How to Become an Engineering Technician

Engineering Technicians participate essentially in the research and development of modern machines by working alongside and assisting engineers.

So, how do you become an engineering technician? To become an engineering technician, you must finish your high school diploma, get into college to study engineering technology before obtaining your license practice.

Read on as we throw more light on this.

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Who Is A Engineer Technician?

An engineering Technician is the kind of person that works professionally to assist engineers with their projects.

Engineering Technologists can be found in almost all industries, including manufacturing, construction, industrial, maintenance, and management.

Engineering Technologists implement basic engineering principles and skills through the manufacturing, construction, and operation of products.

Steps To Take To Become Engineering Technician

Complete High School Diploma Level Of Education

To become an engineering technician, you must complete your high school diploma level.

Because high school is where foundational experience and knowledge about the engineering field start, you will begin to have some basic knowledge about what engineering entails through some subjects.

Subjects like advanced math, physics, chemistry, computer science, and some other science subjects that are “engineer” related.

Science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) academies and summer enrichment programs are also accessible to high school students throughout the United States.

These programs will help you have basic ideas about engineering and any other chosen career path.

Go For A Degree In Engineering Technology

With the help of thorough research, we detect that engineering technologists have two options to study in college.

The first option is a two-year associate degree. At the same time, the second option is a four-year bachelor of science degree.

Two-Year Associate Degree in Engineering Technology

A two-year associate degree program leads to the certification of an engineering technician.

These kinds of engineering technicians are the ones who solve fundamental problems in the industry, and they work either in laboratories or manufacturing facilities.

The faculty who offer these programs are mostly master’s degree holders in engineering or engineering technology.

While many community colleges offer associate degree programs, various online options are available.

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Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology

Students of bachelor-level engineering technology programs use their engineering knowledge, scientific expertise, and technical skills to support engineering work.

Though they will still focus on applying engineering principles, these people have a stronger foundation of theoretical and mathematical concepts than their associate degree graduates.

Engineering technologists are typically involved in product development, manufacturing, product assurance, sales, and program management.

The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) indicates that the faculty that teaches these programs have a minimum of a master’s degree in engineering or engineering technology or a PE license and a master’s degree.

The career salary website reports that engineering technologists with a bachelor’s degree can earn up to $78,000 annually.

Monster (2021) also reports that master’s degree programs in engineering and technology management often earn the highest rate of return concerning salaries.

The median pay for engineering technologists for master’s degree graduates ranges from $127,000 to $141,000 annually.
Obtain Professional Certification

Engineering technologists that have earned/her degree may enter first-level employment, but they earn certification as a technologist through independent societies and organizations in the engineering industry.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) is the primary certification organization in engineering.

They offer two levels of certifications depending on work experience and education.

The technician certification is offered in six categories, including civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering.

Specialized Areas For Certification

1. Construction materials testing in either asphalt, concrete, or soils
2. Highway construction inspection
3. In-building public safety communications
4. Electrical power testing
5. Fire alarm systems
6. Inspection and testing of fire alarm systems
7. Inspection and testing of water-based systems
8. Special hazards systems
9. Water-based systems layout
10. Video security systems designer and video security systems technician

Requirements For The Certification

To be eligible for technician certification in any of the societies and organizations of the engineering industry.

The candidates must have at least six months of work experience related to the specific certification.

But the candidates that have more work experience can apply for a higher level of certification up to level four.

Level three also requires a letter of recommendation.

Level four requires a letter of recommendation and proof of senior responsibilities.

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Conclusion

With all the facts we listed above based on our thorough research, we hope you can find the necessary steps to become an engineering technician.

This article was written to give you in-depth knowledge about how to become an engineering technician.

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