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Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) — Information & Free Practice

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About Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)

Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · US

Key exam facts

Provider
ETA International — certification examination owner and developer; Certification Administrators proctor, with ExamRoom.AI providing an optional remote proctoring service.
Format
Proctored knowledge examination, on paper or online through Trapeza; remote proctoring is available for this non-hands-on examination. Item types are not specified in the reviewed CETa exam entry and competency publication.
Exam questions
Total questions: 100.
Time limit
2 hours of testing time.
Passing score
75% passing score.
Exam fee
$65 for the CETa examination in ETA's US listing (dollar symbol as published); the Associate exam is half price when taken with a Journeyman certification at the same time. Optional ExamRoom.AI proctoring adds $16 for a two-hour exam.

Topics covered

  • Safety Precautions

    • Describe the physiological reactions electrical shock causes
    • Explain the First Aid concepts and its particular importance to workers in electric and electronics fields explaining precautions for the untrained
    • Explain the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA ® ) 70 rules described as the National Electrical Code ® - NEC ® , explaining how technicians comply with safety and installations
    • Describe fusing and circuit breaker rules and reasons for different type of fuses
    • Explain static causes, electrostatic discharge and CMOS damage prevention straps, mats and grounding
    • List tools hazards which are associated with technician activities in the workplace and in the field
    • Describe lockout/tag out rules for potentially unsafe electrical or mechanical hazards
    • Explain RF transmitter and transmission hazards and precautions including MPE (maximum permissible exposure)
    • List optical fibers hazards to skin and eyes
    • Explain personal protection needed by technicians:
    • List ladder handling and usage (ANSI A14) and OSHA working at heights safety rules
    • List service vehicle safety concerns such as ladder or transporting security and flying objects, driver screens inside the vehicle
    • Differentiate the classes of fires (A, B, C, D & K) and the types of extinguishers used to fight them
    • Explain emergency responses/treatments for the above safety issues

  • Electrical Theory

    • Describe atomic structure, the components of the atom, their charges and importance to electronics technology
    • Describe the principles of electromagnetism
    • Explain uses for magnetism in electronics technology
    • Explain basic uses for electricity
    • Describe the basic methods of using electricity to operate a motor and how mechanical motion causes a generator to produce electrical current
    • Explain the differences between current, voltage and resistance
    • Differentiate between the types of resistive materials and how resistors are used in electronics
    • Describe the different purposes for capacitors and list common types and construction
    • Explain how inductance relates to magnetism and describe coil construction, cores and usages
    • Compare reactance and resistance and describe current/voltage relationships
    • Compare impedance with reactance and resistance and then explain the causes and effects of impedance, combined reactance
    • List voltage sources, AC and DC, batteries and natural generation
    • List Ohm’s law formulas for current, voltage, resistance and power
    • Explain how to calculate power consumption and requirements

  • Electronic Components

    • Identify resistors as to type and applications
    • Identify capacitor types and list common usages
    • Identify inductor types and reasons for various core materials
    • Identify common types of transformers and list uses for each
    • Identify transistors as to type, usage, biasing and applications:
    • Identify multi-junction semiconductors as to type and applications:
    • Identify various diode types: Silicon, Schottky, Germanium, LED, photo, Zener
    • Describe types of integrated circuits (I.C.), such as microprocessors, identifying the basic components and pin-outs
    • Describe various relay types

  • Electronic Circuits: Series and Parallel

    • Identify and describe the operation of common DC circuits
    • Identify and describe the operation of common AC circuits
    • Explain how series circuits, R, L, C are used in electronics equipment
    • Explain how parallel circuits, R, L, C are used in electronics equipment, loads
    • Explain the purpose of oscillators: crystal use
    • Differentiate between oscillators and multivibrators
    • Classify circuits as inductive, capacitive and resistive
    • Explain resonance and show how to calculate resonant frequency
    • Describe polar and rectangular presentations of L, R, C circuits
    • Explain Kirchhoff’s law and its importance to electronics technicians
    • Explain the purposes and types of differentiator or integrator circuits
    • Describe the sections of a PLL (phase locked loop) circuit and PLL circuit use
    • Describe filter circuits, why and how they are used
    • Explain wave-shaping circuits and explain their purposes
    • Describe the relationships between bandwidth and “Q” in an electronics circuit
    • Explain the piezoelectric effect
    • Explain series and parallel calculations for resistive networks; voltage drop, etc

  • Soldering - Desoldering Tools

    • Describe solder safety as it pertains to burns and potential fires or damage to facilities or customer products
    • Explain the cause of solder fumes and the effects of lead poisoning
    • List causes and precautions to prevent or reduce solder splatter
    • Explain the reasons for flux usage and describe types
    • List types of solder and reasons for choosing each
    • Explain heat shunts (clip-on heat sinks), why and how they are used
    • Identify cold solder joints and explain causes
    • Describe the differences between good and bad mechanical and electrical solder connections
    • Describe proper care of solder and de-solder equipment and aids
    • Explain de-soldering principles
    • Describe various types of de-soldering equipment and how it is used
    • Demonstrate the use of solder-wick

