Maintenance Technician Training & Certification
- What Does a Maintenance Technician Do?
- What You’ll Learn in Maintenance Technician Training
- Education & Program Options
- Skills You’ll Need to Succeed
- Certification & Licensing
- How to Become a Maintenance Technician
- Professional Associations & Resources
- Career Paths
- Related Skilled Trade Careers
- Find Maintenance Technician Programs Near You
Keep equipment running, keep industries moving.
Maintenance technicians inspect, troubleshoot, and repair machinery and systems in factories, facilities, and commercial buildings. This 2025 guide explains how to train, certify, and build a dependable career in maintenance and repair.
What Does a Maintenance Technician Do?
Maintenance technicians ensure that machines, tools, and building systems operate safely and efficiently.
Typical responsibilities include:
- Performing routine maintenance and repairs on equipment
- Diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical malfunctions
- Reading blueprints and technical manuals
- Installing new parts and performing preventative maintenance
- Maintaining HVAC, plumbing, or electrical systems in facilities
- Keeping detailed maintenance and safety records
Technicians work in manufacturing, commercial, or property management settings, keeping operations safe and productive.
What You’ll Learn in Maintenance Technician Training
Maintenance technician programs combine electrical, mechanical, and troubleshooting courses to build broad technical expertise.
Core topics include:
- Mechanical Systems: Bearings, hydraulics, and pneumatics
- Electrical Controls: Motors, circuits, and programmable logic controllers (PLCs)
- Preventive Maintenance: Scheduling, inspection, and performance checks
- HVAC & Plumbing Basics: Facility system operations
- Blueprint Reading & Technical Documentation: Interpreting schematics
- Safety & Compliance: OSHA standards and lockout/tagout procedures
Programs often include hands-on lab experience simulating real industrial maintenance tasks.
Education & Program Options
Maintenance training is available through trade schools, technical colleges, and apprenticeship programs.
Common training pathways:
- Certificate or Diploma Programs (6–12 months): Focus on repair fundamentals and safety
- Associate Degree in Industrial Maintenance (2 years): Includes automation and control systems
- Apprenticeships (2–4 years): Paid, supervised technical training
- Online or Hybrid Options: Flexible learning with in-person labs or externships
Employers often prefer candidates with both mechanical and electrical maintenance experience.
Skills You’ll Need to Succeed
Maintenance technicians blend technical know-how with strong problem-solving skills.
Top skills include:
- Mechanical and electrical troubleshooting
- Familiarity with PLCs, motors, and hydraulics
- Analytical thinking and adaptability
- Precision and attention to detail
- Safety awareness and teamwork
These abilities ensure quick, safe repairs and efficient facility operations.
Certification & Licensing
Certifications demonstrate technical proficiency and open doors to advancement.
Common credentials include:
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Technician (CMRT): SMRP credential for industry professionals
- EPA Section 608 Certification: Required for HVAC system work
- OSHA Safety Certification: Covers workplace safety and hazard procedures
- NCCER Maintenance Mechanic Certification: Nationally recognized technical training standard
Some employers also require forklift operation or confined-space safety certifications.
How to Become a Maintenance Technician
- Earn a high school diploma or GED with courses in math and shop
- Complete a technical training or industrial maintenance program
- Gain hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships
- Obtain certifications like CMRT or OSHA safety training
- Apply for positions in manufacturing plants or commercial facilities
- Continue skill development to specialize or move into supervisory roles
Many technicians advance into maintenance supervisor, reliability engineer, or facilities manager positions.
Maintenance Technician Salary & Job Outlook
Based on BLS occupation: Maintenance and Repair Workers, General (49-9071)
Data Year: 2024 • U.S.
Mean Pay (2024)
Wage Percentiles
Employment Outlook
Employment: 1,629,700 → 1,692,100 jobs by 2034 (3.8%)
159,800 projected openings each year
Additional Details
- Share of U.S. Employment
- 1.0%
- Employment per 1,000 Jobs
- 9.93
- Employment RSE
- 0.4%
- Projected Annual Openings
- 159,800
As automation and manufacturing systems expand, skilled maintenance technicians are increasingly essential to prevent downtime and maintain productivity across industries.
Professional Associations & Resources
- Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals (SMRP): CMRT certification and networking
- National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER): Standardized maintenance curricula
- Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC): Industrial maintenance credentials
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA): Safety certification resources
Career Paths
Maintenance technicians can advance or specialize in roles such as:
- Maintenance Mechanic or Millwright
- Industrial Electrician or PLC Technician
- HVAC or Facilities Maintenance Specialist
- Maintenance Supervisor or Reliability Engineer
- Plant Engineer or Operations Manager
With experience and ongoing certification, technicians can manage teams or transition into maintenance planning.
Related Skilled Trade Careers
Find Maintenance Technician Programs Near You
Ready to keep the world running smoothly?
Compare accredited maintenance technician programs near you to gain the skills, certifications, and confidence for a career in mechanical and industrial maintenance.
Related: Top Trade Schools · Skilled Trades Salary Guide
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