Technician Certification - Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Certification for Technicians

• Certification grants you professional credentials that are portable. Since it recognizes your individual accomplishments, EGSA's certification serves as an impartial, third-party endorsement of your knowledge and experience on a national level. Because EGSA is a national organization, your certification will follow you from employer to employer and from state to state.  This includes our Apprentice and Journeyman levels of Certification.
   
• Certification reflects your knowledge, capabilities, accomplishments, and professionalism. EGSA certification symbolizes a level of personal achievement that confers pride and professional confidence. EGSA certification is a reflection of personal accomplishment because you have demonstrated your commitment to doing things the right way by meeting standards and requirements established by the On-Site Power generation industry. Your EGSA certification will provide assurance that you have the knowledge and expertise to do the job properly.
   
• Certification demonstrates your commitment to your profession. Obtaining EGSA certification shows your peers, supervisors and, in turn, the general public, that you are committed to your chosen career and have the ability to perform to set standards.
   
• Certification enhances the profession's image. EGSA's certification program seeks to grow, promote and develop certified professionals who can stand "out in front" as individuals who promote excellence and improved customer service and, in turn, build up the reputation of the profession and the industry.
   
• Certification can lead to better career opportunities, advancement and increased earnings potential. EGSA certification may give you the "edge" over your non-certified peers when it comes time for promotion. Your EGSA certification will signify that you have demonstrated proficiency in specific technical areas based on accepted standards. Once certified, you may experience increased earnings as a direct result of your certification status—a tangible and objective statement of your capabilities and initiative.
   
• Certification may prepare you for greater on-the-job responsibilities. EGSA certification is a clear indication of your willingness to invest in your own professional development. Certified professionals are more aware of their profession’s constantly changing technology, and they have the desire to anticipate and respond to change.

Technician Certification Employer Benefits

For the Employer, certification helps ensure that your technicians have the critical knowledge and skills to succeed in their jobs. Everyone will be comfortable knowing that your certified techs’ expertise has been confirmed by the industry organization through a program that was developed by a university. Encouraging and helping your technicians become certified signifies your commitment to the highest of standards. Plus, it lends an added level of credibility to your firm and can sharpen your competitive edge. Employing certified techs will promote customer satisfaction and you won’t have to be shy about offering assurance that your techs are qualified. Our Apprenticeship Certification can also help you select potential new hires. Our Journeyman level can assist an employer with analyzing job performance (current and future), evaluate employees and motivate technicians to enhance their skills and knowledge. 

Think about the message that certification sends to those with whom you do business. Why would anyone want a technician who isn’t certified performing critical maintenance or repair tasks? Employing certified technicians gives you an added tool with which to market your business.

As our members have said, “We’ve seen too many backyard mechanics damage expensive equipment. This program will provide credibility for my company and will help build pride and a commitment from technicians to be the best .”
Many of our Members have indicated that this program provides credibility for their business and their technicians. And technicians have stated that this certification builds their pride and provides an outward indication of their commitment to the profession.

Hiring and Promoting

EGSA certification can be used to streamline your applicant screening process and ease those difficult personnel decisions by immediately identifying which technicians have the knowledge and expertise to meet a rigorous exam requirement.

• Measure job applicants' skills and knowledge against objective national standards
• Provide incentives and promotions for technicians who increase their capabilities
• Diagnose the training needs of your staff
• Show your technicians that you appreciate their professionalism

The first step is to complete the application (download from our Pricing page) and mail or fax it with your payment to Ferris State University to schedule a test. After you register, the test will be scheduled at your convenience at a testing site near your home or workplace. The test will be supervised by a professional proctor for the duration of the test period.  Techs may be asked to help identify appropriate proctors and testing sites.

The second step is to take the test. If you achieve an acceptable overall passing score, you will have earned your EGSA Certification (Apprentice or Journeyman).

Apprentice-Level Certification

The Apprentice level exam is for technical college students, recent graduates, military personnel and other 1st or 2nd-year technicians. 

Journeyman-Level Certification

Technicians applying for the Journeyman exam MUST HAVE A MINIMUM OF 3 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE AS AN ELECTRICAL POWER GENERATOR EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN. To be confident that they will pass the test, techs must 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.
 

The test measures how much comprehensive knowledge you have acquired over time through on-the-job experience and training. Therefore, identifying specific topics to "study" might be difficult.

• Study Guide - Study Guides for the Apprentice and Journeyman Certification Tests are available from Ferris State University. These comprehensive manuals contain sample questions (with correct answers) that mimic the test and formula pages. The Study Guide is an essential aide in preparing to take, and pass the test.  The order form is available on our Pricing page.
   
• Our Reference Book - The most authoritative and comprehensive source of information on On-Site Power generation. We believe that it is the best source of pertinent information available and, therefore, the most comprehensive study guide you could employ in preparing for the test.  The book can be purchased bundled with the study guide of your choice (Apprentice or Journeyman) directly through Ferris State University.  The order form is available on our Pricing page.
   

You might also review any handouts from training courses you attended, catch up on the latest product literature and review the current industry standards.

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.

