Top 11 Generator Technician Certifications

Certifications for a generator technician are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a technician has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties. Certification shows that a technician is up-to-date on industry standards and regulations, as well as best practices in generator maintenance and repair. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that their technicians are knowledgeable about safety protocols, which can help reduce liability issues. Furthermore, certifications can give technicians an edge over other applicants when competing for jobs.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Generator Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a technician's career.

What are Generator Technician Certifications?

Generator technician certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a professional level of knowledge and proficiency in the maintenance and repair of generators. It is achieved through completing a series of courses and exams offered by organizations such as the National Institute for Generator Service (NIGS). The certification helps demonstrate to employers, customers, and colleagues that the technician has the skills necessary to perform generator maintenance and repairs safely, accurately, and efficiently. This can help them increase their earning potential through higher wages or additional job opportunities. Additionally, it can help build confidence in their abilities as they work on generator systems, which can lead to better customer satisfaction and fewer costly mistakes.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for becoming a certified generator technician before beginning the certification process. Depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, some certifications may require additional training or experience beyond a basic knowledge of generators. Knowing what is required ahead of time can help ensure that you have met all of the necessary requirements and can successfully achieve your desired certification.

Related: What does a Generator Technician do?

Top 11 Generator Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Generator Technician (CGT)

Certified Generator Technician (CGT) is a certification program offered by the Association of Diesel Specialists (ADS). The CGT certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of diesel-powered generators. It is an industry-recognized credential that can help technicians advance their careers.

To become a Certified Generator Technician, you must first complete a series of online courses and exams. These courses cover topics such as generator principles, electrical theory, troubleshooting techniques, and safety protocols. Once you have completed the coursework and passed all exams with a minimum score of 80%, you will receive your CGT certification.

The cost of becoming a Certified Generator Technician varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking, it costs between $300-$500 to complete the coursework and exams required for certification. The cost may also include additional fees for books or materials needed to complete the program.

In total, it usually takes about 6 months to become a Certified Generator Technician from start to finish. This includes time spent studying for and taking the required exams as well as any additional training or experience required by employers prior to hiring technicians with this certification.

2. Certified Power Plant Operator (CPPO)

Certified Power Plant Operator (CPPO) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently operate power plants. The CPPO program is administered by the National Association of Power Engineers (NAPE).

The CPPO program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral/practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as safety, electrical systems, combustion, steam generation, and plant operations. The oral/practical exam evaluates the candidate’s ability to apply their knowledge in a practical setting.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CPPO program. To get certified, individuals must first successfully pass both the written and oral/practical exams. After passing both exams, applicants must submit an application for certification along with a fee of $150 USD.

Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by submitting proof of continuing education credits or retaking the exam. Renewal fees are $75 USD for members of NAPE and $100 USD for non-members.

3. Certified Emergency Generator Technician (CEGT)

Certified Emergency Generator Technician (CEGT) is a certification for technicians who work with emergency generators. It is designed to ensure that technicians have the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively install, maintain, and repair emergency generators.

The CEGT certification is offered by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). To become certified, applicants must complete a training program approved by NFPA and pass an examination. The training program typically takes between 8-10 hours to complete, depending on the provider.

To get the CEGT certification, applicants must first take a course from an approved provider. After completing the coursework, they must then pass an exam administered by NFPA. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as generator safety, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

The cost of the CEGT certification varies depending on the provider and may include fees for both the coursework and the exam. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $200-$500 or more to become certified.

4. Industrial Generator Maintenance and Repair Certification (IGMRC)

Industrial Generator Maintenance and Repair Certification (IGMRC) is a certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and effectively maintain, repair, and troubleshoot industrial generators. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).

To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an exam that covers topics such as generator fundamentals, safety procedures, maintenance practices, troubleshooting techniques, and electrical systems. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. A passing score of 70% or higher is required in order to receive the certification.

The cost of taking the IGMRC exam varies depending on the testing center. Generally speaking, it costs around $200-$300 for the entire process.

In order to prepare for the exam, individuals can take a study course offered by ASE or purchase study materials from third-party vendors. Additionally, many employers offer in-house training programs that can help prepare employees for the IGMRC exam.

Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every five years by completing 24 hours of continuing education credits or retaking the IGMRC exam.

