Photonics technicians work in jobs where they assemble, measure, test, and repair optical components such as lenses, mirrors, filters, fiber optics and electro-optic or other photonics devices plus optical sources such as lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Technicians typically work in applications where photonics is an “enabling technology”- such as manufacturing/materials processing, internet/communications, biomedical equipment, and defense/homeland security systems development/integration. Due to the high technical standards and safety issues involved, technicians will receive specialized training in both knowledge and hands-on skill items.
The knowledge component comprises of four separate exams totaling 233 questions. These
four exams must be taken within a two year period.
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Photonics technicians work in jobs where they assemble, measure, test, and repair optical components such as lenses, mirrors, filters, fiber optics and electro-optic or other photonics devices plus optical sources such as lasers and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Technicians Specialists work in areas that utilize the skills and knowledge of the Operator Level, but also an additional higher level of optics, photonics physics and technology and that require a greater variety of hands-on competencies in laser and optical components and systems. They typically work in applications such as the following: research and development laboratory; product development, test, and production specialists who are team members for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of lasers, optics, and photonics components and systems; field service specialists for OEMs or companies that manufacture and/or utilize lasers, optics, and photonics components and systems. They are graduates of AAS degree programs that focus specifically on optics, lasers and photonics.
The knowledge component comprises of four separate exams totaling 297 questions. These
four exams must be taken within a two year period.
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Precision Optics Technicians produce, test, and handle optical (infrared, visible, and ultraviolet) components that are used in lasers and sophisticated electro‐optical systems for defense, homeland security, aerospace, biomedical equipment, digital displays, renewable energy production, and nanotechnology. POTs also integrate precision optical components into these electro‐optical systems and maintain them, including handling, storage and transport. POTs will also have experience in shaping, polishing, and coating precision optics; using optical instruments; understanding procedures and guidelines for verifying optical component dimensions and tolerances. These technicians have a greater range of hands-on competencies and experience with fabrication and test of a wider range of types of optics and optical coatings.
The knowledge component comprises of three separate exams totaling 225 questions. These
three exams must be taken within a two year period.
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Precision Optics technicians work in optical component fabrication technical areas in optical shops, optics manufacturers and in quality control departments (incoming and/or outgoing inspection) for organizations that incorporate precision optics into various systems. They must be able to examine the properties and uses of a variety of bulk materials; have experience in the use of equipment and procedures for shaping, polishing, and coating precision optics; and be able to use optical instruments, procedures and guidelines for verifying optical component dimensions and tolerances. They can also handle, store and ship precision optical components. Precision Optics Technicians have the minimum required hands-on competencies and experience with fabrication and test of fewer types of optics. Due to the high technical standards and safety issues involved, technicians will receive specialized training in both knowledge and hands-on skill items.
The knowledge component comprises of two separate exams totaling 98 questions. These
two exams must be taken within a two year period.
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Founded in 1978, ETA represents many different technical areas, from the technician and educator to the corporate institution.
Widely known for our vendor-neutral programs, and accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), ETA helps you validate your knowledge and excel in your field.
ETA has issued over 200,000 technical certifications covering more than 90 certification programs in a variety of technology fields. You can find ETA-certified professionals working for many well-known companies such as Motorola, Google, ESPN, and the United States Armed Forces.
Don't get your certification from a business that is run out of a basement. ETA technical certifications are accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC).
Certification competencies are a well-ordered categorized structural listing of knowledge, standards reference, industry best practices, testing, and troubleshooting subject items necessary to be proficient in a given technology. You can find the corresponding competency to each ETA certification in their respective information box, located to the right of the certification description. Certification examination questions are derived from their respective competencies. ETA subject matter experts (SMEs) are vital proponents developing and improving each competency.
ETA offers many of the suggested study materials (listed at the end of each of our competencies) in the ETA online store. If you don't see the specific book you are looking for, then please check online or at your local bookstore.
ETA understands each individual is different in regards to their experiences, education, and skill sets. That's why ETA does not require examinees to purchase study materials. By knowing the topics listed on the corresponding competency, an examinee can feel confident that they will succeed on the exam.
ETA publishes two books in-house for the popular Associate CET (CETa) basic electronics and Customer Service Specialist (CSS) workforce readiness certifications. Each of these study guides are written by industry professionals, and feature chapter quizzes and practice exams (actual certification examination questions are derived from their respective competencies). ETA members receive a discount on the ETA study guides. Bulk discounts are also available.
Once you have decided which ETA certification exam(s) you need to take, you will need to find an ETA test site near you to take the exam by using the ETA CA Locator.
Decide whether to take the exam online with Trapeza, ETA's online testing site, or on paper. A Certification Administrator must be present no matter which method of testing you select. You will then need to schedule a time to take the exam with your chosen Certification Administrator.
As provided for under the ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act), if you require special accommodations in order to complete the certification process, then please notify your Certification Administrator when scheduling your exam.
Rapid changes in technology and products have also changed the methods used in servicing them. ETA supports certification maintenance and aligns to the ISO 17024 standard. Certification maintenance is also required by ETA's accrediting body, the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC).
By maintaining your ETA certification, you provide verification that as a certified technician, you are keeping up with current technology and enhancing your abilities and knowledge.