General Maintenance Mechanics

Certification or Licensing

There are some certification and training programs open to maintenance mechanics. BOMI International, for example, offers the designation of systems maintenance technician (SMT) to applicants who have completed courses in boilers, heating systems, and applied mathematics; refrigeration systems and accessories; air handling, water treatment, and plumbing systems; electrical systems and illumination; and building control systems. Technicians who have achieved SMT status can go on and become certified as systems maintenance administrators by taking further classes in building design and maintenance, energy management, and supervision. BOMI International also offer other certification programs. The Association for Facilities Engineering offers the certified plant engineer, certified professional maintenance manager, and certified professional supervisor designations to applicants who pass an examination and satisfy job experience requirements. The Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals offers the certified maintenance and reliability professional certified maintenance and reliability technician designations. While not necessarily required for employment, employees with certification may become more valuable assets to their employers and may have better chances at advancement.