5. American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Generator Technician

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Certified Generator Technician is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and repair of stationary generators. This certification is designed to help employers identify qualified technicians and ensure that they are properly trained to work on their equipment.

It typically takes about two years to become an ASME Certified Generator Technician. During this time, you will need to complete a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on training. You may also need to pass an examination administered by ASME before you can receive your certification.

To become an ASME Certified Generator Technician, you must first find a school or training program that offers the required courses. Once you have completed the necessary courses, you can then apply for the exam through ASME's website. After passing the exam, you will be issued a certificate and be eligible for employment as an ASME Certified Generator Technician.

The cost of becoming an ASME Certified Generator Technician will vary depending on the school or training program you choose. Generally speaking, it is likely to cost several thousand dollars for tuition and other associated fees.

6. National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Generator Technician

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certified Master Generator Technician is a certification program that recognizes technicians who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill and experience in the maintenance, diagnosis and repair of generators. This certification is a valuable asset to any technician looking to demonstrate their expertise in the field.

To become an ASE Certified Master Generator Technician, one must pass a series of tests that cover topics such as electrical systems, fuel systems, engine performance, and other related topics. The tests are administered by ASE-certified examiners at authorized testing centers across the country.

In order to qualify for the ASE Certified Master Generator Technician certification, one must have at least two years of experience working with generators or have successfully completed an approved training program. Additionally, applicants must pass all eight exams required for the certification within a two-year period.

The cost of the ASE Certified Master Generator Technician certification varies depending on where you take the test and how many tests you need to take. Generally speaking, it can cost between $500-$800 for all eight exams.

7. International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Certified Generator Technician

The International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) Certified Generator Technician is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and experience of individuals who work with, install, maintain, inspect and repair generators. This certification is offered by IAEI, an international organization that provides education and certification for electrical inspectors, electricians, engineers and other professionals involved in the electrical industry.

It typically takes about four months to complete the IAEI Certified Generator Technician program. To get certified, applicants must pass a written exam that covers topics such as safety practices, installation requirements, maintenance procedures and troubleshooting techniques. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and requires a score of 70% or higher to pass.

To prepare for the exam, applicants are encouraged to take IAEI-approved training courses or use self-study materials such as textbooks or online resources. Additionally, they must have at least three years of experience working with generators in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost of the IAEI Certified Generator Technician program varies depending on whether you take the exam through an approved training provider or through IAEI directly. The fee for taking the exam through an approved training provider is usually around $200-$300 USD while taking it through IAEI directly costs $400 USD.

8. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Generator Technician

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Generator Technician program is a certification program that provides technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to safely install, maintain, and repair generator systems. The certification requires successful completion of an exam and is valid for three years.

To become certified as an NFPA Certified Generator Technician, you must complete a training program approved by the NFPA. Training programs can be completed in-person or online, and typically take between two to four weeks to complete. The cost of training programs vary depending on the provider, but generally range from $500-$1,000 USD.

Once you have completed your training program, you must pass the NFPA Certified Generator Technician exam in order to receive your certification. This exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and covers topics such as generator system installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to pass. The cost of taking the exam is $125 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam and received your certification, it will be valid for three years before needing to be renewed. To renew your certification you must retake the NFPA Certified Generator Technician exam every three years or complete continuing education courses approved by the NFPA.

9. American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder/Generator Technician

The American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder/Generator Technician is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skill of individuals who work with welding and generator equipment. The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing an additional six hours of continuing education.

To become certified, individuals must pass both a written exam and a practical skills test. The written exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety, welding theory, welding processes, electrical systems, and maintenance procedures. The practical skills test requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to set up, operate, troubleshoot, and maintain welding and generator equipment.

The cost of the AWS Certified Welder/Generator Technician certification depends on the type of training required. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1,000 while in-person classes can range from $2,000-$4,000 depending on the length of the course. Additionally, there are fees associated with taking the exams which range from $150-$200 per exam.

10. National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Generator Technician

The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) Certified Generator Technician program is a nationally recognized certification program that provides technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to perform maintenance, troubleshooting, installation, and repair of generators. This certification is designed to help ensure that technicians have the necessary training to safely and efficiently maintain generator systems.

