What Does It Take to Become a Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician?

An apartment maintenance technician is responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs in a residential apartment complex. This may include tasks such as fixing plumbing and electrical issues, painting and drywall repairs, changing light bulbs, and maintaining HVAC systems. They may also be responsible for performing regular preventative maintenance on the building's systems and equipment. Additionally, they may handle emergency repairs and be on call for after-hours maintenance needs.

Becoming a certified apartment maintenance technician typically requires a combination of education and on-the-job training. Here are some steps you can take to become a certified apartment maintenance technician:

1. Get a high school diploma or equivalent: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically the minimum education requirement for becoming a maintenance technician. Some high schools offer vocational or technical programs that can provide a foundation for a career in maintenance.
2. Gain relevant experience: Some entry-level maintenance technician positions may only require a high school diploma or equivalent, but many employers prefer to hire candidates with some relevant experience. You can gain this experience by working in related fields, such as construction, manufacturing, or facility management.
3. Get post-secondary education: Some maintenance technicians may choose to pursue post-secondary education to gain a deeper understanding of the technical skills they need to perform their job. This can include vocational programs in fields such as HVAC, electrical, or mechanical systems.
4. Get on-the-job training: Many maintenance technicians receive on-the-job training from their employer. This training can include learning how to safely and effectively use tools and equipment, as well as learning how to troubleshoot and repair specific types of equipment.
5. Get certified: To become a certified apartment maintenance technician, you need to get certified with an organization such as National Apartment Association (NAA) which provides certifications such as the Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician (CAMT) or the National Center for Housing Management (NCHM) which provides the Certified Apartment Maintenance Supervisor (CAMS) certification. Certification exams typically cover topics such as building systems, safety, and regulations, as well as technical skills and knowledge related to specific types of equipment and facilities.
6. Look for job opportunities and apply: Once you've completed your education, training, and certification, you can begin looking

Note: The time it takes to become a certified apartment maintenance technician can vary depending on the certification program you choose.

Some organizations and certifying bodies offer certification programs specifically for apartment maintenance technicians. These programs may require a certain level of experience and education, and they may include an exam that tests the candidate's knowledge of building systems, equipment, and regulations. The length of the program and the time required to prepare for the exam can vary.

For example, one certifying body, National Apartment Association (NAA) offers the National Apartment Maintenance Technician (NAMT) certification, which is a self-study program. It includes a comprehensive online course, a study guide and an online exam. The online course typically takes about 30 hours to complete, and the exam is 2 hours long.

Another certifying body, the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) offers a certification in Maintenance Technician. This program includes a series of assessments that cover various maintenance topics, including electrical, HVAC, plumbing and carpentry. The time required to complete the program can vary depending on the individual candidate's prior knowledge and experience, but it is typically around 80 hours of training.

To sum up, it could take a few months to a year to become a certified apartment maintenance technician, depending on the specific certification program and the amount of time and effort the candidate is willing to put into studying and preparing for the exam.