Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)
Credential: Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)
Credentialing Agency: Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The EM5 can be a stand-alone certification for candidates requiring a narrower set of knowledge and skills or it can be part of the EM program, which requires that candidates attain five modules towards the eventual goal of achieving ETA’s Associate level certification (CETa). Candidates must pass a written examination.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)
Attainability: 
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience: 2 years
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
Renewal Period: 4 years
- Continuing Education
- Exam
- Continuing Education OR Exam
- Fee
- Other
Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (800) 288-3824
Fax: (765) 653-4287
Email: eta@eta-i.org
Candidate should have less than two years of experience or training.
-
Soldering, Desoldering and Tools
-
Describe solder safety as it pertains to burns and potential fires or damage to facilities or customer products
-
Explain the cause of solder fumes and the effects of lead poisoning
-
List causes and precautions to prevent or reduce solder splatter
-
Explain the reasons for flux usage and describe types
-
List types of solder and reasons for choosing each
-
Explain heat shunts, why and how they are used
-
Describe cold solder joints and explain causes
-
Describe the differences between good and bad mechanical and electrical solder connections
-
Describe proper care of solder and de-solder equipment and aids
-
Explain de-soldering principles
-
Describe various types of de-soldering equipment and how they are used
-
Describe the use of braid-wick solder removers
-
Electrical Conductors
-
Define insulation resistance and dielectric strength
-
Define mil-foot, square mil, circular mil and the mathematical equations for calculations for each
-
Explain the meaning of “resistivity”
-
Explain the American Wire Gauge system and how to measure wire using the AWG system
-
Explain the factors required in selecting proper size wire
-
State the advantages and disadvantages of copper, aluminum, and silver as conductors
-
Describe the effects that temperature coefficient of a given wire type can have on its operation
-
Describe types of insulation and factors in their selection for use
-
Describe conductor types, both solid and stranded, as well as the various bundling techniques
-
Describe the proper splicing and termination techniques for both solid and stranded conductors
-
Describe each of the following cable types, their construction, use, and termination:
– Coaxial cable
– Unshielded twisted pair
– Shielded twisted pair
-
AC Power Distribution
-
Describe the design of both single phase and multiphase AC power distribution
-
Describe the typical use of both single phase and multiphase AC power distribution
-
Describe the typical control and circuit protection devices used for AC power distribution
-
Circuit Protection
-
Describe the physical design of fuses and their current and voltage rating systems
-
Describe the numbering marking system used with fuses and their schematic symbols
-
Describe the physical design and current and voltage rating system of circuit breakers
-
Describe the numbering marking system used with circuit breakers and their schematic symbols
-
Circuit Controls
-
List the general types of circuit control devices and their use
-
Identify the schematic symbol for a switch, solenoid, and relay
-
Describe the operating principles and characteristics of a solenoid, relay, and switch
-
State the meaning of current and voltage ratings for a switch, solenoid, and relay
-
Generators
-
DC generators:
– State the principal by which generators convert mechanical energy to electrical energy
– State the left hand rule for generators
– Explain the process of commutation in DC Generators
– Describe the design and operation of a DC generator
– Describe the voltage and current variation from no load to full load in a DC generator
– Describe how and why field strength can and may be varied in a DC generator
– Describe the construction and operation of series wound, shunt wound, and compound wound generators
-
AC generators:
– Describe the principle of magnetic induction as it applies to AC generators
– Describe the construction and operation of both rotating-armature and rotating-field alternators, and the advantages of each design
– Describe the construction and operation of single-phase, two-phase, and three phase alternators
– Describe the construction, operation and advantage of both delta and wye three-phase connections for AC generators
– Explain the principles of voltage control with AC generators
-
Motors
-
DC motors:
– State the factors that determine the direction of rotation of DC motors
– State the right hand rule for motors
– Explain the process of commutation in DC motors
– Describe the construction and operational characteristics of series, shunt, and compound DC motors
– Describe speed and direction control techniques for DC motors
-
AC motors
– Describe the construction and operational characteristics of single-phase, two-phase, and three-phase AC motors
– Describe the construction, operation and advantage of both delta and wye three-phase connections for AC motors
– State the primary application of synchronous motors
– Describe the construction and operational characteristics of induction motors
-
Interfacing of Electronics Products
-
List input circuit signal levels which may be expected for various common electronics products or test equipment
-
List anticipated signal or voltage levels for output circuits in audio and video equipment
-
Explain the importance of impedance matching; list causes of mismatches
-
Explain the purposes of plugs and connectors and why it is necessary to use the proper ones
-
Explain grounding, proper and improper methods, and the results of power source mismatch
-
List potential signal conflict symptoms
-
List common wiring and splicing conventions for POTS (plain old telephone service)
-
Technician Work Procedures
-
Explain major invoice and billing concepts for service businesses
-
Describe ways to procure service literature
-
Describe how to locate and cross-reference parts and products in catalogs
-
Explain the purposes and requirements for proper record keeping
-
Calculate individual and departmental productivity for a specific period
-
Describe how to contact product maker help desks and service departments
-
Explain estimate concepts for service work
-
Describe field technician work procedures which may differ from in-shop routines
-
Explain project management and list steps to follow to achieve maximum results
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) examination:
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the
Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
-
Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
-
Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
ExamRoom.AI
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the ExamRoom.AI website:
Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) credential has the following recertification information:
-
ETA-I allows certification holders to renew either annually or every four years. If a certification holder recertifies annually, ETA-I renews membership. If he/she recertifies every four years, initial membership expires after the one-year anniversary and will not be renewed until he/she recertifies at the end of the four-year time period.
