Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Why a certification program?

The emergency service has always ensured that response and rescue personnel are trained and certified to appropriate levels based on “accepted standards,” such as the NFPA standards for firefighters and fire officers. A great deal of emphasis is placed on maintaining the condition of the apparatus and equipment used by these personnel, but prior to EVTCC there was no formal recognition of specialization in all the aspects of these vehicles that set them apart from consumer vehicles. What level of training have technicians received to keep a sophisticated piece of machinery in proper operating order?

Emergency vehicle technicians working in fleet services departments of emergency response agencies are often neglected, and agencies without their own fleet services departments often bring their vehicles to non-specialist service technicians who are not knowledgeable about the mission-critical systems that define emergency vehicles. The emergency vehicle technician role requires training, education, and recognition just like emergency response and rescue personnel. However, these needs are often unfulfilled. The EVT Certification Commission, Inc. was created to help meet those needs.

What is the EVTCC certification program?

The Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission, Inc. (EVTCC) is a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of emergency vehicle service and repair throughout the United States and Canada. EVT is governed by a Board of Directors that represents emergency response agencies, emergency vehicle maintenance service associations, and the educational community.

EVTCC began as The Fire Apparatus Mechanics Certification Program, sponsored by the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC). In 1988, the IAFC introduced this certification program in an effort to elevate the standards of emergency vehicle maintenance and the personnel who perform the work. In addition, the IAFC sought to provide technicians recognition for the education, training, and experience they have in the field of service and repair of emergency vehicles. While the IAFC no longer directly oversees the EVT Certification Program, the IAFC continues to support its continued development and operation.

The primary function of EVTCC is to test and certify emergency vehicle technicians. We also encourage the development of effective training programs which address the training and educational needs of the emergency vehicle technician.

What benefits are there to being certified?

All testing and certification is on a voluntary basis. The benefits of being certified are personal and professional. Being certified as an Emergency Vehicle Technician shows departments, governing boards and apparatus service center customers that technicians have proven themselves knowledgeable in diagnosing and repairing emergency vehicle mechanical problems.

• Being certified can potentially mean better pay, increased job opportunity and improved status with the technician’s employer.
• Certification can increase respect, recognition and credibility in the industry and profession.
• Technicians will have a nationally recognized certification that may allow both lateral as well as upward movement in the fire apparatus and/or ambulance maintenance field.
• The servicing of emergency fire apparatus and ambulances by certified technicians will provide more reliable equipment, thus enhancing the safety of the public and emergency personnel.
• An emergency response agency or vehicle service center employing certified EVT personnel will benefit by having knowledgeable technicians who are trained to work on emergency vehicles. This will influence the organization’s reputation and customer assurance that quality work will be performed.

Who is eligible?

Anyone may register to take the examination. There are no prerequisites to register. The examinations have been constructed to identify those who possess the knowledge and skills needed to perform their job. The EVTCC Certification Program is structured for individuals to utilize independent study.

When and where are the EVTCC exams administered?

• Our nationwide test dates are in June and October. See the registration portal or Exams & Prep page for more details.
• In addition, thoughout the rest of the year, many mechanics’ seminars, workshops and schools (which offer training in various fields of maintenance) offer testing.

What are the EVTCC exams like?

Each regular EVT exam is made up of between 50 and 100 multiple-choice questions and each re-certification exam consists of between 25 and 50 multiple-choice questions. The questions are written by a panel of technical experts from the emergency apparatus and ambulance industry, certified emergency vehicle technicians, component systems experts and vocational educators.

Reference material lists and study objectives, on which the examinations are based, can be found here. These objectives should be used as a basis for preparing to take the EVT examinations. Each individual is encouraged to obtain the reference materials listed and review the objectives to ensure that he or she is ready to take an EVT exam. You must receive a 70% or better to pass an EVT exam.

How does the EVTCC certification program work?

The EVTCC Certification Program offers two options for emergency vehicle technicians to become certified.

• Option 1: Technicians may choose to take only EVT exams and become certified in the individual test areas. The technician will receive an EVT Test Certificate stating the area(s) in which he/she is certified.
• Option 2: Technicians may choose to obtain the highest EVT Certification by taking a combination of the EVT exams and the ASE (National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence) exams, or the appropriate Canadian Provincial License. These exams are used to identify the diagnostic and repair knowledge of vehicle maintenance and the specific levels of Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification. Level Certification will be granted to the technician who successfully completes these requirements. Technicians have the option of obtaining Level I, II, or Master EVT Technician in the Fire Apparatus, Ambulance Track, ARFF Vehicle Track and Law Enforcement Vehicle Track. See Certification Tracks for more information.

How to register for EVTCC examinations?

Either register online or complete an EVTCC Exam Registration Form and mail, email or fax it (mail a check or call to arrange payment) to the EVT Certification Commission. The registration form must be received at the EVT office at least 21 days prior to the scheduled exam date. There will be no “walk-in” registration. Confirmation of exam registration will be emailed to the technician within a week after registration is received.

Can I take multiple tests at one event?

Yes, but there is a limit. Four hours are allotted for each testing event. A time limit of two hours is allowed for each regular exam and 40 minutes is allowed for each re-certification exam. Any combination of regular and/or re-certification exams cannot exceed four hours. For instance, in the four-hour event a technician could take two regular exams, or six re-certification exams or a combination of one regular exam and three re-certification exams.

How to cancel an EVT exam?

You must call the EVT office if you are unable to attend an exam.

• Notify the EVT office at least 16 days in advance to receive a full refund or to transfer to a later exam date with no penalty.
• If you notify us 2-15 days before the exam date, a $25 charge fee will apply.
• If you notify us 1 day before the test date a $50 change will apply.
• You may forfeit your fees if you just do not show up. All of our proctors are volunteers and we are very concerned that they are not spending valuable time waiting. If you have an emergency at the last minute and cannot attend, please call the proctor ASAP at the number on your confirmation letter.

How to become a Level I, II, or Master EVT Certified Technician?

Apply for certification. Once all of the required exams, both ASE and EVT, for a specific level have been obtained, the technician will need to complete the EVTCC Certification Level Application Form (which will be sent with the letter stating that a test has been passed). Mail the completed application form, with copies of the required ASE or Canadian equivalency certificates, to the EVT Certification office. ASE or EVTCC exams may be taken in any order; however, the technician must apply for each level in sequence. For example, Level I requirements would have to be completed before applying for certification at Level II, and so forth. If an exam is not successfully completed, the technician will again register and pay the examination fees before retesting.

What is ASE?

The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence is another certification-offering corporation. EVTCC requires some of their certifications to complete Level certifications.

ASE’s primary function is to test and certify automotive technicians and heavy-­duty truck technicians. The ASE program consists of a series of exams that measure diagnostic and repair knowledge and skills in various technical areas. When a technician passes one or more tests, and has completed two years of related work experience, he/she receives documentation for those areas of certification.