MECP is a technical certification program which is owned and operated by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the same group that brings us the annual CES convention. MECP was established in 1991 by a group of 12-volt industry volunteers who strived to bring a new degree of professionalism to the mobile electronics industry. Technicians who achieve MECP certification have displayed a proficiency in a wide degree of job-related subject matter, and are investing in their career through education.
What levels of certification exist?
There are currently four levels of certification from MECP.
- The Mobile Product Specialist (MPS) Certification is for sales professionals in the industry. This exam contains 150 questions, and the certification is valid for four (4) years. If you are selling mobile electronics, this certification will make sure you understand what these products do and how they benefit the customer!
- MECP Basic Installation Technician Certification is the industry's "apprentice level" certification. This is what many of the industry training schools offer, as well as what many MECP-supporting retailers require as a prerequisite for employment. The exam covers basic electronics including Ohm's Law, series circuits, parallel circuits, shop safety, and the basics of the relevant technologies installation technicians work with every day including autosound, security, navigation, and wireless communications. This exam contains 150 questions, and the certification is valid for two (2) years. It is also necessary to obtain this certification before moving up to Advanced Installation Technician.
- The MECP Advanced Installation Technician Certification requires a minimum of one (1) year's experience working professionally in the field and a current MECP Basic Certification. The certification is much more applicable to technicians who have both foundational knowledge and on-the-job experience. This exam covers a greater depth of electronics and vehicle electrical systems, installation knowledge and technique, mobile audio and video systems, security and remote starters, in-vehicle information systems, and troubleshooting installations of all those disciplines. This exam contains 200 questions, and the certification is valid for four (4) years. It is also necessary to obtain this certification before moving up to Master Installation Technician.
- The MECP Master Installation Technician Certification is the "best of the best." This certification requires a current Advanced Installation Technician Certification and three (3) years of on-the-job experience to take the exam. Several outside reading resources are recommended before attempting this test, including the Loudspeaker Design Cookbook by Vance Dickason; Understanding Automotive Electronics, Sixth Edition by William Ribbens and How to Diagnose and Repair Automotive Electrical Systems by Tracy Martin. These reading resources are for experienced technicians and rely upon the participant's on-the-job experiences for comprehension. Of course, a working knowledge of the broad range of modern mobile electronic products and how they install into today's vehicles is also required to do well on this exam. The MECP Master Installation Technician Exam is a very exclusive credential, mainly geared toward the electrical and troubleshooting side of the discipline, including master-level troubleshooting, audio, electronic components, OEM audio and video integration, security/remote start, wireless communications with modern technologies, and vehicle electrical systems. This exam currently contains 200 questions, and the certification is valid for four (4) years. Typically, a specialist retailer who is fortunate enough to have someone with Master Installation Technician credentials on staff enjoys a higher end clientele who can appreciate the expertise and knowledge built upon the fundamentals. MECP Master Installation Technicians are the best in the business!
If you are curious about more in-depth information regarding MECP or the certification process, there is a multitude of information provided on their website!