Still Not Sure Which Path to Choose?
The ABYC Education Department can help you choose the certification and learning option that best fit your experience and goals.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 410-990-4460, ext. 4002
Choose Your Certification Path
Choose the path that works best for your schedule, experience and learning style
Take a Live Class
Learn from an experienced instructor during scheduled online live class
Learn On Demand
Complete an available certification course online at your own pace – View Upcoming Classes
Self-Study
Purchase a study guide, prepare independently and arrange to take the certification exam remotely.
Training Multiple Employees?
Bring dedicated ABYC
certification training to your organization.
How ABYC Certification Works
Choose
Select the certification that best matches your work and goals.
Prepare
Take a live class, on-demand course, or study independently.
Test
Each certification requires a passing score on the applicable ABYC exam.
Get Certified
After you pass, you will receive a Technician or Advisor designation based on your experience and the type of work you perform.
Option 1:
Take a Live Certification Class
Best for people who want an instructor, a set schedule
and the opportunity to ask questions
- Choose an upcoming class
- Register
- Attend the scheduled sessions
- Complete the certification exam
The schedule, format, pricing and included materials are listed
on each class registration page.
Option 2:
Take an On-Demand Certification Course
Best for people who want to learn at their own pace.
You can work through the course material when it fits your schedule while still following an organized certification curriculum. Not every ABYC Certification is currently available in an on-demand format.
How It Works
- Choose an available on-demand certification course
- Purchase and complete the course
- Follow the course instructions to take the certification exam
Option 3:
Self-Study and Take the Exam
Best for experienced technicians who do not need a full instructor-led course.
You are not required to take a class before sitting for an ABYC certification exam. With the self-study option, you can purchase the applicable study guide, prepare on your own and then arrange to take the exam using ABYC’s online proctoring service.
Self-study candidates take the same certification exam as students enrolled in a full class. Because the exams are comprehensive, careful preparation is strongly recommended.
How It Works
- Choose the certification you want to earn
- Purchase the applicable study guide
- Prepare independently
- Contact the ABYC Education Department to purchase the exam
- Schedule and complete the remotely proctoredexam
What You Will Need
- A desktop or laptop computer
- A webcam and microphone
- Google Chrome
- A government-issued photo ID
- One computer monitor
Certification Training for Your Team
Dedicated training can help your organization:
- Build consistent technical knowledge across the team
- Reduce travel and scheduling challenges
- Demonstrate a commitment to standards and safety
Frequently Asked Questions
A live online class meets with an instructor on scheduled dates and times. An on-demand course is completed independently and does not require you to attend scheduled sessions.
No. Only select certification courses are available in an on-demand format. Check the ABYC Online Learning for current options.
Yes. You can purchase the applicable study guide, prepare independently and contact ABYC to purchase and schedule your exam.
Yes. ABYC Members can arrange dedicated certification training at their facility or online.
ABYC Certifications are valid for five years. The ABYC/MRAA Service Management Certification does not expire
Technicians perform hands-on troubleshooting, service, repair or equipment installation on boats. Advisors use marine technical knowledge in positions such as surveying, management, customer service, engineering or compliance but do not regularly perform hands-on service work.
Visit the ABYC Recertification page for current exam and continuing education requirements – View Recertification Information