What It Takes to Be a Generator Technician: Training, Skills, and Certifications for a Power-Critical Career

As facilities rely more heavily on backup power, the demand for skilled generator technicians continues to grow. Becoming a generator technician is not simply about mechanical aptitude, it requires electrical knowledge, consistent training and ongoing learning.

This guide explains what it takes to become a generator technician, including required skills, training pathways, and industry-recognized certifications.

What Does a Generator Technician Do?

A generator technician installs, maintains, repairs, and troubleshoots commercial and industrial generators and associated systems. These systems often support life-safety loads, critical infrastructure, and continuous operations.

Typical responsibilities include:

• Preventative maintenance on diesel and natural gas generators
• Diagnosing mechanical, electrical, and control system faults
• Load bank testing and building load testing
• Transfer switch inspection and troubleshooting
• Fuel system inspection and fluid sampling

Core Skills Required to Be a Generator Technician

Successful technicians develop a hybrid skill set that blends mechanical, electrical, and digital competencies.

Mechanical and Engine Knowledge

• Diesel and spark-ignited engine operation
• Cooling systems, lubrication systems, and turbocharging
• Emissions components and aftertreatment systems

Electrical and Power Systems Expertise

• AC/DC theory and three-phase power
• Voltage regulation and frequency control
• Paralleling switchgear and synchronization
• Transfer switches and control wiring

Controls and Diagnostics

• Generator control panels and PLC-based systems
• Remote monitoring systems
• Fault codes, sensors, and data interpretation

Safety and Compliance Awareness

• Lockout/tagout procedures
• Arc flash awareness
• Environmental and emissions safety

Education and Training Pathways

There is no single path to becoming a generator technician, but most professionals follow a combination of education, hands-on experience, and manufacturer training.

Education

Many generator technicians begin with a foundation in automotive or mechanical repair and a working knowledge of internal combustion engines.

Military experience, particularly in roles involving power generation, vehicle maintenance, aviation ground support, or heavy equipment, can help jump-start a career by providing hands-on training and disciplined troubleshooting skills, but it is not required.

Likewise, trade schools and technical colleges offering diesel engine or heavy equipment programs can accelerate skill development by teaching advanced engine systems, electrical fundamentals, and industry-standard safety practices.

However, with structured on-the-job training, individuals without military or formal trade school backgrounds can still successfully build a career servicing commercial and industrial power generation equipment.

On-the-Job Training & Manufacturer Training

Generator technicians continue to develop their skills through a combination of structured on-the-job learning and manufacturer training. New technicians begin by learning the fundamentals of preventative maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, fluid inspections, and basic system checks. As experience and training progress, technicians advance to more complex responsibilities such as performing load bank testing, documenting performance data, and identifying early signs of system degradation. With continued manufacturer training on specific engine platforms, control systems, and emissions technologies, technicians develop the ability to perform basic troubleshooting and repairs, eventually building the expertise required to diagnose faults, replace components, and restore commercial and industrial generator systems to reliable operation.

Industry Certifications for Generator Technicians

Certifications validate technical competence, improve safety, and increase career advancement opportunities.

• Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA) certification is widely recognized across the power generation industry as a benchmark for technical knowledge, safety, and professionalism. EGSA offers certification programs specifically designed for generator technicians, covering essential topics such as electrical theory, engine fundamentals, generator controls, transfer switches, and industry safety standards. Earning EGSA certification demonstrates a technician’s commitment to best practices and ongoing education, while helping employers ensure their service teams meet consistent technical and compliance standards. For technicians, EGSA certification supports career advancement, expanded responsibilities, and long-term growth in the commercial and industrial power generation field.
• Manufacturer-specific generator certifications
• OSHA safety training
• NFPA 70E electrical safety training

Continuing Education and Career Growth

Generator technology continues to evolve with:

• Advanced emissions regulations
• Digital controls and remote monitoring
• Hybrid power and energy storage integration

As a result, generator technicians must pursue ongoing training throughout their careers. Continuing education ensures technicians remain efficient and capable of servicing modern power systems.

Is Being a Generator Technician a Good Career?

For individuals who enjoy technical problem-solving and hands-on work, generator technician roles offer:

• Strong job demand
• Competitive compensation
• Technical career progression
• Work that directly supports public safety and infrastructure reliability

Because backup power systems are essential, generator technicians play a critical role in keeping facilities operational during utility outages and emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Becoming a generator technician requires more than mechanical ability, it demands continuing education, electrical knowledge, safety awareness, and continuous development. With the right training and certifications, generator technicians build stable, high-value careers supporting the systems that keep businesses and communities running.

Think a career as a generator technician is right for you? Apply Now!