Technician Certification

Why is Certifying Technicians Important?

Inherent in the determination of the equipment's serviceability is the prerequisite that individuals performing the tests are capable of conducting the tests in a safe manner and with complete knowledge of the hazards involved.

Technicians must also evaluate the test data and make an informed judgment on the continued serviceability, deterioration, or non-serviceability of the specific equipment.

What is a NETA Certified Technician?

NETA Certified Technicians are technicians who are employed by a NETA Accredited Company. They have achieved NETA Certification at Level 2, Level 3 or Level 4 through successful completion of the NETA examinations and meet continuing education, training, and years of experience requirements. 

NETA, a nationally recognized certification agency, provides recognition of four levels of competency within the electrical testing industry in accordance with ANSI/NETA ETT Standard for Certification of Electrical Testing Technicians. This standard is available as a free download in the NETA Bookstore.

The ANSI/NETA ETT establishes:

  • Minimum requirements for qualification and certification of the electrical testing technician (ETT)
  • Minimum training and experience requirements for ETTs and provides criteria for documenting qualifications and certification
  • Minimum qualifications for an independent and impartial certifying body to certify electrical testing technicians


Download the ANSI/NETA ETT Today!

 

Levels of Classification

Four levels of classification are defined in terms of the skills and knowledge required in a given method or methods to perform specified electrical testing and maintenance activities. To proceed to a higher level, an individual shall meet the qualifications set forth and pass the examination for all previous levels.

Level 1: Trainee Technician

The ETT Trainee Level I classification offers an entry-level gateway into the electrical testing industry. Typical duties include providing assistance to higher-level technicians, pre- and post-test sequence assembly and disassembly, and performing simple measurements and/or tests under direct supervision. ETT Level 1 Trainees are not fully certified technicians, and require the supervision of a Level 3 ETT Certified Technician or Level 4 Senior Certified Technician.

Prerequisites: High School/GED

Typical Duties: 

  • Simple assistance
  • Simple measurements
  • Test equipment set up and removal
  • Cleaning

Examination: By employer

Additional Resources: ANSI/NETA ETT

Level 2: Certified Assistant Technician

The ETT Certified Assistant Level 2 performs limited testing and service work while generally requiring direct supervision. The individual has sufficient knowledge and experience to be qualified for assuring the safety of him/herself. Safety knowledge includes an understanding of lockout/tagout procedures and requirements, arc-flash and shock hazard analyses, and other facets of hazardous electrical energy control procedures. The ETT Certified Assistant Level 2 generally requires direct supervision of a Level 3 ETT Certified Technician or Level 4 Certified Senior Technician.

To gain a more complete understanding of the requirements of this certification, the ANSI/NETA ETT and Level 2 Detailed Content Outline should be reviewed in detail.

Education and Training:

  • 40 hours of safety
  • 160 hours of electrical

Related Experience:

  • Two years*
  • Candidates for Level 2 must have met the qualifications for Level 1

*Completion of two or more years of technical education in an electrical field shall be equivalent to a maximum of one year of related experience

Examination:

  • 100-item, multiple-choice, closed-book, onsite proctored examination
  • Two hours allowed to complete exam
  • Passing score of 410 or higher on a scale of 200 to 500

Exam Composition:

  • 15% of Exam - Safety
  • 25% of Exam - Electrical Testing Fundamentals and Theory
  • 55% of Exam - Component Testing
  • 5% of Exam - Systems and Commissioning

Additional Resources:

Level 3: Certified Technician

The ETT Certified Level 3 is capable of supervising ETT Trainee Level I and ETT Certified Assistant Level 2. Typical duties include, but are not limited to, performance and management of routine and moderately complex tasks and projects, record keeping, evaluation of test data, and responsibility for the safety of others. Individual is qualified to provide guidance and is capable of performing electrical power switching.

To gain a more complete understanding of the requirements of this certification, the ANSI/NETA ETT and Level 3 Detailed Content Outline should be reviewed in detail.

Education and Training:

  • 24 hours of safety in addition to Level 2 requirements (64 hours total)
  • 240 hours of electrical in addition to Level 2 requirements (400 hours total)

Related Experience:

  • Five years*
  • Candidates for Level 3 must have met the qualifications for Levels 1 and 2 in successive order

*Completion of two or more years of technical education in an electrical field shall be equivalent to a maximum of one year of related experience

Examination:

  • 100-item, multiple-choice, closed-book, onsite proctored examination
  • Two hours allowed to complete exam
  • Passing score of 410 or higher on a scale of 200 to 500

Exam Composition:

  • 13% of Exam - Safety
  • 23% of Exam - Electrical Testing Fundamentals and Theory
  • 47% of Exam - Component Testing
  • 17% of Exam - Systems and Commissioning

Additional Resources:

Level 4: Certified Senior Technician

The ETT Certified Senior Technician, Level 4, supervises large projects and multiple crews and can work independently. Individual performs complex investigations, tests, and evaluations, and prepares written reports as needed.

To gain a more complete understanding of the requirements of this certification, the ANSI/NETA ETT and Level 4 Detailed Content Outline should be reviewed in detail.

Education and Training:

  • 40 hours of safety in addition to Level 2 and Level 3 requirements (104 hours total)
  • 200 hours of electrical in addition to Level 2 and Level 3 requirements (600 hours total)

Related Experience:

  • Ten years*
  • Candidates for Level 4 must have met the qualifications for Levels 1, 2, and 3 in successive order

*Completion of two or more years of technical education in an electrical field shall be equivalent to a maximum of one year of related experience

Examination:

  • 65-item, multiple-choice, closed-book, onsite proctored examination
  • Two hours allowed to complete exam
  • Passing score of 410 or higher on a scale of 200 to 500

Exam Composition:

  • 10% of Exam - Safety
  • 15% of Exam - Electrical Testing Fundamentals and Theory
  • 55% of Exam - Component Testing
  • 20% of Exam - Systems and Commissioning

Additional Resources: