for both the online course and practical exam.

Applicants must be 18 years or older to apply for this certification and have a valid driver’s license or government-issued ID card. In addition, applicants must have at least one year of experience working with fiberglass products or have completed a recognized apprenticeship program in fiberglass technology before they can take the CFT exam.

4. Certified Carbon Fiber Technician (CCFT)

A Certified Carbon Fiber Technician (CCFT) is a professional who has been certified by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) to work with and repair carbon fiber components. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their knowledge of the material, its properties, and how to safely handle it.

The CCFT certification process involves completing an online course, passing a written exam, and submitting a portfolio of relevant experience. The entire process typically takes about three months to complete.

To get certified as a CCFT, candidates must first register for the program through the ACMA website and pay a fee of $250 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online course materials, exam fees, and portfolio submission fees. Candidates must then complete the online course within six months of registration and pass a written exam with a score of 80% or higher in order to be eligible for certification. Finally, they must submit a portfolio demonstrating their experience working with carbon fiber components in order to receive their certification.

Once certified as a CCFT, individuals can work on any project involving carbon fiber components with confidence that they have the necessary skills and knowledge required to do so safely and effectively.

5. Certified Kevlar Technician (CKT)

Certified Kevlar Technician (CKT) is a certification program offered by the National Institute of Kevlar Certification (NIKC). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and skill in the use of Kevlar products.

The Certified Kevlar Technician program consists of an online training course, an exam, and a practical skills assessment. The online course covers topics such as: basic product knowledge, safety considerations, application techniques, and troubleshooting. After completing the online course, applicants must pass a written exam in order to be eligible for certification. The exam includes questions on topics such as: product selection, installation methods, and maintenance procedures.

Once an applicant has passed the written exam they are required to complete a practical skills assessment. This assessment consists of hands-on tasks that demonstrate the applicant's ability to properly install and maintain Kevlar products in accordance with industry standards. Upon successful completion of both the written exam and practical skills assessment, applicants will receive their CKT certification card from NIKC.

The cost for the Certified Kevlar Technician program varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. The time commitment also varies depending on how quickly you can complete the online course and assessments but typically takes between 2-4 weeks to complete all requirements for certification.

6. Certified Polymer Matrix Composites Technician (CPMCT)

Certified Polymer Matrix Composites Technician (CPMCT) is a certification program designed to recognize technicians who have demonstrated a high level of expertise in the field of polymer matrix composites. The certification is offered by the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) and is recognized worldwide.

The CPMCT certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as composite materials, fabrication processes, testing procedures, and safety protocols. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience in the field of polymer matrix composites, being employed full-time in a related position for at least one year, and having completed at least 24 hours of relevant training or education within the past five years. Applicants must also submit a completed application along with their resume and any other required documents.

The cost for the CPMCT certification is $250 USD plus applicable taxes and fees. This fee covers the cost of taking the exam as well as all associated administrative costs.

7. Certified Resin Infusion Technician (CRIT)

Certified Resin Infusion Technician (CRIT) is a certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively use resin infusion technology. This certification allows technicians to work in the composite industry, as well as in other industries where resin infusion is used.

The CRIT program consists of two parts: an online course and a hands-on workshop. The online course covers topics such as safety, materials, equipment, and processes related to resin infusion. The hands-on workshop provides an opportunity for participants to practice their skills in a controlled environment.

To become certified, individuals must complete both the online course and the hands-on workshop within one year of starting the program. After completion of both parts, individuals will receive a certificate from their instructor or training provider that verifies their successful completion of the CRIT program.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on where you take the course and who you take it from. Generally speaking, courses range from $500 - $1000 USD for both parts combined.

8. Certified Vacuum Bagging Technician (CVBT)

Certified Vacuum Bagging Technician (CVBT) is a certification program designed to provide professional development and recognition for individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the vacuum bagging process. The certification is administered by the International Association of Vacuum Baggers (IAVB).

The CVBT program consists of two components: an online course and a practical exam. The online course covers topics such as vacuum bagging principles, safety, materials selection, and troubleshooting. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the online course. After completing the online course, applicants must take a practical exam at an IAVB-approved testing center. The exam includes hands-on demonstrations of vacuum bagging techniques and knowledge assessment questions.

To become certified as a CVBT, applicants must pass both the online course and the practical exam with a score of 80% or higher. Certification is valid for three years from the date of completion.

