Army COOL Snapshot - Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)

Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)

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)

The following Army Occupations provide training and/or experience that contributes to attaining this credential. Please review the "Civilian" tab, if present, for information about which DOL Job Families this credential falls under.

Personnel Category	Occupation	Occupation Type	Related As	CA Eligible	Promotion Points	Skill Level	Star
Enlisted	12P Prime Power Production Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	13B Cannon Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	13M Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS)/High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HiMARS) Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	13R Field Artillery (FA) Firefinder Radar Operator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14E PATRIOT Fire Control Enhanced Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14G Air Defense (AD) Battle Management System Operator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14H Air Defense (AD) Enhanced Early Warning System Operator	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14P Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Crewmember	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	14T PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15E Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15F Aircraft Electrician	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15J OH-58D/Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15L Armament/Electrical/Avionics Repair Supervisor	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15N Avionic Mechanic	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	15Y AH-64 Armament/Electrical/Avionics Systems Repairer	MOS	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	17E Electronic Warfare Specialist	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level III
Enlisted	18E Special Forces Communications Sergeant	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	1C Satellite Systems/Network Coordinator	ASI	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	1D Digital Media Collector (DMC)	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	1K Counter Radio Controlled Improvised Explosive Device EW (CREW) Master Gunner	ASI	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	25C Radio Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	25L Cable Systems Installer-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	25N Nodal Network Systems Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	25P Microwave Systems Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	25Q Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	25R Visual Information Equipment Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II	Star
Enlisted	25S Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	25U Signal Support Systems Specialist	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level I
Enlisted	35S Signals Collector/Analyst	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	35T Military Intelligence (MI) Systems Maintainer/Integrator	MOS	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level II
Enlisted	68A Biomedical Equipment Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level IV
Enlisted	6N THAAD Launching Control Station (LCS) Operator	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	7A THAAD Fire Control Communications (TFCC)/Radar Operator/Maintainer	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	89D Explosive Ordnance Disposal Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points	Skill Level I
Enlisted	91D Tactical Power Generation Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	91J Quartermaster and Chemical Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94A Land Combat Electronic Missile System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94D Air Traffic Control Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94E Radio Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94F Computer/Detection Systems Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94H Test, Measurement, and Diagnostic Equipment (TMDE) Maintenance Support Specialist	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94M Radar Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94P Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94R Avionic and Survivability Equipment Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94S PATRIOT System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94T Short Range Air Defense System Repairer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	94Y Automatic Test Systems Operator/Maintainer	MOS	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	A9 UH-60M Helicopter Qualification	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	E5 Instrument Maintenance (Power Station)	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	G9 Technical Surveillance Countermeasures (TSCM)	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	J2 Communications Cable and Antenna Systems Maintainer	ASI	Most	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	K2 Advanced Communications Signals Analysis	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	L8 Joint Operational Fires and Effects (JOFE)	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	S3 Electrical Equipment Maintenance (Power Station)	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	U2 SHADOW Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	U3 HUNTER Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS)	ASI	Some	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	U4 Power Line Distribution	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	X8 THAAD Launcher Operator/Maintainer	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Enlisted	Z8 Technical ELINT Collection and Analysis	ASI	Other	CA Eligible	Promo Points
Warrant Officer	140A Command And Control Systems Integrator	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	140K Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Tactician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	140L Air and Missile Defense (AMD) Systems Technician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	670A Health Services Maintenance Technician	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	913A Armament Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible
Warrant Officer	948D Electronic Missile Systems Maintenance Warrant Officer	WOMOS	Some	CA Eligible

This credential is related to the following DOL Job Families:

	Civilian Job	Job Family	Bright Outlook	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
	Electronics Engineering Technicians	Architecture and Engineering		Apprenticeship	find local salary

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

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

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: 4 years

Continuing Education
Exam
Continuing Education OR Exam
Fee
Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

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

Experience REQUIREMENTS

Candidate should have less than two years of experience or training.

Written Exam

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

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) examination:

Best Sources

General References

Related Courses
- ETA-I Accredited Course Approval Programs

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.

Testing Information

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

For more information on the Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) testing process, visit the agency website.

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:
- Contact ExamRoom.AI

RECERTIFICATION

Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5)

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) credential has the following recertification information:

To recertify, certification holders must submit ten hours of continuing education per year or the Employer Verification Form, and pay a recertification fee.

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.

Additional information can be found on the ETA-I website.

Additional considerations for the Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) include:

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.