The Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission tests are one of the most common ways for fire mechanics and emergency vehicle technicians to demonstrate their qualifications to work on emergency vehicles. If you've never taken these tests, here's a step-by-step guide to the ins and outs of the testing process.

Why Take the Tests?

There are lots of good reasons to take the tests including recognition of professional standing, improvement of skills and knowledge and the possibility of career advancement. Successful completion of one or more EVTCC tests provides tangible proof of your qualifications in those areas. It's something you can take home, hang on the wall or place in your permanent personnel file.

It's also something you and your department or company can use to establish your qualifications to inspect, diagnose, maintain, repair and test emergency vehicles as required in NFPA 1071 Standard for Emergency Vehicle Technician Professional Qualifications. That can be very important if an apparatus is ever involved in an accident.

What Tests to Take

Deciding which tests to take depends on the kind of vehicles you work on. Technicians who work on fire apparatus should take tests in the Fire Apparatus Technician certification track, which are known as the F-series of tests. Those who work on ambulances should take the E-series of tests, and those who work on ARFF vehicles should take the A-series. Additional certification tracks for law enforcement vehicles and fleet management are pending. (See Shop News in this issue).

Technicians may take the tests in any order, but many people find it easier to start with the lowest numbered test in the series and work through the other tests as needed.

How to Prepare

Each test has a statement of learning objectives and a list of reference materials to help technicians prepare. Technicians should obtain and review the reference materials before taking the test. Failure to adequately review the materials is one of the principal reasons people do not pass. Allow several weeks for the materials to arrive.

Technicians can either review the materials by themselves, or they can enroll in one of the many refresher classes offered throughout the year. (See Calendar of Events.) The classes last anywhere from a half-day to four days and each concentrates on a specific subject. The EVTCC test is usually offered immediately after the class while the information is still fresh in the students' minds.

How to Take the Tests

You must register with the EVTCC at least 21 days in advance of the test date to allow for your request to be processed and for you to receive a letter of confirmation. You may not register at the test site. Bring your confirmation letter and a photo ID to the test.

Each certification test consists of 50 to 100 questions; each re-certification test consists of 25 to 50 questions. The questions may be multiple choice, true-false or a choice between two statements. You should read each question completely, then read all the answers and select the one that is most correct. When reviewing diagrams or schematics, look at all possible situations. Answer every question, even if you have to guess -- a blank answer is counted as a wrong answer.

There is a time limit of two hours for each certification test and one hour for each re-certification test. The entire test session lasts a total of four hours, so students can take up to two certification tests, four re-certification tests or one certification and two re-certification tests per session. Keep track of time. Just before the end of the test period, go back and fill in any unanswered questions with your best guesses.

What to Do Next

If you pass the test, you will receive an EVT Test Certificate stating the area(s) in which you are now certified. Many technicians choose to take EVT tests over several years until they receive certification in every area of their chosen track -- fire apparatus, ambulance, ARFF or others.

Other technicians go on to achieve the highest EVT certification by taking both the EVTCC and the Automotive Service Excellence, or ASE, or appropriate Canadian Provincial License tests to become Level I, II or Master EVT-Certified Technicians. In order to receive these certifications, a technician must pass all tests required for a specific level and then submit an application to the EVTCC office.

Regardless of which path you choose, all technicians must re-certify their skills every five years to ensure their skills are still current. Those who are level-certified must also re-apply for continued level certification.

Looking Ahead

The next nationwide EVTCC test date is Oct. 16, 2004. Tests will be held at more than 150 locations throughout the United States and Canada. Special test sites are also available as part of several state emergency vehicle technician and fire mechanic association conferences, as well as many other events.

For more information, call the Emergency Vehicle Technician Certification Commission at 847-426-4075 or visit its Web site at www.evtcc.org.