The cost of becoming certified as a CVBT varies depending on where you take your exam. Generally speaking, it costs between $150-$200 USD to become certified as a CVBT.

9. Certified Autoclave Processing Technician (CAPT)

Certified Autoclave Processing Technician (CAPT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate proficiency in the safe and effective operation of autoclaves. Autoclaves are used to sterilize medical equipment and supplies, as well as other items that require high-level disinfection. The CAPT certification program is administered by the International Association for Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM).

To become certified, applicants must pass an online exam that covers topics such as autoclave safety, maintenance, and operation. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. Applicants must have a minimum of one year of experience working with autoclaves in order to be eligible for the exam.

The cost for taking the CAPT exam is $125 for IAHCSMM members and $175 for non-members. The cost includes access to study materials prior to taking the exam, as well as a certificate upon successful completion.

10. Certified Laminate Repair Technician (CLRT)

Certified Laminate Repair Technician (CLRT) is a certification program offered by the National Wood Flooring Association (NWFA). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to repair, refinish, and maintain laminate flooring. The program consists of an online course that can be completed in about 8 hours, followed by an in-person hands-on workshop that lasts for two days. Upon successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will receive their CLRT certification.

The cost of the CLRT certification program varies depending on which NWFA member you purchase it from. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $500-$700. This includes all materials needed for the course as well as access to an online portal where you can review course content and take practice tests.

In order to become certified as a CLRT, you must be at least 18 years old and have basic knowledge of wood flooring installation and maintenance. Additionally, you must pass a written exam at the end of the course in order to receive your certification.

11. Certified Aerospace Composite Repair Technician (CARRT).

Certified Aerospace Composite Repair Technician (CARRT) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to repair composite aircraft components. CARRT is offered by the National Center for Aviation Training (NCAT), a division of the National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR).

The CARRT program consists of two levels: Level I and Level II. Level I focuses on basic composite repair techniques, while Level II covers advanced composite repair techniques. The program typically takes about four months to complete, depending on the student’s experience level and course load.

To get certified as a CARRT technician, you must first complete both levels of the program. You can do this either online or in-person at one of NCAT's training centers located around the world. After completing the program, you must pass an exam administered by NCAT in order to receive your certification.

The cost of the CARRT program varies depending on your location and whether you take it online or in-person. In general, however, it costs around $1,500 USD for both levels combined.

Do You Really Need a Composite Technician Certificate?

When it comes to the question of whether or not you need a Composite Technician Certificate, the answer is largely dependent on your individual career goals. If you are looking for a job in the composite industry, having a Composite Technician Certificate can be beneficial. It will prove to potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform in this field.

The certificate can also be useful if you are looking to move up within the company. Having a certificate may demonstrate that you have taken extra steps to prove your commitment and dedication to the job. A certificate will also give employers an indication of your level of experience and expertise in composites.

However, having a Composite Technician Certificate is not essential for every composite technician position. In some cases, employers may prefer candidates who have experience rather than certification. Depending on the specific needs of an employer, they may prefer someone with hands-on experience rather than one with only theoretical knowledge gained from certification courses.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual to decide whether or not they need a Composite Technician Certificate for their career goals. If you believe that having this certification will benefit your career prospects, then it is certainly worth considering obtaining one. Otherwise, having hands-on experience and technical knowledge could be just as valuable for certain positions.

Related: Composite Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Composite Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a Composite Technician Certification?

A1. A Composite Technician Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of composite materials and processes, such as lay-up, curing, lamination, machining and inspection. It is designed to validate the competency of individuals working in this field.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Composite Technician Certification?

A2. Obtaining a Composite Technician Certification can provide many benefits, including enhanced job prospects and career advancement opportunities, increased salary potential, improved credibility with clients and employers, expanded knowledge base for technical problem solving abilities and greater confidence in the workplace.

Q3. What qualifications do I need to become certified as a Composite Technician?

A3. To become certified as a Composite Technician you must have at least two years of experience working with composite materials or processes, possess current industry-recognized certifications or credentials related to composites or have completed an approved composite technician training course.

Q4. How do I apply for certification as a Composite Technician?

A4. You can apply for certification as a Composite Technician by submitting an application form along with proof of relevant experience or qualifications to the certifying body of your choice (e.g., The American Composites Manufacturers Association).

Q5. How long will my Composite Technician Certification be valid?

A5. Most certifying bodies will require you to renew your certification every two years by completing continuing education courses or other requirements set by their organization in order to maintain your certification status.