Top 11 Radar Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a radar technician in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in the field. A certification indicates that the technician has met certain standards of expertise, which employers consider when making hiring decisions. It also serves as proof that the technician has taken the necessary steps to become certified, which can be beneficial when competing with other applicants for a position. In addition, certifications often provide continuing education opportunities and ensure that technicians stay up-to-date on the latest industry trends and developments.

This article reviews the top certifications for Radar Technicians and explains how they can help advance a radar technician's career.

What are Radar Technician Certifications?

Radar technician certification is a professional credential that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skill in radar technology. Radar technicians are responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, installing, and repairing radar systems. The certification is offered by a variety of organizations including the Society of Radar Professionals (SRP) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET).

The certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their understanding of different types of radar systems, such as those used for aircraft navigation or for weather forecasting. The exam also covers topics related to operating procedures and safety protocols associated with radar systems. Passing this exam demonstrates to employers that the applicant has the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful as a radar technician.

In addition to helping individuals obtain employment as a radar technician, certification can also help them advance in their career by providing them with additional knowledge and skills that can be beneficial when working with more complex radar systems found in military or government applications. Certification can also provide individuals with greater job security since they are able to show employers that they have obtained a nationally recognized credential. Finally, obtaining this certification may allow individuals to receive higher salaries since they have demonstrated their expertise in the field of radar technology.

Pro Tip: To become a certified radar technician, you should enroll in an approved technical school or college program that offers specialized training in radar technology. Additionally, it's important to acquire certifications from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other relevant organizations. This will ensure you are up-to-date on the latest technology and can effectively diagnose and repair problems with radar systems.

Related: What does a Radar Technician do?

Top 11 Radar Technician Certifications

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

1. Certified Radar Technician (CRT)

A Certified Radar Technician (CRT) is a professional who has been trained and certified to install, maintain, and repair radar systems. A CRT must have knowledge of the principles of radar operation, the components of a radar system, and the methods used to troubleshoot and repair them.

The certification process for becoming a CRT typically takes about two years to complete. To become certified, an individual must first pass an exam administered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). This exam covers topics such as basic electricity, electronics, signal processing, antennas, wave propagation and other related topics. After passing the exam, individuals must then complete a hands-on training program in order to gain practical experience with radar systems.

In order to become a CRT, individuals must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of tests administered by NICET or another certifying agency. These tests may include written exams as well as practical demonstrations of their ability to install and maintain radar systems. Once all requirements are met, individuals will receive their official certification from NICET or another certifying agency.

The cost for becoming a Certified Radar Technician varies depending on which certifying agency is used and how much hands-on training is required. Generally speaking, the cost can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD.

2. Certified Radar Systems Technician (CRST)

Certified Radar Systems Technician (CRST) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair radar systems. The CRST certification is offered through the National Weather Service (NWS). To become certified, you must complete an NWS-approved training course that covers topics such as radar theory, radar installation and maintenance, and radar system operations. The course typically takes around 40 hours to complete.

To get the CRST certification, you must first pass an exam administered by the NWS. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as radar theory, installation and maintenance procedures, system operations and safety practices. Once you have passed the exam, you will be issued a certificate of completion from the NWS.

The cost for taking the CRST certification exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $200-$400 for the exam itself plus any additional fees associated with taking it at a testing center or proctored online.

3. Certified Microwave Radio Technician (CMRT)

Certified Microwave Radio Technician (CMRT) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to install, maintain, and troubleshoot microwave radio systems. The CMRT certification is offered by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE).

The CMRT certification requires applicants to have at least one year of experience in the field of microwave radio technology or a related field. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as basic electronics, radio frequency theory, antenna theory, transmission line theory, and microwave radio system installation and maintenance.

To obtain the CMRT certification, applicants must first submit an application form to the SBE along with their resume and proof of experience. Once approved, applicants must then register for and take the CMRT exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics related to microwave radio technology.

The cost for taking the CMRT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs between $100-$200 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will be issued a certificate that is valid for three years from the date of issue. After three years, you will need to renew your certification by taking another exam or completing additional training courses in order to maintain your status as a Certified Microwave Radio Technician.

4. Certified Air Traffic Control Radar Technician (CATCRT)

Certified Air Traffic Control Radar Technician (CATCRT) is a certification program offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is designed to provide air traffic controllers with the knowledge and skills necessary to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot FAA-approved radar systems. The CATCRT certification is required for all air traffic control specialists working in the United States.

