Emergency vehicles require specialized technicians to maintain and repair their different systems. Formal training programs are available but uncommon, so aspiring technicians learn most of their skills through automotive service technology programs and then acquire training specific to emergency vehicles through on-the-job learning. Certification is also available.
Essential Information
An emergency vehicle technician, or EVT, is specially trained to service, repair and maintain emergency vehicles, such as fire trucks, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles. EVTs develop their skills on the job but commonly gain formal training from a vocational school or community college. Most EVTs earn professional certification in one or more specialty areas.
| Required Education | On-the-job training, high school diploma |
| Other Requirements | Certification |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | -4% (for auto service technicians and mechanics) |
| Median Wage (2021)** | $59,000 (for emergency vehicle technicians) |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **PayScale.com
Education Requirements for Emergency Vehicle Technicians
Emergency vehicle technicians generally hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Though uncommon, certificate and associate degree programs in emergency vehicle technology are available at some technical or vocational schools. Through coursework and hands-on practice, students learn to service and repair emergency vehicles and equipment.
Many EVTs complete general automotive service technology training at a vocational-technical school or community college. Certificate or associate degree programs in automotive service technology require between six months and two years to complete. Many employers provide specific on-the-job training in emergency vehicles.
Career Information
Job Description
EVTs are trained specifically to maintain and repair fire-fighting equipment and emergency vehicles, including fire trucks, ambulances and law enforcement vehicles. They diagnose, adjust, repair and service a variety of systems, including heating and air conditioning, engine and emission, suspension and steering, braking and electrical systems. Technicians inspect specialized equipment on the vehicles, such as hoses and fire extinguishers, and maintain records of their work.
An EVT may also be responsible for converting vehicles into police, fire and other emergency vehicles. While technicians typically work regular schedules in a repair shop, they may also have on-call hours to service damaged vehicles, make last minute repairs or perform test drives.
Professional Certification
EVT certification is a professional standard establishing an individual's qualifications in servicing and repairing emergency vehicles. Certification is available through the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and the EVT Certification Commission, Inc. (EVTCC). ASE certification requires two years of work experience in addition to passing exams in a specialty area. EVTCC certification is available at Level I, Level II or Master Level III in four specialty areas, which include aircraft rescue and fire-fighting vehicles, fire apparatus, ambulance and law enforcement vehicles.
To earn certification, candidates must complete either the designated EVTCC or ASE exams in each specialty. Higher certification levels require students to complete further coursework and pass more comprehensive exams. While there are no prerequisites to register for EVTCC exams, some levels require candidates to have already passed basic ASE exams.
EVT general training can take from 6 months to 2 years, not including the intensive training they receive once they're hired. Certification comes in three levels and in four specialty areas, allowing EVTs to specialize themselves in the specific categories of emergency response vehicles.
