Chapter 2

Certification for the Electricity and Electronics Field

Introduction

• This chapter 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)

Figure 2-1 Electronics Technician AssociationInternational logo. Courtesy of ETA International.

Basis for Certification (cont’d.)

• International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians– Trains, prepares, and tests technicians

• Certified Electronics Technicians Program– Founded in 1965– Protects consumers and employers

Figure 2-2 International Society of Certified Electronics Technician logo. © 2014 Cengage Learning 

Basis for Certification (cont’d.)

• Certification exams test individual proficiencies

• Exams reviewed regularly by panel of experts

• Government and private organizations may require certification– 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

• Electronics technician tasks– Repair, maintain, assemble and test

electronics equipment

Figure 2-3 Location of practice Associate CET exam on the ETA-I web siteCourtesy of ETA International

How to Prepare for a Certification (cont’d.)

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

workbench• Computer electronics technician

– Focuses on computer and information technology

How to Prepare for a Certification (cont’d.)

• 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

How to Prepare for a Certification (cont’d.)

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

• Employers verify information on resume

How to Prepare for a Certification (cont’d.)

• 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