Your Questions Answered

The Snell Group created a certification program for 5 areas related to electric motor testing.

1. Electric Motor Testing Technician (EMTT)
2. Electrical Motor Testing Analyst (EMTA)
3. Electric Motor Testing Advanced Analyst (EMTAA)
4. Motor Power Quality Analyst (MPQA)
5. Electric Motor Reliability Manager (EMRM)

These Certifications are all separate with no levels assigned.  They are based upon what task or tasks and the types of motors and circuits that will be availed.  Electric motor testing presents many obstacles that impeded many in the quest for development of Certification. Is it for de-energized testing and if so, what testing methods should be covered? Is it for energized testing? Will it cover the various testing methods utilized by the OEMs of motor test equipment. Who will sanction the Certification when they are completed?

First let’s discuss “what is Certification?” Before we answer that, we need to define “Qualification.”  Qualification is the demonstrated skill and knowledge, along with documented training and experience required for a person to properly perform the duties of a specific job. Certification is written testimony of Qualification.

To develop a Qualification for electric motor testing, the traditional levelized approach did not work as there are too many methods and variables involved. So, a vibration, infrared or ultrasound level 1-4 model would not apply.

We have a detailed document or instruction that fully delineates all the necessary requirements for each Certification. Additionally, we have developed “Qualification Cards,” that list all of the necessary pre-requisites, practical factors and knowledge requirements for each Certification.

Links are provided below:

Snell Electric Motor Testing Certification Document

Electric Motor Test Technician (EMTT) Qualification Card

Electric Motor Testing Analyst (EMTA) Qualification Card

Electric Motor Testing Advanced Analyst (EMTAA) Qualification Card

Motor Power Quality Analyst (MPQA) Qualification Card

Electric Motor Reliability Manager (EMRM) Qualification Card

Once you have determined that you want to attain one of the Certifications, download the above documents. Read the Certification document. The desired Certification will require knowledge requirements and demonstrated skills or “Practical Factors,” which cannot be covered in our course offerings. These are listed in Appendix 1 of the Certification Document. You will also be required to learn the necessary theory, equipment, operational knowledge, and data analysis necessary for the Certification.  The applicable training topics that are provided by Snell are delineated in Appendix 2.  The row line items list everything required by all the Certifications.  To the right of the line items there are vertical columns associated with each requirement.  Each column represents a different Certification. Appendix 1 has an “X” in each line item specific to specific cert.  Appendix 2 lists all the Snell training topics.  The columns are shaded in different colors for each cert.

Questions and Answers:

Question 1: What authority sanctions or validates these Certifications?
We have developed two methods of validating Certifications. Both methods require “in house” validation of qualification task completions.

Method 1 – Qualification Cards can be downloaded from the Snell Group website. Individuals must complete all applicable pre-requisites, practical factors, and knowledge requirements. Each line item must be signed by the maintenance or reliability supervisor or designated expert. The completed Qualification card must be signed by a supervisor or the Plant Manager if so desired. The completed card is scanned and emailed to Snell, and we will send you the Certification document.

Method 2 – is the same as Method 1 except you elect Snell Group to validate and monitor your Certification.  An administrative fee will be required for this method.

Question 2: Who is authorized to provide the training?
Naturally Snell Group would like to be your training provider. However, training may be presented by any reputable training organization that provides the recommended topics. If another training organization provides the training Snell will need curriculum outlines, and completion certificates must be provided with your completed qualification card to receive your Certification.

Question 3: If I completed Snell’s EMT Course in the past, am I eligible for Certification?
You are eligible if you completed the class within the last 3 years. You will still need to have completed the prerequisites, practical factors and the applicable qualification card.

If I have already completed the qualification card, when do I receive my certificate? 
If you have been waiting on your Certificate, they have been finalized and are now available. All that is required is to submit the completed Qualification Card.

Question 4: If I am only going to be analyzing data, do I need to complete OEM training and related Practical Factors like those that are collecting and analyzing data.
No, there are provisions in the Qualification cards that do not require just analysts to complete items related to data collection.

Question 5: Are all of the Certifications currently available?
We only can provide Certifications for Electric Motor Testing Technician (EMTT) and Electrical Motor Testing Analyst (EMTA). Manuals and curriculums are being developed for the other certifications.

Question 6: If I want to attain a Electric Motor Testing Advanced Analyst (EMTAA) Certification, do I have to complete the EMTT first?
No, all of the Certifications are “stand-alone.”  If you want to complete just a portion of the Advanced Analyst Certification, say only learn the DC Motor portion, it is possible to complete just that section after completing the EMTT course and qualification card. You will receive an EMTT certification with a DC Motor Specialty Certificate.

Where will the Snell Training be conducted?
We will have several training venues available. We will have “Open Courses.” Courses that will be held all over the country and eventually Worldwide in hotel or conference rooms or some local facility. We also offer “On Site” training, where we come to your facility and provide the desired training. We currently have On-Line and Virtual training available for our EMT Combined Course. Eventually these methods will be available for all the Certification Training.