Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician Becomes Primary Certification

The Aircraft Electronics Association announced its brand-new certification for the avionics industry, the Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician or CAET, at today’s opening day of the 68th Annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Phoenix, Arizona. The association developed and supports the credential and says it is now the primary certification for technicians.

The CAET is designed as a knowledge-based certification for entry-level technicians and involves a written exam that must be passed. The test is administered online through a new partnership between AEA and the Unmanned Safety Institute (USI).

The CAET is planned as the foundation for a series of stacking certifications that will eventually include the CAET-Advanced containing more in-depth knowledge and skills requirements and a practical test. The CAET-Pro certification follows that and is designed for experienced technicians and avionics managers. The CAET-Pro assesses the skills required for successful leadership of professional avionics teams.

Mike Adamson, President and CEO of AEA said, “The AEA is committed to supporting the growth and development of the aircraft electronics industry by providing high-quality training and certification programs.”

He added, “The launch of the CAET program is a significant step toward addressing the workforce shortage and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of business and general aviation. We expect avionics professionals will be able to take the initial certification exam in the second quarter of this year, and in the fall, we will launch the training and certification program in high schools and colleges through our partnership with USI.”

Josh Olds, Co-Founder, President, and CEO of USI said, “Beginning this fall, CAET training and exams will be available to USI’s network of schools and colleges. We envision this certification both as a stand-alone career track as well as a maintenance skill enhancement for those in our UAS programs. We are excited to partner with the AEA and provide the avionics industry with a standards-based certification that is the ultimate resource for growing a skilled workforce.”

FMI:  aea.net/