How many years do you have to study to be a technician?

You have to study for one to two years to become a technician. In some cases, you can become a technician with just a high school diploma and job training. You will need to have a vocational or technical certification for other technician jobs, which can take up to 2 years to complete.

What are the qualifications of technicians?

The qualifications of technicians are typically an associate's degree or technical certification. Most companies, for example, require test technicians to possess at least an associate's degree in an engineering or scientific field.

What does an electrical test technician do?

An electrical test technician ensures that electrical power systems are in proper working order and ready to be energized. This means they do periodic tests on equipment already in service to help prolong service life and indicate whether corrective maintenance or replacement is necessary.

What qualifications do you need to be a technician?

The qualifications needed to become a technician are, at minimum, a high school diploma or equivalent and certification. Additional education and experience may be required and are typically desirable.

What is a test technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

5 min read

Quoted expert

John Irwin EdD

A test technician analyzes products, materials, and systems to ensure they meet specific standards. They work in a variety of industries, including electronics, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace. Test technicians use a range of tools and equipment to conduct tests, collect data, and analyze results. They may also troubleshoot issues, calibrate equipment, create reports, and collaborate with engineers. Attention to detail, technical skills, and problem-solving abilities contribute to success in this role.

What general advice would you give to a test technician?

John Irwin EdD

Chair, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Technology, Michigan Technological University

Engineering technology graduates are masters of technology, gaining a broad and deep understanding of the processes, systems, tools, and techniques necessary to construct, modify, operate, and maintain an engineering design. They act as technological integrators, bridging the gap between the skilled trades and engineering fundamentals. This is a great career path for those who enjoy engineering concepts but would rather spend time working with their hands solving specific technical issues than tackling broader, more complex design challenges.

ScoreTest TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.4

Avg. Salary $43,171

Avg. Salary $59,228

Diversity

2.5

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.15%

Asian 8.05%

Black or African American 6.26%

Hispanic or Latino 10.43%

Unknown 4.32%

White 70.79%

Gender

female 16.44%

male 83.56%

Age - 52

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 52

Stress level

5.5

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

7.4

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

6.2

Work life balance is fair

6.4 - fair

What are the pros and cons of being a test technician?

Pros

Hands-on experience in a technical field
Opportunity for career advancement
Possibility of flexible work hours
Competitive pay and benefits
Opportunity to work in a variety of industries

Cons

Can be physically demanding and involve long hours standing or sitting
Exposure to potentially hazardous materials or conditions
Possibility of working in noisy or uncomfortable environments
May require working weekends or holidays
Limited opportunities for creativity or innovation

Key steps to become a test technician

Explore test technician education requirements

Most common test technician degrees

Associate

45.1 %

Bachelor's

34.5 %

High School Diploma

9.3 %

Start to develop specific test technician skills

Skills	Percentages
Test Procedures	7.95%
Test Results	7.70%
Hand Tools	7.16%
Test Data	5.21%
RF	4.74%

Complete relevant test technician training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New test technicians learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a test technician based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real test technician resumes.

Gain additional test technician certifications

Test technician certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific test technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for test technicians include Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) and EPA Amusement Operators Safety Certification (EPA).

More About Certifications

Research test technician duties and responsibilities

Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
Perform in-circuit emulation and boundary scan testing (JTAG).
Perform extensive testing on CVD, PVD, display and solar tooling.

Prepare your test technician resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your test technician resume.

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