Top 15 Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications

Think about it — would you rather hire a maintenance technician to do complex (or even dangerous) repairs on your company’s most crucial assets or employ someone who’s never acquired any type of professional certification? Obviously, the former is preferable. Completing maintenance training courses and certifications has become increasingly essential in today’s job market. Both validate a maintenance worker’s skills and indicate a high level of ability, which can lead to more lucrative career opportunities and better job security.

Professional maintenance training programs and certifications run the gamut from specialized HVAC and building maintenance certifications to popular programs like the CMRT and CMRP, which focus on different aspects of maintenance and reliability management. Exam fees and requirements vary widely, so it’s important to do your research depending on your expertise and distinct career path to determine which one’s right for you.    

Benefits of Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications

• Mastery of your skillset: Because of technological advancements and a growing labor shortage, there’s a pressing need for technicians with specific skill sets. Obtaining professional certification demonstrates that you have specialized knowledge in a specific field, which can help ensure strong job security for the future.
• Professional credibility: Pursuing certification demonstrates your expertise and commitment to maintaining industry standards. This credibility will take you far with both employers and clients, helping to enhance your professional reputation, build important relationships and open doors within your industry.  
• Salary increase: Maintenance workers who have professional certification have better potential for wage growth (without the need for a four-year degree). By obtaining the relevant certification for your field, you can enjoy a more lucrative starting salary, with the opportunity to eventually out-earn those who have not undergone similar professional training. 

General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Technicians

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT) Certification

With the CMRT certification, technicians are well-prepared to take on advanced-level job roles in the fields of maintenance and reliability. Awarded by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals (SMRP), the CMRT is internationally recognized, giving technicians wider access to job opportunities, in addition to enhancing skills and knowledge. Candidates must pass an exam that tests knowledge of tasks within four domains: maintenance practices, predictive and preventive maintenance, troubleshooting and analysis and corrective maintenance. After passing the exam, it generally takes around six to eight weeks for your print certificate to arrive via mail. Exam fees are $250 for SMRP members and $300 for nonmembers.

Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)

The CETma from Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) International is the highest level of ETA certification, designed for any professional in a specific field of electronics. The certification showcases a high level of expertise, offering benefits like widespread industry recognition, career advancement and higher earning potential. This certification is eligible for those who have six or more years combined electronics training and/or work experience and who have earned an Associate CET. Additionally, candidates must have at least four of the six certifications in their specialty category of choice, ranging from fiber optics to telecommunications. You’ll also need to pay a maintenance fee of $25 per year (which includes a free ETA membership). Exams are processed within seven to 10 business days.

Electrical Technician Certification

Technicians, educators and anyone who desires to learn more about small engine electrical systems should consider obtaining the Electrical Technician Certification from the Equipment & Engine Training Council (EETC). Particularly for current or aspiring electricians, this is an excellent way to develop skills and advance in the electrical industry. There are no prerequisites, and the cost is $59 per exam for Individual Free member accounts, $49 per exam for members and $39 for full-time students. EETC exam results are usually available within two weeks of the test date.

EPA HVAC Certification

In order to legally handle refrigerants, HVAC technicians must obtain the EPA HVAC Certification. The program is divided into Type I, II, III and Universal levels, and technicians must pass a proctored exam that covers topics ranging from refrigerant properties to safety procedures. Costs vary depending on the training provider, and it generally takes around two to three weeks for candidates to receive an approval package (the EPA is legally required to process applications within 90 days).

Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)

For healthcare technology management professionals, obtaining a CBET certification from the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) can prove invaluable. A CBET certification adds instant credibility, demonstrates a commitment to the field and can help increase job opportunities. Eligibility requirements include an associate degree (or higher) in a biomedical equipment technology program and two years’ full time BMET experience (there are alternate requirements if you don’t meet these). The exam fee is $350 for AAMI members and $400 for nonmembers, and candidates should be notified of their passing status within 45 days.

General Maintenance Training Programs & Certifications for Managers

Certified Maintenance and Reliability Professional (CMRP)

The CMRP from SMRP is the gold standard for assessing the knowledge of maintenance, reliability and physical asset management professionals. There are no specific eligibility requirements, other than completing and submitting the application and paying the applicable exam fees ($300 for SMRP members and $470 for nonmembers). Expect it to take six to eight weeks for your print certificate to arrive once you’ve passed the exam.   

Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project managers can greatly benefit from obtaining the PMP certification from Project Management Institute (PMI). This globally recognized program can provide valuable credentials and enhance your career prospects, especially considering how in-demand project management has become in recent years. To qualify, you must have three to five years of hands-on experience. The exam fee is $425 for PMI members and $625 for nonmembers.

Certified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM) 

The CPMM credential from the Association for Facilities Engineering (AFE) is designed for experienced facilities engineering professionals who are qualified to lead maintenance and reliability initiatives. To be eligible, you must have either five years of applicable experience or a four-year Bachelors of Engineering or Bachelors of Science in a related field. The program fee (which includes the application, live review sessions and the exam fee, among other costs) is $2,000 for AFE members and $2,500 for nonmembers. You’ll be notified of your exam results within a few weeks.

Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)

The CPE credential, also from AFE, provides an excellent way to potentially achieve better job opportunities and higher pay for facility engineers. There are two CPE Certification categories that require varying levels of education or relevant work experience (see here for more details). The program fee (which includes the application, live review sessions and the exam fee, among other costs) is $2,500 for AFE members and $3,000 for nonmembers.

Facility Maintenance Certifications

Building Systems Maintenance Certificate (SMC)

For professionals who perform facility maintenance work on multiple building systems, the SMC from Building Owners and Managers Institute (BOMI) is key. The SMC has three courses, and you must complete all three with a grade of 70 percent or higher on each exam in order to attain certification. Check out the BOMI pricing sheet for more info regarding online course fees.

Facilities Management Certificate (FMC) 

The BOMI Facilities Management Certificate allows for a better understanding of how to manage and operate cost-effective facilities, thereby demonstrating professional development expertise in facilities management (FM). To achieve your certificate, you must also complete three courses and receive a grade of 70 percent or higher on each exam. See the BOMI pricing sheet for more info on costs for the self-paced training courses.

Facility Management Professional (FMP)

The FMP from the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) is regarded as a gold-star achievement in facility management certification. Anyone can earn the certification, but it’s recommended that you have at least a year of FM experience. What’s nice about the FMP is that it’s a lifelong professional credential.The cost to obtain it ranges from $1,650 for IFMA full members to $1,990 for nonmembers.

Certified Facility Manager (CFM)

Also from IFMA, the CFM credential has more prerequisites, including five years of relevant work experience or three years of work experience plus a bachelor’s or master’s degree in FM. The exam fee for the CFM certificate is $550 for IFMA members and $815 for non-IFMA members, and you have to be re-certified every three years based on maintenance work performed and submitted to IFMA. 

Property Maintenance Certifications

Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT)

The CAMT from the National Apartment Association is an excellent way to further your education and validate your skills in apartment maintenance. To obtain this credential, you must have a minimum of 12 months of apartment or rental housing maintenance experience (there are alternative requirements as well). The cost generally ranges between $800 and $1,355, depending on the maintenance course sponsor and whether you’re a member or nonmember. If you pass the exam, you’ll receive email notification within a week.

Certified Manager of Maintenance (CMM)

For property-level managers, lead maintenance personnel and maintenance supervisors, the CMM from the National Center for Housing Management (NHCM) is a great way to demonstrate your competence in the field. There are no prerequisites, and the exam fee is $399. You’ll typically find out if you passed within two weeks of completing the exam.

Is a Maintenance Training Program or Certification Worth It?

Yes! If you want to unlock your true career potential, it absolutely makes sense to take maintenance courses and assessments that lead to certification. With the right certification in hand, you’re more likely to enjoy better job opportunities and increased earning potential. Taking maintenance technician training or hands-on training related to specific mechanical systems will help close your skills gap and ensure that you’re up-to-date on industry fundamentals and OSHA standards. This, in turn, enhances your credibility in your field and can help you grow your network. And, don’t underestimate the personal satisfaction that comes from obtaining a professional certification — you’ll be proud of what you accomplished.   

From expanded career opportunities to supportive connections, there’s no telling where your certification or training program will take you. By showing your clients and colleagues that you’re committed to workforce development, you stand to achieve incredible career and financial results.