Technician Certification: The Exam is the Key

Overview
What are the requirements for taking the test?
Who may take EGSA Certification Test?
How do I become certified?
When and where do I take the test?
How do I register to take the test?
What's on the test?
How do I prepare for the test?
What is the passing score?
How much does the test cost?
Can I cancel the exam and have the money refunded?
What happens if I pass the test?
How can I order uniform patches?
What happens if I don’t pass the test?
When will I receive my test results?
What do I receive to prove that I am EGSA Certified?
How do I maintain my Certification?
When do I take the Recertification Test?

Overview

The key to the program is taking and passing the Certification test.

EGSA offers the EGSA Certification test to On-Site Power Electrical Generator Systems Technicians to afford them an opportunity to demonstrate their comprehensive knowledge of gen-sets and On-Site Power generation equipment and systems. The certification test is written to assess knowledge that is necessary for proficient job performance and includes questions about installation, service, and diagnostic and repair procedures.

The test consists of multiple-choice questions covering Basic Electricity, Prime Movers, Generators/Alternators, Engine Generator Instrumentation and Controls, Governors, Automatic Transfer Switches, Voltage Regulators, Multiple Generator Switchgear & Controls, Auxiliary Support Systems, and Troubleshooting System Problems.

The Certification program was developed and is administered by Ferris State University in collaboration with EGSA. All test questions were pilot-tested, validated, and quality checked on a national sample of test candidates.

EGSA Certification is valid for a period of five years from the date you take and pass the test. After you are Certified, you will have an opportunity to access the recertification program. Recertification assures your employer and your customers that maintaining and updating your skills and knowledge remains an integral part of your professional activities. Through recertification, EGSA encourages continuing professional development.

What are the requirements for taking the test?

There are no pre-qualifications for taking the EGSA Certification test. However, those confident they will pass the test have a comprehensive knowledge of basic electricity, the functions of a gen-set’s mechanical and electrical components, the interactions and relationships among components and an understanding of various elements of the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of gen-sets and On-Site Power generation systems.

Who may take the EGSA Certification Test?

Anyone may take the EGSA Technician Certification test as long as they have applied to do so and have paid the proper fees.

How do I become certified?

The first step is to complete the application (download from this page) and mail or fax it with your payment to Ferris State University to schedule a test. The second step is to take the test. If you achieve an acceptable overall passing score, you will have earned your EGSA Certification.

When and where do I take the test?

EGSA conducts the test throughout the year. After you register, the test will be scheduled at your convenience at a testing site nearest your home or workplace. The test will be supervised by a professional proctor for the duration of the test period.

How do I register to take the test?

Simply download an application (download from this page), fill it out and mail it to Ferris State University at the address on the application form. Be sure to include payment when you submit your application.

What's on the test?

Click here for an overview of what's on the test.

How do I prepare for the test?

Click here for an overview of how to prepare for the test.

What is the passing score?

To pass the test, you will need to achieve an overall score of at least 75% correct.

The Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification Examination consists of testing in the following areas: Basic Electricity, Prime Movers, Generators/Alternators, Engine Generator Instrumentation and Controls, Governors, Automatic Transfer Switches, Voltage Regulators, Multiple Generator Switchgear & Controls, Auxiliary Support Systems, Troubleshooting System Problems and Startup/Commissioning.

So that you have an opportunity to assess your relative areas of strength and limitation, EGSA will report scores for each of the above areas.

How much does the test cost?

Complete information on test application fees may be found here.

Can I cancel the exam and have the money refunded?

APPLICANTS—and only applicants—are the only parties who can cancel their scheduled participation in the testing process, and must do so in writing , subject to the following timelines:

30+ Days - Applicants who cancel 30 days or more in advance of their scheduled test may do so without penalty. Applicants who cancel during this period will be offered the choice of a full refund of fees or having the fees applied to a future test.
29 days or less - Applicants who cancel 29 days or less in advance of their scheduled test will not receive a refund.

The agency conducting the test will not cancel a scheduled exam unless an act of nature makes it impossible to conduct testing. Tests cancelled for this reason will be rescheduled. Applicants who were scheduled for that exam will be offered the choice of having their fees refunded in full or applied to another test.

What happens if I pass the test?

CONGRATULATIONS! You will be an EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician and you may proudly use that title and take pride in your accomplishments. The effective date of your Certification is the date that you took the exam. And you can demonstrate your achievement to others by wearing EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician Uniform patches that are available through Ferris State University.

How can I order uniform patches?

Information on how to order uniform patches may be found here.

What happens if I don’t pass the test?

In order to become certified you must achieve an overall passing score of 75% or higher. If you fail to achieve an overall passing score, you must retake the entire test. You may retake the test at any time and we encourage you to do so. But you must register again and pay the appropriate fees.

When will I receive my test results?

Test results will be mailed to the applicant within 45 days of the examination date at the address they provide.

What do I receive to prove that I am EGSA Certified?

When you pass the Certification test, you will receive a certificate noting your status as an EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician. In addition, you will receive a wallet card and an insignia for your uniform sleeve or pocket. Additional patches can be ordered from Ferris State University.

Click here for information on ordering uniform patches.

How do I maintain my Certification?

You should recertify every five years. Recertification involves taking an exam that reflects the latest technology and practices. Not only does recertification offer proof that you have maintained and updated your skills and knowledge, it also shows that the entire process remains a meaningful part of your professional activities. Like the initial Certification process, Technicians who are recertifying will register to take the test and pay the then current fee to do so. For additional information, click here.

When do I take the Recertification Test?

Certification credentials are valid for five years. This ensures that certified professionals are up-to-date in this rapidly changing industry. If five years have passed since you took a particular test, it's time to register to take the Recertification Test. For additional information, click here.