What kind of work experience do I need for certification as an engineering technician?
A complete, comprehensive, and detailed record of employment history shall include the employer, position held, supervisor(s) name(s), dates of employment, employment level, location, and a detailed description of the work that the candidate has performed. For more detailed information, see the Work History page.
Will I receive credit for work experience gained outside of the United States?
The foundation for the NICET certification programs is American work practices and technology applications. Therefore, the preponderance of qualifying work experience must be acquired while working in the United States and its territories. For a more detailed explanation, see NICET Policy 14.
When should I provide a new or updated work history?
When you apply to upgrade or renew your certification, you must provide, along with other application materials, an updated work history that begins where your last submitted work history ended.
Can I get any work experience credit for my college degree?
If you've achieved a degree in an ABET-accredited engineering technology or engineering program (or equivalent) that is directly related to the certification practice area, you may qualify to receive up to eighteen (18) months (1.5 years) of credit towards the work experience requirement. (ABET is the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology; visit the ABET website to find out if your degree program is accredited.) An official college transcript must be sent from the institution and emailed to evaluations@nicet.org that shows the name of the degree attained, the date of graduation, and a listing of the courses taken. For more information, please see NICET Policy 33.
How will I find out if my work experience is sufficient?
NICET will evaluate your work experience (and other application materials) after you satisfy an examination requirement within a 90-day period. Meeting an exam requirement does not guarantee certification; NICET strongly recommends that you compare your work history with the program's work history requirements descriptions to make sure your experience is relevant within the scope of the program.
What is needed for the major project write-up required for Level IV certification?
Level IV candidates shall have completed a project demonstrating senior-level engineering technician capabilities and responsibilities. The project shall have substantial (large) scope and technical complexity. The project shall have been completed within the past 4 years and be in the subfield for which the candidate has applied. The project shall be documented in narrative/essay format in the Major Project Write-Up. The MPWU shall be a concise, detailed, written description of the candidate’s role in one major project in the candidate’s certification field. The candidate shall describe the activities in which they engaged to fulfill the responsibilities of the position. The candidate shall be the sole author of the MPWU. For more information, see the Major Project Write-Up page.
Questions related to your personal progress toward meeting a certification requirement must be directed to NICET by telephone or by email. Please call 888-476-4238 or 703-548-1518, or email evaluations@nicet.org.