ABYC certification classes/tests

Any recommendations for obtaining ABYC certifications in electrical or other systems. Brief search shows several routes, classes with test, online with proctored tests etc. I am looking for opinions of the different choices as far as costs and locations. Also any possible scam operations or dubious groups to steer clear of.
I have 40 years of commercial/industrial HVAC experience, would like to get up to speed on the regulations specific to the marine industry.
I have been a live aboard for a year now and would like to start doing some marine work to supplement my income, and provide assistance to friends and fellow boaters.

All input appreciated!

Tom

In person classes are a thing of the past. ABYC was phasing these out prior to the pandemic.

With your background I recommend that you use the online with proctored test pipeline. Challenging the test without an in-depth knowledge of the ABYC Standards, even with a vast commercial background, is very, very difficult. There are just too many nuances between shoreside electrical systems and what we do afloat.

PM me if you need more info.

Thanks Charlie, I agree. I want to learn it, not just pass the tests. I know enough to know that I don't know enough! I'll shoot you a PM

You'll want to go directly to the ABYC website and not any other source.
The test was hard but if you understand the content it's not that bad.

I recently did the self study and online proctor-u test route and passed just fine. I looked into the online classes but they just didn't fit my schedule. The ABYC web site does have some small pre-check tests that are intended to give an idea of your existing knowledge, you might start there to gauge your existing knowledge.

I supposed it depends on your learning style and what works for you. I have a technical background and have looked to ABYC standards when working on my personal boats over the years so was pretty comfortable with the standards to begin with.

Of course you want to know the material and not just pass the test.
If you learn best with a class definitely go the online class route.
If you learn by reading and researching yourself, then study guide is a fine route too, the information is the same.

I found the ABYC self study guide to be pretty straight forward and it does contain the vast majority of the info on the test questions. The test itself is open book so you can refer to the self study guide when taking the exam, but I do not think it would be possible to pass the test without knowing the data as it is timed and you wouldn't be able to search for all the answers in the given time.

Cheers,
ted

Thanks Ted, thats what I was looking for. I will check out the ABYC website.

Are there other requirements to become certified other than the study of material and passing the test? There are work requirements under a current professional in some of the other disciplines I have certifications in. The reason I ask is that my interest in it is not for economic gain but just to learn more about something I find extremely interesting. Having said that, attaining the certification would be nice.

They have two designations Advisor and Technician. After passing the test there is a work verification form that you fill out (2 years or work I believe) if you want the Technician designation, else you get the Advisor designation.

I'm the same as you in that I don't work on boats for others... for pay anyway so I was given the Advisor designation.

It's described on their web site here:
https://abycinc.org/page/Certifications

Cheers,
ted

theoWjr said:

They have two designations Advisor and Technician. After passing the test there is a work verification form that you fill out (2 years or work I believe) if you want the Technician designation, else you get the Advisor designation.

I'm the same as you in that I don't work on boats for others... for pay anyway so I was given the Advisor designation.

It's described on their web site here:
https://abycinc.org/page/Certifications

Cheers,
ted

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Thank you Ted! I will go for the Advisor role. Nate