Education · 1 of 5

The path

Two years gets you working. The fourth year, if you do it, is what moves you from technician to technologist.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Algebra, trigonometry and physics. Shop or robotics club if your school has one.

2. 2

   Associate degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology

   2 years

   Two years at a community college or technical school. Circuits, digital logic, instrumentation, and a lot of bench time.

3. 3

   First job as a technician

   Straight after graduating

   Test, assembly, calibration or field service. You learn the equipment your employer actually sells.

4. 4

   Certification

   1 to 3 years in

   ETA International (the Electronics Technicians Association) and the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies both run tiered credentials that employers recognize.

5. 5

   Four-year technology degree, if you want to lead

   2 years, optional

   Two more years, often part time and paid for by your employer. This is the step from technician pay to technologist pay.