How to become an aerospace technician

Is becoming an aerospace technician right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do aerospace technicians do?

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How to become an Aerospace Technician

High School Diploma
In high school, aspiring aerospace technicians should pay particular attention to math and science courses in subjects such as geometry, calculus, trigonometry, physics, and chemistry. Also relevant are classes in drafting and information technology and computer programming.

After earning their high school diploma, aspiring aerospace technicians need to earn either an Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Technology. At the time of writing, the percentages of practising aerospace technicians who have an associate degree and a bachelor’s in the discipline are almost identical.

Students should seek out a program accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineers and Technology. It is also advisable to choose a school that offers a post-program internship placement.

Additionally, it is prudent to select an aerospace technology education program that prepares students for certification by SpaceTEC, which is accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). The SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician credential is the only FAA-recognized, national, performance-based credential tailored for the US aerospace and aviation industries.

Associate Degree in Aerospace Technology
Associate degree programs in aerospace technology provide students with foundational knowledge and skills in the discipline and prepare them for entry-level and some mid-level roles in the field. The associate curriculum also includes some general education classes, in subject areas like English, math, general science, and the social sciences.

Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Technology
Bachelor’s degree programs offer the most comprehensive curriculum in aerospace technology. In addition to technology, design, and manufacturing subjects, they typically introduce management topics such as operations and financial tools. Bachelor’s programs are also more likely to incorporate industrial placements or internships, through partnerships with engineering firms and organizations.

At the heart of any undergraduate program in aerospace technology are courses in:

  • Aerospace Technology and Industry
  • Mechanical Experimental Engineering
  • Engineering Statistics
  • Introduction to Design for Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Introduction to Manufacturing for Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Materials and Electrical Technology
  • Computing for Business and Technology
  • Introduction to Practical Safety for Engineers
  • Mathematics for Engineering
  • Aerospace Design Test and Certification
  • Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
  • Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM)
  • Product and Project Management
  • Principles of Aircraft Systems
  • Thermo-Fluid Experimental Engineering
  • Simulation and Analysis Techniques
  • Reliability Engineering
  • Instrumentation and Control Systems
  • Avionics Technology
  • Aerospace Performance and Manufacture
  • Aerospace Vehicle Design

Certification
Although not mandatory to work in the field, SpaceTEC, the National Science Foundation’s Center for Aerospace Technical Education offers a highly respected and recognized certification for aerospace technicians.

The SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician core exam is a three part exam consisting of a 70 question, computer based, written exam, followed by an oral and practical evaluation of an individual’s technical knowledge and skills. Recertification is required every three years.