Education · 1 of 5

The path

Short and cheap. One to two years of school, then the real learning happens on the equipment.

1. 1

   High school diploma

   Grade 12

   Algebra, physics and any shop or computer class. Take apart anything broken you are allowed to take apart.

2. 2

   Electronics program

   1 to 2 years

   A one-year certificate or a two-year associate degree in electronics technology at a community college or technical school. Digital logic, circuits, instrumentation and bench time.

3. 3

   Entry technician job

   First year

   Bench repair, calibration or assisting on service calls. Expect 6 to 12 months of learning your employer's equipment before you go out alone.

4. 4

   Certification

   1 to 3 years in

   The Certified Electronics Technician credentials from ETA International (the Electronics Technicians Association) start at an associate level and move up by specialty.

5. 5

   Specialist or field service

   3 to 5 years in

   Industrial controls, broadcast transmitters, medical equipment or automation. This is where the pay jumps.