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, hats and other logo items can be ordered from Ferris State University.  See costs and download the order form at our Pricing page.

You should recertify every three years (Apprentice) or five years (Journeyman). 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. 

We encourage techs working outside the United States to take the EGSA Certification exam. Technicians working outside the U.S. might have legitimate concerns about their possible lack of awareness of standards used in the United States and that lack of knowledge might interfere with their ability to pass the test. After scrutiny and review of the Certification test, EGSA has determined that there is no reason that the test could not be fairly applied to any NAFTA technician.

The process of arranging a proctor may take a bit longer and Techs living outside the United States may be asked to help identify appropriate proctors and test sites. Shipping costs are included for those taking the test in the U.S. However, shipping charges for tests given outside the United States will be higher and will be added to the purchase price of various items. Contact Ferris State University before you order so that you know how much shipping charges will be.
 

Technicians who pass the Certification test are given a Certificate and a wallet card that clearly indicates the type of certification achieved (Apprentice or Journeyman), the date that their certification is effective and the date their certification expires.

They may also wear the official EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician uniform patch or have other official certification logo items (baseball cap, logo on their tool case or service vehicle, etc).

Individuals may also verify a tech’s certification status by contacting Ferris State University at the following points of contact:

Toll Free: 866-880-7674
231-591-5822
Fax: 231-591-5821
E-mail

Developed by Ferris State University in collaboration with EGSA and its technical experts, the certification program and test identify generator technicians who have sufficient knowledge and proficiency in the maintenance and repair of generator sets and On-Site Power generation systems. The EGSA Generator Systems Technician certification test is written to measure the professional’s knowledge and the skills necessary for proficient job performance.

The exam tests the knowledge of the applicant in a wide range of subjects relating to on-site power generation including: Basic Electricity, Prime Movers, Generators/Alternators, Engine Generator Instrumentation and Controls, Governors, Automatic Transfer Switches and Voltage Regulators.  The Journeyman test expands this range to include:  Multiple Generator Switchgear & Controls, Auxiliary Support Systems, System Communications, Troubleshooting System Problems and Startup/Commissioning.  The appropriate study guide covers all the topics that will be tested.

You will be allowed a maximum of four (4) hours to complete the exam—an ample amount of time. If, however, you have not finished after four hours, the proctor will stop you when the time expires.

EGSA Certification exams are NOT “open book.” You will not be allowed to bring books or reference manuals of any kind into the test room.

To ensure a quiet testing environment and protect the security of its exam questions, EGSA does not allow personal electronic equipment—such as cell phones, laptop computers, PDAs, etc.—in the test room.

The use of a simple calculator IS allowed during the exam. Programmable calculators, however, are NOT allowed.

Arrange your travel to the test center so that you will have ample time to park, locate the test room, etc. prior to the scheduled time for your test. Try to be well rested.

As mentioned, you may bring a non-programmable calculator into the test room, but other personal electronics, computers, textbooks and other reference material will not be permitted.

You must pay the Proctor to administer the test.  Proctoring fees are approximately $40 but vary by location.

You will be given a test and an answer booklet. Once you have been seated, the Proctor will explain how to fill out the answer booklet.

Test sessions are timed, and you will have a maximum of four hours to complete the test. You may want to use your watch to pace yourself. If a question is difficult, mark the answer that you think is correct and put a checkmark or note in the test book margin beside that question. Then go on to the next question. Once you have finished the test, you may find you have enough time to go back to those questions you have marked.

Do your best to answer every question. Your score will be based on the overall number of correct answers that you give.

After you apply to take the exam and identify what your special needs are, Ferris State University will place you in contact with your test center where every attempt will be made to accommodate for an applicant’s special needs. Contact Ferris State University if you have questions on accommodating special needs addressed below or to arrange for accommodation.

Oral Exams

The Certification Program allows oral exams in limited situations where candidates have limited reading skills or specific reading disabilities. Candidates requiring an oral exam will be tested in a separate room with one reader assisting no more than six candidates. The reader will present the test questions and answers verbatim with no explanation, clarification, or definition of terms. The candidates must complete their own answer sheet. You will be placed in contact with your testing center in order to arrange for test reading services.

Other languages

The program allows for an oral examination in a foreign language if each of the following conditions is met: The test is given to one candidate at a time; a registered proctor must remain in the testing room during the exam; the translator reads the test question and answers verbatim with no additional explanation or definition of terms. The candidates must mark the answers on their answer sheet themselves. You will be placed in contact with your testing center in order to arrange for test reading services.

To pass the Apprentice test, you will need to achieve an overall score of at least 68% correct.  To pass the Journeyman test, you will need to achieve an overall score of at least 80% correct.

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 and will indicate what a 'passing score' on that section might have been.

If you do not 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.

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

You must be, or must have been, a certified technician.  However, the certification test and recertification test are, in essence, one-in-the-same. But the test you will take this time is different than the test you took last time - it has been upgraded and reflects recent changes in technology.

Unless your employer, state or local jurisdiction requires certification, you are not required to maintain your certification after it expires. But why wouldn’t you? As an EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician, you already know the advantages. Plus, chances are very good that your certification has benefited you since you first took the certification test.