The CATCRT certification requires applicants to pass a written exam and complete a hands-on practical examination. The written exam covers topics such as radar principles, equipment operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting. The practical exam tests an applicant’s ability to perform tasks related to radar system operations and maintenance.

The CATCRT certification process typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application form to the FAA along with proof of eligibility, such as a high school diploma or equivalent. Once approved, applicants must then take and pass the written and practical exams within 12 months of their application date.

The cost of obtaining the CATCRT certification varies depending on where you live and how you choose to study for the exams. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 in total fees for tuition, materials, registration fees, etc.

5. Certified Weather Radar Technician (CWRT)

Certified Weather Radar Technician (CWRT) is a certification program designed to equip technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to properly install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair weather radar systems. The program is administered by the National Weather Association (NWA).

The CWRT program consists of two parts: an online course and an in-person exam. The online course covers topics such as radar principles, system components, installation and maintenance techniques, and troubleshooting strategies. It takes approximately 8 hours to complete the online course.

To obtain the CWRT certification, you must pass the in-person exam at an approved NWA testing center. The exam covers topics such as radar principles, system components, installation and maintenance techniques, troubleshooting strategies, and safety practices. It takes approximately 4 hours to complete the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CWRT certification varies depending on your location; however it typically ranges from $200-$400 USD for both the online course and in-person exam fees.

6. Certified Electronic Warfare Technician (CEWT)

Certified Electronic Warfare Technician (CEWT) is a certification program offered by the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE). The certification is designed to recognize professionals who have attained a high level of expertise in the field of electronic warfare.

The CEWT program consists of four levels: Certified Associate, Certified Professional, Certified Expert, and Certified Master. To become certified at any level, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as systems engineering principles, electronic warfare principles and applications, and system design and analysis. The exams are administered online by INCOSE.

The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the individual's experience and knowledge in the field. Generally speaking, it takes about two years for someone with no prior experience to become certified at the Associate level. It may take longer for someone with more experience or knowledge to reach higher levels of certification.

To get certified at any level, applicants must first submit an application form and fee to INCOSE. The fee varies depending on the level of certification being sought; for example, the fee for becoming a Certified Associate is $250 while the fee for becoming a Certified Master is $1,500. Once the application has been approved, applicants can then register for their chosen exam online through INCOSE's website.

Once all requirements have been met and an applicant has passed their exam(s), they will be awarded their CEWT certificate from INCOSE. This certificate serves as proof that they are qualified to work in the field of electronic warfare and can help them advance their career in this field.

7. Certified Navigation Radar Technician (CNRT)

Certified Navigation Radar Technician (CNRT) is a certification program designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills needed to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair navigation radar systems. The program is intended for those who are responsible for the installation, maintenance, repair, and operation of navigation radar systems in both commercial and private vessels.

The CNRT certification program consists of two parts: an online course that covers the fundamentals of navigation radar systems; and a hands-on practical exam that tests the technician’s ability to use the equipment. The online course takes approximately 8 hours to complete and can be accessed from any computer with internet access. The practical exam typically takes 2-3 hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

In order to become certified as a CNRT technician, applicants must successfully pass both the online course and the practical exam. The cost of the certification program varies depending on where it is taken but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

8. Certified Marine Radar Technician (CMRT)

Certified Marine Radar Technician (CMRT) is a certification program developed by the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA). It is designed to provide technicians with the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot marine radar systems. The CMRT certification is valid for three years and requires successful completion of both a written and practical exam.

The CMRT program consists of two courses: Basic Marine Radar Theory & Installation and Advanced Marine Radar Theory & Troubleshooting. The Basic course covers topics such as radar principles, components, installation techniques, safety considerations, and system maintenance. The Advanced course covers topics such as advanced radar theory, troubleshooting techniques, system diagnostics, and calibration procedures.

The CMRT program can be completed in approximately 16 hours of classroom instruction or online self-study. Upon successful completion of the program requirements, individuals are eligible to take the NMEA's Certified Marine Radar Technician (CMRT) exam.

The cost of the CMRT program varies depending on whether you choose to take it online or attend a classroom session. Online self-study costs approximately $400 USD while attending a classroom session will cost around $600 USD. In addition to the course fees there is also an exam fee of $150 USD which must be paid prior to taking the exam.

