Top 10 Electrical Engineering Technician Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for electrical engineering technicians because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and skill that employers value. Certifications provide evidence of competency and knowledge in specific areas, such as electrical safety, system design, and troubleshooting. These certifications can help technicians stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs and can often increase their chances of being hired. Additionally, certifications may be required by employers to ensure that technicians have the necessary skills to perform their duties safely and effectively.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Electrical Engineering Technicians and explains how they can contribute to an electrical engineering technician's career.

What are Electrical Engineering Technician Certifications?

Electrical engineering technician certification is a type of professional certification that verifies an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of electrical engineering. This certification is typically provided by professional organizations or institutions and can be used to demonstrate an individual's expertise in designing, testing, installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical systems. By obtaining this certification, individuals are able to show employers that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as an electrical engineer technician.

In addition to demonstrating expertise in the field of electrical engineering, certification can also provide many other benefits. For instance, certified technicians may be eligible for higher salaries due to their specialized knowledge and experience. Furthermore, some employers may offer additional benefits such as flexible working hours or tuition reimbursement for continuing education courses related to their field. Finally, having this certification can help individuals stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in the industry.

Pro Tip: Obtain certification as an Electrical Engineering Technician to increase your job security and career prospects. Certification will demonstrate your technical expertise in the field, improve your marketability to employers, and allow you to take on more advanced roles.

Related: What does an Electrical Engineering Technician do?

Top 10 Electrical Engineering Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET)

Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET). The CEET program is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of experienced electrical engineering technicians. It is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a technician’s ability to safely and effectively install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electronic systems.

The CEET program requires applicants to have at least two years of documented experience in the field of electrical engineering technology. Applicants must also pass an examination that tests their knowledge in areas such as safety, installation practices, troubleshooting techniques, and circuit analysis. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic electricity, AC/DC theory, digital electronics, microprocessors, and communication systems.

It typically takes six months to one year to complete the CEET program requirements. During this time period you must complete the required coursework and gain the necessary experience before taking the exam. Additionally, you will need to submit an application along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of experience.

The cost for becoming a CEET varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $200 - $400 USD for registration fees alone. Additional costs may include course materials or other fees associated with taking the exam.

2. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level I & II

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is a professional certification organization that provides credentials to individuals who demonstrate knowledge and skills in engineering technology. NICET Level I and II certifications are designed to recognize the competency of individuals who work with engineering technology.

NICET Level I certification is an entry-level credential that requires applicants to demonstrate basic knowledge and skills related to their chosen field of engineering technology. To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their understanding of fundamental concepts such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, and other related topics. The exam typically takes between two and three hours to complete.

NICET Level II certification is a more advanced credential that requires applicants to demonstrate a greater depth of knowledge and experience in their chosen field of engineering technology. To obtain this certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their understanding of advanced concepts such as design principles, project management, safety practices, and other related topics. The exam typically takes between four and five hours to complete.

In order to take either the NICET Level I or II exams, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documentation such as transcripts or proof of prior training or experience in the field. Once approved by NICET, applicants can register for the exam at a designated testing center.

The cost of taking either the NICET Level I or II exams varies depending on the type of applicant (e.g., student vs non-student). Generally speaking, however, it costs approximately $200-$300 per exam.

3. International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET)

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the technical knowledge and expertise of electrical engineering technicians. This certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has obtained a level of knowledge and experience in the area of electrical engineering technology, which is necessary for successful job performance.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain requirements, such as having at least two years of relevant work experience or completing an approved educational program in electrical engineering technology. They must also pass an exam administered by ISA. The exam includes topics such as basic electricity, electronic components, circuit analysis, digital systems and microprocessors, instrumentation and control systems, and industrial automation.

The certification process typically takes between three and six months to complete. During this time, applicants will be required to complete the application form and submit documentation verifying their qualifications. Once all the requirements have been met, applicants will take the exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost for taking the CEET exam varies depending on where it is taken; however, it usually ranges from $150 to $300 USD. In addition to the cost of taking the exam itself, there may also be additional fees associated with registering for the test or obtaining study materials.

4. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT)

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Certified Quality Technician (CQT) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in quality management and control. It is designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to understand, analyze, and use quality tools and techniques to solve problems, improve processes, and ensure customer satisfaction.

To become an ASQ CQT, applicants must have a minimum of three years of on-the-job experience in quality control or related fields. Additionally, they must pass an exam administered by the ASQ. The exam consists of 125 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality assurance principles, statistical process control, measurement systems analysis, calibration methods, inspection techniques, sampling plans, problem solving methods, and more.

It typically takes between two and four months to prepare for the exam depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience with quality management principles. Applicants can prepare for the exam by attending courses offered by ASQ or studying independently using materials provided by ASQ or other sources.

The cost of becoming an ASQ CQT varies depending on whether you are a member of ASQ or not. For non-members it costs $399 USD for the application fee plus $299 USD for the exam fee. For members it costs $349 USD for the application fee plus $249 USD for the exam fee.

5. Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET)

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) is a professional certification program for electrical engineering technicians. It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of electrical engineering technology. The CEET certification is offered by the IEEE, which is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

The CEET certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in various areas related to electrical engineering technology, including circuit analysis, digital systems, microprocessors, power systems, and safety. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least two years of full-time work experience in an electrical engineering technician role or have completed an accredited associate degree program in electrical engineering technology.

In order to obtain the CEET certification, applicants must pass an examination administered by the IEEE Certification Board. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as mathematics, electronics fundamentals, circuit analysis techniques, digital systems design techniques, microprocessor architecture and programming techniques, power system principles and safety practices. Applicants must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost of taking the CEET exam varies depending on where it is taken; however most locations charge between $200-$400 USD for the exam fee alone. Additionally there may be additional fees associated with registration or other administrative costs that are not included in this fee amount.

Overall it typically takes around 3-4 months from start to finish for someone to obtain their CEET certification once they have registered for the exam and completed any necessary coursework or preparation activities required by their employer or institution before taking it.

6. International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician

The International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) is a certification program for electrical engineering technicians. This certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of electrical engineering technology and to ensure that certified technicians have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their duties safely and effectively.

To become an ICAC CEET certified technician, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least two years of experience in the field of electrical engineering technology, passing an exam administered by the ICAC, and completing continuing education courses as required by the ICAC.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as electricity fundamentals, electrical systems design, circuit analysis, power electronics, digital electronics, instrumentation and control systems, safety practices in electrical engineering technology, and other related topics. The exam is offered twice a year at various locations around the world.

The cost of taking the exam varies depending on where you take it but typically ranges from $200-$300 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with completing any required continuing education courses or other materials needed to prepare for the exam.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for becoming certified as an ICAC CEET technician, you will receive a certificate from the ICAC validating your status as an accredited technician. This certification is valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

7. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician

National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician is a certification program offered by the NFPA. This certification provides a comprehensive understanding of electrical engineering principles and practices, and ensures that technicians have the knowledge and skills needed to safely install, maintain, and troubleshoot electrical systems.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. The first step is to pass an online exam that covers topics such as electrical safety, power distribution systems, wiring methods, and more. After passing the exam, applicants must complete a hands-on training course that covers installation and maintenance of electrical systems.

To get certified as an Electrical Engineering Technician through NFPA, individuals must:

1) Pass an online exam

2) Complete a hands-on training course

3) Submit proof of at least two years of relevant work experience in the field

4) Submit proof of completion of 10 hours of continuing education in related topics within the last five years

5) Submit proof of completion of a safety awareness program

6) Provide evidence of professional references from employers or clients who can attest to their experience with electrical systems.

The cost for certification varies depending on the individual's experience level and location. Generally speaking, it costs around $500-$700 for the initial application fee plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam or completing training courses.

8. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Electrical Engineering Technician (CEET) program is a nationally recognized certification program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful electrical engineering technicians. The CEET program provides students with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a variety of areas related to electrical engineering, including circuit design, troubleshooting, maintenance, and repair.

The CEET certification requires completion of five courses: Introduction to Electrical Engineering Technology; Electronic Devices; Digital Circuits; Electric Motors & Control Systems; and Programmable Logic Controllers. Each course is approximately 40 hours in length and can be taken online or at an NCCER accredited training center. Upon successful completion of all five courses, the student will receive their CEET certification from NCCER.