  • Block Diagrams - Schematics - Wiring Diagrams

    • Describe common electrical/electronic symbols
    • Explain block diagrams use for troubleshooting and maintenance of electronics products
    • Explain the differences between wiring diagrams, schematics and block diagrams
    • Describe the purpose and use of test points and indicate their likely placement on schematics
    • Point out common drafting principles used for electronic and electrical drawings
    • Explain methods used for signal tracing
    • Describe basic building and house wiring concepts and explain why technicians need to be familiar with them
    • Explain use of schematics to locate component and wiring failures in electronics products
    • Explain the methods of using flow diagrams/charts
    • Describe basic wiring concepts for I.C. types and pinouts

  • Cabling

    • List wire types and construction
    • List wire gauges used for various purposes
    • Explain construction of coaxial cable and the impedance characteristics
    • List common identifications for copper cables in standards, such as #18 and #24 diameter in the American Wire Gauge (AWG) and UTP cable in ANSI/TIA 568
    • Explain major differences between copper, coaxial and fiber optic cables
    • Describe impedance and its causes:
    • Explain the effects of proper and improper termination
    • Explain the purposes and types of cabling grounding (bonding) and common conventions used in electrical / electronic work
    • Describe splicing knowledge and ability of coaxial and copper cable
    • Briefly explain testing methods for all three types of cables and compare decibel (dB) loss measurements and techniques
    • Compare the fittings and connectors used in cabling and list potential defects a technician may encounter
    • Describe proper crimping of communications wiring connectors
    • Explain how cable prep tools are used and demonstrate proper and improper crimp applications

  • Test Equipment and Measurements

    • Describe how digital and analog meters operate
    • Explain meter construction and components
    • Identify meter protection, safety and usage
    • Explain care of equipment and test leads
    • List the purposes and types of signal generators
    • Describe meter loading and precautions
    • Explain the purposes of frequency counters and list their limitations
    • Explain what R-C-L substitution equipment is and its purposes
    • Explain ESR (Equivalent Series Resistance) capacitance measurement equipment
    • List the uses and precautions for logic test probes
    • Explain how logic pulsers are used
    • Describe oscilloscope uses:
    • Describe spectrum analyzer uses and operation
    • Define dummy load; show where and why used
    • Explain reasons for using rheostats, isolation transformers and variacs and why size matters
    • Explain how a potentiometer functions and its use as a variable voltage divider

  • Mathematics and Formulas

    • Quote Ohm’s law formulas for power, voltage, current and resistance and solve for circuit values
    • List other common basic electronic formulas
    • Explain how to calculate wavelength, frequency and power values
    • Convert binary, decimal, octal, hexadecimal numbers
    • Explain Boolean algebra and its use in digital circuitry
    • Explain decibels (dB) and show reasons for using dBs in signal level, power and audio calculations
    • Explain how graphs are used to demonstrate electronics functions
    • Explain the International System of Units (SI) prefixes (metric) and conversions
    • Define exponents (powers of 10) and their calculations

  • Power Supplies

    • Explain shock hazards when servicing power supplies in electronic equipment
    • Describe the differences between transformer powered supplies and line-connected supplies
    • Describe battery supplies and list common usages:
    • Explain the reasons for filtering, describe hum, and identify common filter types:
    • Explain the reasons for power supply regulation and list common components used in regulated supplies
    • Explain the term ‘Integrated high voltage transformer’ supply and explain how it differs from direct or other power supply types
    • Explain how multiple output supplies can supply more than one voltage
    • Explain where fuses and circuit breakers are commonly and electrically located in circuits; approximate fuse sizes for common circuits; common fuses and circuit breaker configuration and precautions for replacement in a house service box
    • Explain how to calculate DC voltages from power supply circuits
    • Identify and analyze rectifier circuits
    • Describe switch mode power supply operation

  • Amplifiers

    • List common amplifier devices: such as power amps, audio preamps, video amps
    • Describe the purpose of each component in an amplifier circuit
    • List the usages and classes of amplifiers
    • Explain frequency response of an amplifier circuit and why it is important
    • Explain the words ‘preamplifier’ and ‘line amplifier’ and where these units are commonly used
    • Explain the uses of operational amplifiers and how they differ from other amplifiers
    • Explain how distortion occurs in amplifiers and list ways to reduce or eliminate it
    • Explain how inaccurate measurements can be experienced due to meter or scope loading
    • Describe specifications for broadband amplifiers as compared with common narrow band units

  • Interfacing of Electronics Products

    • List input circuit signal levels which may be expected for various common electronics products or test equipment
    • Explain the purposes of plugs and connectors and why it is necessary to use the proper ones per application
    • Explain grounding, proper and improper methods, and the results of power source mismatch
    • List potential signal conflict symptoms
    • Describe other electronic interfacing such as USB, Zigbee, I 2 C (inter-integrated circuit)