Our uniform patches and the title “EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician” are copyrighted and trademarked. If you are no longer certified, you may not pass yourself off as being certified or use our uniform patch/logo. To do so is a violation of Federal law. And you will not enjoy the benefits and advantages of being a certified technician. To become recertified, you must take and pass the current exam.

Yes. If your certification is due to expire soon, you may take the recertification test. However, if you recertify early, you will not be credited with the time remaining on your original certification. The new expiration date is 3 years (Apprentice) or 5 years (Journeyman) from the date of your recertification.

The EGSA Technician Certification Committee, a standing committee of the EGSA Board of Directors, has oversight responsibility. The Committee consists of seven members who have demonstrated an interest in and a commitment to Generator Systems Technician Certification. Members represent a wide cross-section of the industry with three members from the Distributor/Dealer membership classification, two from the Manufacturer membership classification, one member from the EGSA Education Committee and the Chairman.  At least one committee member serves on the EGSA Board of Directors.  All committee members serve three-year staggered terms.

Conflict of Interest - If at any time a Certification Committee member believes that he or she may appear to be unable to maintain professional objectivity on any issue because of a personal situation, employment or other reasons, that member shall disclose the potential conflict to the Certification Committee and shall recuse himself or herself from any position or voting on the subject.

Ferris State University, in collaboration with EGSA staff, manages and administers the program through its office of Corporate and Professional Development within its College of Technology. Ferris is responsible for all testing, scoring, notifications, and records maintenance.  

Ferris State University
Toll Free: 866-880-7674
231-591-5822
Fax: 231-591-5821
egsa@ferris.edu

Only individuals who hold a current and valid EGSA certificate may identify themselves as an “EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician” and use related materials (i.e., the uniform patch) pursuant to a license from EGSA. Individuals who do not hold a current and valid certificate may not hold themselves out to be an “EGSA Certified Electrical Generator Systems Technician” nor may they use related material.

Certificate holders shall at all times conduct themselves in a legal, ethical and professional manner and shall not engage in any behavior that may tend to bring disrepute upon, or cause harm to, EGSA or the Certification Program. EGSA may impose disciplinary action, including revocation of a Certification, in its discretion in the best interests of EGSA or the Certification Program.

Individuals who wish to register an appeal to any Certification Program action taken by EGSA or Ferris State University has access to two levels of appeal: Inquiries and Formal Appeals.

• Inquiries - These are appeals in which the applicant requests clarification, an explanation or more information. The applicant may also wish to express his opinion or concern about a given aspect of the Certification process. These informal appeals may be addressed to program staff, members of the Certification Committee, etc. Concerned inquiries will be addressed in a positive and supportive manner and in a timely manner.
   
• Formal Appeals - Individuals who choose to register a formal appeal to test results must first do so with Ferris State University within 120 days from the date of the examination. After review of the appeal for accuracy and completeness, it will be forwarded to EGSA staff that will then place the appeal on the Agenda for the next meeting of the Certification Committee. The Certification Committee will then consider the appeal and render its decision.

All Certification Tests are scored (tabulated) electronically. Individuals who wish to challenge their electronic score may request that the test be scored by hand. A separate fee will be imposed for scoring tests by hand.  

Please see our Pricing page for current costs.

Access to EGSA Certification programs and services will be made without regard to race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. veteran.

EGSA is committed to the principles of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations to candidates with special needs as required by federal law. In order for EGSA to accommodate their needs, certification candidates have the responsibility of following EGSA Procedures and providing the Administrator with reasonable notice, medical verification of the underlying cause for the necessity of the accommodation(s) requested and an accurate description of their needs.

Written or electronic documents, records, or data pertaining to program participants (applicants, certificate holders, former certificate holders, etc.) held in program files are considered private and confidential information and shall be held in strict confidence and shall not be revealed to any individual or organization.

Test Results Privacy

Actual test results (scores) will only be shared with the examinee. Unless approved in writing by the examinee, test results (scores) will not be released or shared with any party.

Inquiries about Certificate Holder Status

In cases where inquiries are made about the current certification status of Certificate Holders, the standard response to inquiries shall be as follows:

• The (named individual) holds or does not hold a current and valid certificate, or the (named individual) formerly held a certificate from _____ until _____.

Ferris State University is responsible for maintaining the records and record databases of all individuals who have applied for certification. Certification Program records consist of names, contact and identifying information, application dates, test dates, results of testing, copies of notifications, etc. This information is held in strict confidence and will not be revealed to any individual or organization. Paper copies of records will be kept for a minimum of three years; electronic records shall be maintained indefinitely.

Critical Elements of the Certification process — including “Requirements for Certification,” “Initial Certification,” “Testing,” “Retesting,” “Re-certification,” and “Non-Renewal” and Certification Program Policies and Procedures—are subject to scheduled periodic review. Contingent upon the approval of recommendations that result from said review, the various Critical Elements and Certification Program Policies and Procedures may be changed or modified at any time without prior notice.