In order to become an NCCER Certified Generator Technician, individuals must complete the NCCER Core Curriculum as well as the Generator Technician Level 1 Certification. The Core Curriculum includes topics such as safety, communication skills, construction math, hand tools, power tools, rigging and basic electricity. After completing the Core Curriculum, students will then be eligible to take the Generator Technician Level 1 Certification exam. This exam covers topics such as generator operation and maintenance; electrical components; fuel systems; transfer switches; starting systems; and troubleshooting techniques.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete all of the requirements for NCCER Certified Generator Technician certification. In order to get started on this certification path, individuals must first enroll in an accredited NCCER training provider or apprenticeship program. These programs vary in cost depending on location and type of program chosen but generally range from $500-$2,000 USD. After completing the required courses or apprenticeship program at an accredited institution, individuals can then take the NCCER Certified Generator Technician Level 1 Certification Exam which costs $90 USD per attempt.

11. North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Photovoltaic Installer Certification

The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) Solar Photovoltaic Installer Certification is a voluntary certification program that provides installers with the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of solar photovoltaics. The certification is designed to ensure that installers have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly design, install, maintain, and troubleshoot solar photovoltaic systems.

In order to obtain this certification, applicants must first complete a training program from an approved NABCEP-accredited provider. These programs typically take between 40-60 hours to complete. After completing the training program, applicants must then pass a written exam. The exam covers topics such as electrical theory, system sizing and design, safety practices, installation techniques, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting strategies.

Once applicants have passed the written exam, they must then submit additional documentation demonstrating their experience in installing solar PV systems. This can include proof of at least two years of work experience in the field or completion of at least four separate installations within the past five years.

The cost for obtaining NABCEP Solar Photovoltaic Installer Certification varies depending on which accredited provider you choose for your training program. Typically these programs range from $500-$1,000 USD. In addition to this fee there is also a $150 USD application fee that must be paid when submitting your application for certification.

Do You Really Need a Generator Technician Certificate?

A generator technician certificate is a valuable credential to have in the field of generator maintenance and repair. It demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to safely and effectively service and maintain generators. Without this certification, potential employers may not be willing to hire you as a generator technician.

The most important benefit of having a generator technician certificate is that it shows potential employers that you are qualified to do the job. A certificate gives employers assurance that you understand proper safety protocols when working with generators, as well as how to properly diagnose, repair, and maintain them. This can give you an edge over those who do not possess this certification when competing for jobs in the industry.

Another benefit of having a generator technician certificate is that it can help open more doors for career advancement opportunities. Many employers prefer hiring certified technicians because they know they have received specialized training in their field. Having this certification can also make you more attractive to higher paying positions or increase your chances at getting promoted within your current place of employment. Additionally, having this type of certification can make it easier for you to receive additional training or certifications related to your field if desired.

In conclusion, having a generator technician certificate is essential for anyone looking to pursue a career in the industry. Not only does it demonstrate your technical competency in the field but it also gives potential employers assurance that you possess the necessary knowledge and skills required for the job. Furthermore, having this certification opens up more opportunities for career advancement due to its recognition from potential employers. For these reasons, obtaining a generator technician certificate is highly recommended for anyone looking to enter into this profession.

Related: Generator Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Generator Technician Certifications

1. What type of certifications are available for generator technicians?

Answer: There are several types of certifications available for generator technicians, including those from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), and the American Society of Power Engineers (ASOPE).

2. How long does it take to become a certified generator technician?

Answer: The exact amount of time required to become a certified generator technician varies depending on the certification program chosen, but typically ranges from six months to two years.

3. What is included in a generator technician certification program?

Answer: Generator technician certification programs typically include courses in safety practices, electrical circuits, troubleshooting techniques, fuel systems, power plant operations, and other related topics.

4. Are there any prerequisites for becoming a certified generator technician?

Answer: Yes, many certification programs require applicants to have prior experience working with generators or related equipment as well as basic knowledge of electricity and electronics. Additionally, some programs may require completion of specific courses prior to applying for certification.

5. How much does it cost to become certified as a generator technician?

Answer: The cost of becoming certified as a generator technician varies depending on the certification program chosen; however, most programs range from $500-$1000 USD.