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Best installation technician certifications

The best certifications for an installation technician are Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), CompTIA A+ Certification, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Installation technician certifications demonstrate your competency as an installation technician to employers. However, not all installation technician certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best installation technician certifications. Obtaining an installation technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

20 best installation technician certifications

1. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)

A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
ETA International

2. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ certification validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level computer service technicians. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
CompTIA A+ Certification (Part1 of 2)
udemy
3.9
(66)

3. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
National Registry of Emergency...

4. Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)

Certified Network Computer Technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of computer electronics basic concepts, Internet and networking technology applicable to various areas of the computer industry. Once the CNCT has acquired these skills, abilities and knowledge, he or she will be able to enter employment in any part of the computer industry. With minimal training in areas unique to the specific products, the CNCT should become a profitable and efficient part of the computer industry workforce.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying organization
ETA International

5. HVAC Master Specialist

A written exam indicates whether a technician has retained the knowledge to be competent, but not whether they are competent. Just as new drivers take a written exam and a road test to demonstrate their knowledge and skill, Master Specialists are required to go beyond a written test and demonstrate their skill and workmanship. The analogy would be knowing which solder to use and then demonstrating that you can solder tubing that is structurally sound and leak free. The Master Specialist program requires a technician to demonstrate retained knowledge and prove that they can apply that knowledge through skill verification.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
HVAC Master Specialist
Certifying organization
ESCO Group

6. Transit Bus Technician: Heating Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)

To identify and recognize those Transit Bus Technicians who demonstrate knowledge of the skills necessary to diagnose, service, and repair various systems on transit buses.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

7. Certified Installer (CI)

Certified Installer (CI) certification is recommended for individuals responsible for planning, installing, and/or servicing water quality improvement products.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Installer
Certifying organization
Water Quality Association

8. Certified Electronic Systems Technician (EST)

The ESPA Certified-EST® exam is based upon the best practices of the commercial and residential electronic industries. ESPA certification "sets the bar" and provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in many fields including commercial and residential A/V, telecom, cable, satellite, fire & security, computers, building & general trades, green technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The ESPA Certified-EST exam is becoming the recognized entry-level certification for both the residential and commercial low-voltage industries. This certification will demonstrate to employers that an individual has a solid, fundamental knowledge on which to build a career. This exam tests basic technical knowledge needed by a first year technician to work in the field, under supervision.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

9. Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer

This certification includes basic knowledge concepts of land mobile radio (LMR) and associated electronics equipment installation. This also incorporates required skills applicable to all of the functions required to safely and completely install mobile communications and associated electronic equipment, including removal and reinstallation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying organization
ETA International

10. Industrial Electronics (IND)

Industrial journeyman-level electronics technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of industrial electronics basic concepts, which are then applicable to all the various specialty areas of industry. Industrial Electronics Technicians must be knowledgeable and have abilities in the following technical and human relations areas: Amplifiers, Optical Wiring, Block Diagrams-Schematics, Power Supplies, Test Equipment-Tools, Mathematics, Computers-Digital Concepts, Safety, Satellite-Wireless-Data, Communications, Cabling, Troubleshooting, Motors, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Software.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying website
Industrial Electronics
Certifying organization
ETA International

11. Fiber Optics Installer (FOIC)

A Fiber Optic Installer has a general understanding of optical fiber installation, connectorization, splicing, and testing, is familiar with optical fiber, connector, and splice performance characteristics described in TIA/EIA-568B, ITU-T G.671, ITU-T G.652 and Telcordia GR-326 A Fiber Optic Installer can perform connector endface evaluation as described in TIA/EIA-455-57B, is proficient in optical loss testing as described in TIA/EIA-526-14A, and understands the installation requirements described in articles 770 and 250 of the National Electrical Code. A Fiber Optic Installer is proficient at the installation of connectors on various types' fiber of optic cables using various types of epoxies, and can perform mechanical and fusion splicing.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Fiber Optics Installer
Certifying organization
ETA International

12. Certified Technical Professional (CTP)

Certified Technical Professional (CTP) program is designed to serve graduates of both 2-Year and 4-Year Programs. The exam is broad-based, geared to technical programs without a management component that result in either an associate (AS, AAS) degree or a baccalaureate (BS, BA) degree.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 

13. BICSI Technician

BICSI ITS Technician candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
BICSI Technician

14. Cisco Optical Specialist 1

The Cisco Optical Specialist 1 focused certification validates skills and knowledge in designing, installing, operating, and maintaining optical networking systems. A Cisco Optical Specialist 1 understands the protocols and underlying technology of optical systems, such as SONET/SDH, DWDM, DPT/RPR, POS, optical cross-connects, Ethernet services, and element management. In addition, a Cisco Optical Specialist 1 is able to design, configure, build, operate, and troubleshoot Cisco optical networking products in Metro/Regional and Core environments. Because a certified Specialist understands optical networks and the relevant factors involved in high-availability solutions, the individual is uniquely positioned to address all aspects of building an optimized optical infrastructure. Cisco Optical Specialist 1 candidates require competency across multiple technology areas. They may work in organizations considering or implementing optical networks or in companies that sell, service, or support such networks.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
Cisco Optical Specialist 1
Certifying organization
Global Knowledge

15. Air Conditioning Service Certification

Tests a candidate's knowledge of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of HVAC systems. System sizes are limited to 30 tons or less cooling capacity.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

16. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.7
(2,374)

17. Certified Alarm Technician - Level I (CAT)

To earn Certified Alarm/Security Technician - Level I status, students must successfully complete the Certified Alarm Technician course, or the online equivalent for Alarm Technician Level I course, and pass the two-hour, proctored multiple-choice examination.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

18. Fiber Optics Technician (FOTC)

A Fiber Optic Technician has a full understanding of inside plant optical fiber, connector, and splice performance characteristics as described in TIA-568C and can use these performance characteristics to create a worst case power budget for a fiber optic cable plant. An FOT can proficiently perform optical loss testing as described in TIA/EIA-526-14A and perform connector endface evaluation as described in TIA-455-57B. Using an OTDR an FOT can effectively locate faults in a fiber optic cable, mated connector pair, or splice as well as evaluate optical fiber performance, mated connector pair performance, or splice performance for compliance with TIA-568C.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Fiber Optics Technician
Certifying organization
ETA International

19. Master Installation Technician

Assesses participant's knowledge of advanced electronic theory and application, which includes an extensive troubleshooting section for technicians with a high degree of skill.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying organization
Consumer Technology Association

20. Certified Auto Glass Technician (AGT)

The Auto Glass Safety Council's Certified Auto Glass Technician certification examination is an online examination consisting of 70 multiple choice questions; allowing 90 seconds per question to answer. Requirements: knowledge in OSHA regulations, all types of auto glass replacement, NAGS and custom cut laminated glass parts will help in taking the examination.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
Auto Glass Safety Council

What is the best certification for an installation technician?

The best installation technician certification is Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma). The Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) is awarded by the ETA International. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this installation technician certification:

  • To become a certified Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), you need to pass the exam.
  • This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 1 year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for installation technicians?

The most in-demand installation technician certification is Certified Installer based on all active job postings. Having this installation technician certification will give you access to more installation technician jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact an installation technician career and salary?

The Emergency Medical Technician certification will help you to secure an emergency medical technician position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. An emergency medical technician's average salary is $40,092 whereas installation technicians make an average salary of $38,043.

Best certifications

The most common combination of installation technician certifications include: Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), CompTIA A+ Certification, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).

Online courses for installation technicians to earn certifications

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