Press Releases
ABYC Marine Technician Certification Exams Now Offered
at 700+ National & International Locations
May 16, 2003, Edgewater, MD: In a major move to provide added convenience and reduce overall travel and lodging costs to marine technicians, the American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) announces that all four of its ABYC Technician Certification examinations can now be taken at any one of over 700 computer examination centers across the nation and Canada, including 30 overseas centers. This is made possible through a partnership with LaserGrade Computer Testing, Inc., of Vancouver, WA.
Marine technicians who work in boat service, repair, boat building, equipment design and manufacturing facilities and who want to be recognized as ABYC certified marine technicians can now go to one of a host of conveniently located examination centers to take any one or all of the following ABYC Certification Examinations:
- Electrical Certification;
- Diesel Engine & Support Systems Certification;
- Gasoline Engine & Support Systems; and
- Refrigeration and A/C Certification.
Technicians desiring to find a testing center in their local area need only to visit www.lasergrade.com, and click on "Quick Find", then enter a local zip code to find a listing of testing sites in their geographic area. While no in-depth computer knowledge is required, all testing will be computer-based and available in a proctored environment. Each testing center will have experienced proctors to assist and monitor test takers. ABYC will continue to use an "open book" policy for technicians taking these examinations.
Based on knowledge and experience level, marine technicians should still consider whether they should attend an appropriate ABYC certification course prior to testing. However, many professional marine technicians may now be able to "test-out" at a local examination center in lieu of taking the course. Course examination study guides remain available through ABYC to those interested in purchasing them. Technicians interested in capturing the knowledge quickly in a structured learning environment are encouraged to call the ABYC office for course registration instructions.
Bonnie Barsa, Education Director for ABYC said, "This will be extremely beneficial for those individual's who want to become ABYC certified, but due to time and travel restraints, have been reluctant to take an exam." Barsa continued, "From Alaska to Hawaii to Canada and beyond, interested parties no longer have to travel great distances to a test site."
Skip Burdon, President / CEO of ABYC stated "This added convenience to the Marine Technician who desires to be recognized throughout the industry is yet another step forward toward recognizing the importance of professional development within our industry."
The ABYC Marine Technician Certification program is designed to improve the quality and professionalism of boat maintenance and repair. Certification provides a standards-based, continuing education opportunity for marine technicians throughout the industry. ABYC certified technicians must renew their certification every five years.
Burdon continued, "In the past, ABYC certification exams have been limited to ABYC program and course locations. Using LaserGrade exam centers provides the wide flexibility that professional Marine Technicians need to create a recognized career path within the industry. Those in the workforce who go the extra mile to gain necessary knowledge and skill-sets deserve to be given every opportunity to be recognized for their efforts - and an ABYC Certified Technician is just that recognition. We are now making that opportunity much more convenient." "ABYC is excited to be partnering with LaserGrade, and is looking forward to providing such a beneficial service to the marine industry, without having to travel far from home," concluded Burdon.
LaserGrade Computer Testing, Inc. of Vancouver, WA is an international computer-based testing company with 700+ secure and supervised test centers worldwide. LaserGrade has been in the computer-testing business since 1995.
The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) is a not-for-profit organization that has been developing, writing and updating the safety standards for boat building and repair in the United States for nearly 50 years. ABYC is actively involved with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as well as certification programs for marine technicians. These standards are available on CD-ROM and in printed form. For more information on registration, you may call ABYC at (410) 956-1050. Membership and general information can be requested by also calling (410) 956-1050 or by visiting the ABYC Web Site at www.abycinc.org.
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