  • Digital Concepts and Circuitry

    • Identify each of the basic digital gate(s) and devices
    • Construct truth tables for common gates
    • Explain how electronic counters operate
    • Explain the purpose of flip-flops and list common types
    • Explain the purpose of a digital electronic circuitry bus and show how it’s connected to various sections of a product
    • List types of display circuitry and describe how numbers and letters are activated digitally
    • Distinguish how pulsers are used for digital signal tracing
    • Describe how logic probes are used to verify states in digital equipment
    • Explain how to troubleshoot digital signals
    • Describe digital clock(s) usage and circuitry
    • Explain voltages and logic families (TTL, CMOS)
    • Define microcontrollers and simple programming commands

  • Computer Electronics

    • Describe the major sections of a computer
    • Differentiate how the computer block diagram and flow charts are utilized
    • Describe the major blocks contained in a microprocessor chip and describe the purpose of each block
    • Describe different types of computer memory and how storage is accomplished
    • Explain programmable logic controls (PLCs) and list usages
    • Describe basic programming concepts
    • Describe the reasons for different computer languages and their relationships
    • Define a ‘peripheral’ and list various types
    • Explain the reasons for using interface devices/chips/cards and name common types

  • Computer Applications and Software

    • Explain knowledge of basic computer operation
    • Explain steps in installation/set up of a computer
    • Explain the reasons and choices used in configuring a computer
    • Describe proper loading and storage of common programs and applications
    • Explain basic common utilities software and list reasons for their use
    • List ways to backup data and the vital importance of doing so
    • Explain the causes of line surges and viruses and protection procedures against each
    • Explain how to access the Internet, cybersecurity best practices and common applications
    • Describe how to download a service or application, data or software
    • Explain the differences between an individual stand-alone computer and basic networking

  • Audio and Video Systems

    • Explain major components of the most common home entertainment products
    • Describe microphone technology usage
    • Explain speaker construction and precautions
    • Explain basic recording and playback technology
    • Explain how alarm-security systems may be interfaced with entertainment/information products
    • Differentiate between good quality sound output and distorted sound, then the electronic/acoustical reasons for each
    • Explain how signals may conflict and the symptoms that conflict may produce
    • Explain how to isolate faults/glitches between discrete equipment units
    • List anticipated signal or voltage levels for output circuits in audio and video equipment

  • Optical Electronics

    • List common electronics display devices
    • List common optical devices as to type and applications:
    • Describe how photo-electronic components operate:
    • Explain the basics of electronic cameras and sensors
    • Explain why opto-isolators are used
    • List uses for light activated controls and how photo devices are incorporated
    • Describe how broadband signal RF and optical links are used

  • Radio (RF) Communications Technology

    • Explain basic wave propagation and its importance to wireless communications
    • Describe the basic theory of how antennas work
    • Define polarization, electromagnetic and electro-static fields and their relationships to each other
    • Differentiate between the signals/signaling of AM, FM radio/TV, LMR including CDMA, GSM, LTE, 5G (i.e., modulation)
    • Differentiate usage of communications radios and commercial broadcast receivers
    • Describe the major radio receiver circuitry sections
    • List common frequency bands (spectrum)
    • Explain radio circuit tuning and adjustments
    • Explain Standing Wave Ratios (SWR) and measuring voltage standing wave ratios (VSWR)
    • Explain the relationships between frequency and wavelength
    • Explain the importance of impedance matching; list causes of mismatches

  • Telecommunications Basics

    • Describe major types of two-way radio communications (avionics, land mobile, maritime, etc.)
    • Describe wireless telephone/video/data technology basics, list applicable ANSI/TIA standard
    • Describe satellite communications principles
    • Describe wired data and voice communications network technology
    • Describe a basic telephone (POTS) circuit with the common wiring and splicing conventions

  • Technician Work Procedures

    • Explain major invoice and billing concepts for service businesses
    • Describe ways to procure service literature
    • Describe locations/cross referencing of parts and products
    • Explain the purposes and requirements for proper record keeping, report generation
    • Explain how to calculate individual and department productivity for a specific period
    • Describe contacting product maker help desks and service departments
    • Explain estimate concepts for service work including test planning
    • Describe field technician work procedures that may differ from in-shop routines
    • Explain project management and list steps to follow to achieve maximum results

How to prepare

Work through the topics, read the explanation after each answer, and revisit the areas where you miss questions. Use the official outline and reference materials below to guide your study.

These independent practice questions are not actual exam items and do not guarantee a passing result.

Frequently asked questions

What is the exam format?

Proctored knowledge examination, on paper or online through Trapeza; remote proctoring is available for this non-hands-on examination. Item types are not specified in the reviewed CETa exam entry and competency publication.

How many questions are on the exam?

Total questions: 100.

How long is the exam?

2 hours of testing time.

What is the passing score?

75% passing score.

How much does the exam cost?

$65 for the CETa examination in ETA's US listing (dollar symbol as published); the Associate exam is half price when taken with a Journeyman certification at the same time. Optional ExamRoom.AI proctoring adds $16 for a two-hour exam.

Official sources and references

Confirm current exam arrangements with the exam provider.