- To provide a path for the technician leading to the Associate CET (CETa) credential, the five BASIC modules of the Associate CET can be acquired individually through the Electronics Modules (EM1-5) program. Once a technician attains all five module certifications, ETA issues an official Associate CET certification. Note that all five EM modules must be current.
MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
This is an official U.S. Army website
Updated: January 07, 2021
Army Table Legend
Related As
The military occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of four ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience.
CA Eligible
This column indicates that the credential is eligible for CA.
Promotion Points
This credential has been approved for promotion points for this MOS towards promotion to Sergeant and Staff Sergeant. Clicking the Promotion Points icon will open a link to the promotion points fact sheet.
Skill Level Designation
Skill Level I
This skill level consists of all Soldiers in the ranks of Private (pay grade E-1) up to Specialist (pay grade E-4). Time in Service (TIS) is generally between initial entry and four Years of Service (YOS). This skill level is Entry-level positions requiring performance of tasks under direct supervision.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level I
- Basic Leader Course (BLC)
Skill Level II
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Sergeant (paygrade E-5). TIS is generally between 4-8 YOS. Positions requiring performance of more difficult tasks under general supervision; and in some instances, involving supervision of Soldiers in SL1.
Institutional training:
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level II
- Advance Leader Course (ALC)
Skill Level III
This skill level is obtained when promoted to Staff Sergeant (paygrade E-6). TIS is generally between 8-12 YOS. Positions requiring performance of still more difficult tasks and involving first line supervision of Soldiers in SL1 & SL2.
Institutional training:
- Senior Leader Course (SLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level III
Skill Level IV
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeant First Class (paygrade E-7). TIS is generally between 12-18 YOS. Positions requiring relatively detailed knowledge of all tasks specified for a given MOS, normally involving first-line supervision of Soldiers in SLs 1, 2, and 3, and involving managerial duties.
Institutional training:
- Master Leader Course (MLC)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level IV
- Senior Enlisted Joint Professional Military Education (SEJPME) I Course
Skill Level V
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Master Sergeant (paygrade E-8). TIS is generally between 18-22 YOS. Positions requiring direct and indirect leadership roles with expertise in company and battalion-level operations and competency across a given CMF, serving as members of a staff at every level in the Army, with a full understanding of the allocation of resources and their utilization in order to accomplish Army functions and missions.
Institutional training:
- United States Army Sergeants Major Academy (USASMA)
- Structured Self-Development (SSD) level V
Skill Level VI
This skill level is obtained when promoted to the rank of Sergeants Major (paygrade E-9). TIS is generally between 22-30 YOS. Positions requiring organizational leadership roles with multi-dimensional expertise in units and teams on division, corps, and Army staffs, integrated with Joint, Interagency, Intergovernmental, and Multinational (JIIM) partners with a full understanding of the Force Generation process, operations at all echelons, and how the Army runs.
Star Credential
Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improve the MOS technical proficiency.
Gap Analysis
A detailed analysis comparing the credential requirements to the military occupation has been completed. Click on the gap analysis icon to view the analysis page.
Federal Occupations Table Legend
Related As
The federal occupations shown in this table are related to this credential in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
This credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the federal occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
SOME
This credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the federal occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for it.
OTHER
This credential is related to this federal occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will most likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Bright Outlook
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
Top