9. National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Certification in Radar Technology

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Level III Certification in Radar Technology is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work with radar systems. This certification is offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The Level III certification requires applicants to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the principles of radar technology and its applications. The exam covers topics such as radar principles, system design, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting and safety. It also includes an assessment of the applicant's ability to apply their knowledge to real-world situations.

In order to qualify for the Level III certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience working with radar systems or have completed a course of study related to radar technology from an accredited college or university. Applicants must also pass a written examination administered by NICET.

It typically takes about six months from application submission until receiving your results from NICET after taking the exam. The cost for this exam varies depending on your geographic location but generally ranges from $200-$400 USD.

10. International Society of Automation (ISA)-Certified Automated Radar and Surveillance System Operator

The International Society of Automation (ISA) Certified Automated Radar and Surveillance System Operator is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to operate an automated radar and surveillance system. This certification is designed for individuals who are responsible for monitoring and controlling automated radar systems in air traffic control environments.

To get the ISA-Certified Automated Radar and Surveillance System Operator certification, you must complete a training program approved by the ISA. The duration of the training program depends on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge. Generally, it takes approximately four months to complete the program.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on the provider offering the course. Most courses range from $1,000 to $2,500. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with taking exams or purchasing materials related to the course.

Once you have successfully completed all requirements for certification, you will receive a certificate from ISA that is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status after this period, you must take part in continuing education activities related to automated radar and surveillance systems every two years.

11. American Radio Relay League-Certified Amateur Radio Operator with a Specialization in Radars

The American Radio Relay League (ARRL) is the national association for Amateur Radio in the United States. It provides a number of services and resources to Amateur Radio operators, including certification programs.

The ARRL offers a Certified Amateur Radio Operator with Specialization in Radars (CAROS) program. This program is designed to provide advanced training and recognition for those who have demonstrated proficiency in the use of radar systems for communication purposes. The CAROS program requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as basic principles of radar operation, antenna design and construction, signal processing, and safety considerations.

It typically takes about two months to complete the CAROS program. To get started, individuals must first become an ARRL member by registering online or through their local radio club. Once registered, they can then sign up for the CAROS program by filling out an application form and submitting it along with payment of a $50 fee.

Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to study materials and be assigned an instructor who will guide them through the process of completing their certification exam. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their CAROS certificate from ARRL headquarters in Newington, Connecticut.

Do You Really Need a Radar Technician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the type of career you are interested in pursuing. For some jobs, having a radar technician certificate is essential; for others, it may not be necessary at all.

If you want to pursue a career in aviation, then having a radar technician certificate can be extremely beneficial. Radar technicians are responsible for repairing and maintaining aircraft navigation systems and communication equipment. This job requires an understanding of how these systems work, as well as a knowledge of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) regulations regarding them. A radar technician certificate proves that you have the necessary qualifications to perform this type of work.

In other fields, like telecommunications or engineering, having a radar technician certification may not be required but could still give you an edge over other applicants who do not have one. Employers in those industries may recognize that having this certification demonstrates your commitment to staying up-to-date with technology and your willingness to learn new skills.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a radar technician certificate depends on the field you are entering and the specific job requirements. If you think it could help you stand out from other applicants or give you an advantage when applying for certain types of jobs, then it might be worth obtaining one.

Related: Radar Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Radar Technician Certifications

1. What qualifications are required to become a Radar Technician?

Answer: The qualifications required to become a Radar Technician typically include completion of an electronic engineering or aviation maintenance technology program, along with certification by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Radar Technician?

Answer: It typically takes between six months and two years to become certified as a Radar Technician, depending on the individual's experience and educational background.

3. What type of job duties can I expect as a Radar Technician?

Answer: As a Radar Technician, you will be responsible for installing, maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing radar systems and other associated equipment. You may also be responsible for performing preventative maintenance checks on aircraft radar systems and analyzing data from radar systems.

4. Is there continuing education available for Radar Technicians?

Answer: Yes, there are various types of continuing education available for Radar Technicians including online courses, seminars, workshops and conferences. Additionally, many employers offer in-house training programs for their technicians.

5. Are there any certifications that can help me advance my career as a Radar Technician?

Answer: Yes, obtaining certifications such as the Certified Avionics Technician (CAT) or Certified Electronic Technician (CET) can help you advance your career as a Radar Technician by demonstrating your knowledge in specific areas of avionics technology.