The cost of the CEET certification depends on where you take the courses. Online courses typically cost between $500-$800 per course while in-person classes may cost more depending on the location and instructor. Additionally, there are fees associated with registering for exams and obtaining your final certification from NCCER.

In total, it usually takes around 200 hours to complete all five courses required for the CEET certification. However, this time frame can vary depending on how quickly you complete each course as well as any additional study time needed outside of class hours.

9. Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Registered Communications Distribution Designer

Building Industry Consulting Service International (BICSI) Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate knowledge and expertise in the design, integration and implementation of telecommunications and data communications systems. The RCDD certification is designed to provide an industry standard for the design of voice, data, electronic safety & security, audio & video technology systems.

The RCDD certification process consists of two parts: an online application and a two-hour written examination. To qualify for the RCDD exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in the information transport systems (ITS) industry or have obtained a BICSI credential such as Installer 2 or Technician.

The cost of taking the RCDD exam varies depending on geographic location but typically ranges from $500 - $750 USD. It typically takes 4-6 weeks to receive results after taking the exam.

10. Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (ULI) Certified Industrial Control System Professional

Underwriters Laboratories Incorporated (ULI) Certified Industrial Control System Professional (CICSP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the field of industrial control systems. The CICSP program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and technologies used in industrial control systems.

The CICSP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as industrial automation, process control, safety systems, networking, and programming. Applicants must also complete a minimum of five years of professional experience in the field.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any UL testing center or online through the UL website. The cost for the exam is $495 USD and includes a one-year membership to UL's Industrial Control Systems Professional Association (ICS-PA).

Once certified, professionals are required to maintain their certification by completing continuing education requirements every two years. This includes attending seminars or workshops related to industrial control systems or participating in other activities approved by UL.

Do You Really Need a Electrical Engineering Technician Certificate?

If you are interested in becoming an electrical engineering technician, then obtaining a certificate is a great way to get started. A certificate in electrical engineering will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this field. It can provide a solid foundation for further studies or employment opportunities.

The certificate can be obtained through technical schools, universities, colleges, and other educational programs. It usually takes about one year to complete the program. Students learn about different aspects of electricity such as circuit design, power systems, digital electronics, and more. Coursework also includes hands-on training in using tools and equipment used in the field of electrical engineering.

Having a certificate in electrical engineering can give you an advantage when applying for jobs or internships related to this field. It shows that you have gained the necessary skills and knowledge to work as an electrical engineering technician. Employers are often impressed by applicants who have taken the initiative to obtain certification as it demonstrates their commitment to their career path.

In addition to gaining valuable experience and knowledge from your studies, having a certificate provides other benefits such as increased job security and better pay rates for technicians with higher education levels. Furthermore, certification may even lead to more advanced positions such as project manager or research engineer depending on your experience level and interests.

Overall, obtaining an electrical engineering technician certificate is an excellent way to gain the skills needed for success in this field. It can open up job opportunities, increase earnings potentials, provide job security and make you more competitive when applying for positions in this industry.

Related: Electrical Engineering Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Electrical Engineering Technician Certifications

1. What certifications are available for Electrical Engineering Technicians?

Answer: There are many certifications available for Electrical Engineering Technicians, including Certified Electronics Technician (CET), Certified Industrial Electronics Technician (CIET), and Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CM&RT).

2. How long does it take to become certified as an Electrical Engineering Technician?

Answer: The amount of time needed to become certified will vary depending on the certification. However, most certifications require a minimum of six months to two years of study and preparation.

3. What qualifications are needed to become an Electrical Engineering Technician?

Answer: Generally, you must have a high school diploma or equivalent and some type of post-secondary education in electrical engineering technology. Additionally, some certifications may require additional qualifications such as experience in the field or passing specialized exams.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as an Electrical Engineering Technician?

Answer: Costs will vary depending on the certification you choose and the organization that offers it. In general, however, costs range from a few hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more advanced certifications.

5. Are there continuing education requirements after becoming certified as an Electrical Engineering Technician?

Answer: Yes, most organizations that offer certifications require that technicians complete continuing education credits annually in order to maintain their certification status.