Home Appliance Repairers

Overview Nature of Work Knowledge Areas Skills Utilized Job Activities Abilities Job Conditions Work Satisfaction Education/Training

Educational Attainment Breakdown for Home Appliance Repairers College or Higher 4.8% Some College 30.9% High School or Less 64.3%

Most Significant Source of Postsecondary Education or Training
Data unavailable
Source: U.S. Department of Labor

Most entry-level workers in this profession enter without any specific training or experience and learn on the job, although employers prefer to hire those who have completed programs in electronics or appliance repair. A driver's license and good customer service skills are essential to work on appliances in customer's homes.

Education and training. Most home appliance repair technicians enter the occupation with a high school diploma or its equivalent and little training in repairing appliances. Most learn their jobs while working with more experienced workers and by attending in-house classes sponsored by the employer. Some appliance manufacturers and employers have formal training programs that include home study and shop classes, in which trainees work with demonstration appliances and other training equipment. Many technicians also receive supplemental instruction through 2- or 3-week seminars conducted by appliance manufacturers. Technicians authorized for warranty work by manufacturers are required to attend periodic training sessions. Training can last from several months to a few years.

In businesses that fix portable appliances in a repair shop, trainees work on a single type of appliance, such as a vacuum cleaner, until they master its repair. Then they move on to others, until they can work on all appliances repaired by the shop.

While on-the-job training is the most common method of training, employers prefer to hire workers that have attended high school or postsecondary vocational or technical programs in electronics or appliance repair. These programs can last 1 to 2 years and include courses in basic electricity and electronics as most home appliances contain electronic components. These programs can help reduce the amount of on-the-job training required for entry-level workers.

Most home appliance repair technicians will need to take periodic classes throughout their careers to keep their skills up to date and to be able to repair the latest home appliance models.

Licensure. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has mandated that all repair technicians who buy or work with refrigerants pass a written examination to become certified in proper refrigerant handling. Exams are administered by EPA-approved organizations, such as trade schools, unions, and employer associations. There also are EPA-approved take-home certification exams. Although no formal training is required for certification, many of these organizations offer training programs designed to prepare workers for the certification examination.

Certification and other qualifications. A helpful manner with customers and good communication skills are essential for those who work in clients' homes. Technicians must be courteous and tactful. They must also be dependable. A driver's license with a clean driving record is also usually required to drive to customers' homes, and some employers may require a background check and drug test. Mechanical and electrical aptitudes are desirable. Those who are self-employed need good business and financial skills to maintain a business. Membership in a trade association can help business owners learn from others in the field.

Home appliance repair technicians may demonstrate their competence by passing one of several certification examinations offered by various organizations. Although voluntary, such certifications can be helpful when seeking employment. The National Appliance Service Technician Certification (NASTeC), which is administered by the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET), requires technicians to pass a comprehensive examination that tests their competence in the diagnosis, repair, and maintenance of major home appliances. The Professional Service Association (PSA) administers a similar certification program based on skill competencies developed by the industry and updated annually. Those who pass the PSA examination can earn the Master Certified Appliance Professional (MCAP) designation.

Advancement. Technicians in large shops or service centers may be promoted to supervisor, assistant service manager, or service manager. Some technicians advance to managerial positions such as regional service manager or parts manager for appliance or tool manufacturers. Experienced technicians who have sufficient funds and knowledge of small-business management frequently open their own repair shops.

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