Electronics Technician

Course Description

EEV0616 — Electronics Technician is a 375-contact-hour vocational certificate program in the Engineering Technologies > Electronics Vocational taxonomy of Florida's Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The program includes the Florida core electronics competencies as identified by the electronics industry and prepares students to assemble, install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair electronic equipment across a wide range of industries. Instruction begins with basic DC circuitry and advances through AC, analog, digital, solid-state devices, and microprocessors. Integrated throughout the program are safe and efficient work practices, the use of circuit diagrams and schematics, soldering and chassis assembly techniques, laboratory practices, technical recording and reporting, and employability skills.

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze and solve problems in direct current (DC) circuits, applying Ohm's Law, Kirchhoff's Voltage and Current Laws, and power calculations.
• Analyze and solve problems in alternating current (AC) circuits, including capacitive, inductive, and resonant circuits.
• Identify, test, and apply solid-state and analog devices including diodes, transistors, and operational amplifiers in practical circuits.
• Interpret and apply circuit diagrams, schematics, and wiring diagrams to build, troubleshoot, and repair electronic assemblies.
• Perform soldering and chassis assembly using industry-standard through-hole and surface-mount techniques.
• Use common electronic test and measurement instruments — including multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies, and signal generators — to measure, diagnose, and verify circuit operation.
• Identify and apply digital logic principles, including Boolean algebra, combinational and sequential circuits, and logic gates.
• Describe the basic theory and operation of microprocessors, including instruction sets, input/output, and interfacing techniques.
• Produce accurate technical records and reports consistent with industry and laboratory documentation standards.
• Demonstrate safe, efficient work practices, including electrical safety, ESD (electrostatic discharge) prevention, and OSHA awareness.
• Demonstrate employability skills including critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, and professional workplace behavior.

Optional Learning Outcomes

Institutions may choose to include one or more of the following outcomes based on program resources and local industry needs:

• Explain basic telecommunications concepts including signal transmission, modulation, and communication systems.
• Configure and troubleshoot programmable logic devices (PLDs) and entry-level microcontrollers.
• Perform computer hardware assembly and demonstrate an understanding of PC electronics and interfaces.
• Apply spreadsheet and database software to organize and analyze technical and laboratory data.
• Demonstrate knowledge of power supply design, including rectification, filtering, and regulation circuits.
• Identify principles of audio, video, and optical electronics as applied in consumer and industrial systems.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are commonly covered across all Florida offerings of EEV0616:

• DC Circuits — Atomic structure and electrical theory; voltage, current, resistance; series, parallel, and series-parallel circuits; Ohm's Law; power and energy calculations; circuit measurements.
• AC Circuits — AC waveforms and measurements; capacitance; inductance; transformers; RC, RL, and RLC circuits; resonance; impedance and phase relationships.
• Solid-State Devices — Semiconductor theory; PN junction diodes; rectifier circuits; Zener diodes; bipolar junction transistors (BJTs); field-effect transistors (FETs); transistor biasing and amplifier configurations.
• Analog Circuits — Operational amplifiers; linear integrated circuits; feedback amplifiers; oscillators; power amplifiers.
• Digital Circuits — Number systems and codes; logic gates; Boolean algebra and simplification; combinational logic design; flip-flops; counters; registers; analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversion.
• Microprocessors — Microprocessor architecture; instruction sets and machine language; memory types; input/output interfacing; interrupts; introduction to microcontrollers.
• Schematics and Circuit Diagrams — Reading and interpreting schematic symbols; block diagrams; wiring diagrams; PCB layout fundamentals.
• Soldering and Assembly Techniques — Through-hole soldering; surface-mount technology (SMT) assembly; desoldering; chassis assembly and wiring; ESD awareness and prevention.
• Test Equipment and Laboratory Practices — Multimeter operation; oscilloscope operation; signal generators; power supplies; systematic troubleshooting methodology; laboratory safety procedures.
• Technical Recording and Reporting — Lab report writing; data recording; maintenance logs; technical documentation standards.
• Safety and Employability — Electrical and workplace safety; OSHA awareness; professional communication; teamwork; leadership; human relations skills.

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included at the discretion of the offering institution:

• Telecommunications Basics — Signal transmission; AM/FM modulation; transmitters and receivers; antenna fundamentals; telecommunications work procedures.
• Programmable Logic and Microcontrollers — CMOS and FPGA devices; Arduino or similar platform; basic programming; I/O interfacing.
• Power Supply Design — Unregulated and regulated power supplies; linear and switching regulators; three-terminal voltage regulators.
• Computer Electronics and Hardware — PC architecture; assembly and configuration; hardware interfaces and connections.
• Audio and Video Systems — Audio amplifier circuits; video signal fundamentals; consumer electronics troubleshooting.
• Spreadsheet and Database Applications — Data entry and analysis using industry software tools; reporting and documentation.

Resources & Tools

• Test Equipment: Digital multimeters, dual-trace oscilloscopes, function/signal generators, DC power supplies, LCR meters, frequency counters.
• Soldering Lab: Soldering stations (through-hole and SMT), desoldering equipment, ESD-safe workbenches, PCB assembly tools.
• Components and Kits: Discrete components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, diodes, transistors, ICs), breadboards, project PCBs.
• Textbooks and References: Standard vocational electronics textbooks aligned to ETA International Associate CET competencies; manufacturer datasheets; OSHA safety publications.
• Software (Optional): Circuit simulation software (e.g., Multisim, LTspice); spreadsheet applications (e.g., Microsoft Excel).
• Standards References: IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies); IPC J-STD-001 (Requirements for Soldered Electrical and Electronic Assemblies).

Career Pathways

Graduates of the EEV0616 Electronics Technician program are prepared for entry-level positions in a broad range of industries across Florida's technology corridor and beyond. Typical roles include:

• Electronics Technician — Assembly, testing, maintenance, and repair of electronic equipment in manufacturing, defense, aerospace, and consumer electronics.
• Field Service Technician — On-site installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of electronic systems and equipment.
• Electronics Manufacturing Technician — PCB assembly and inspection in electronics manufacturing environments.
• Industrial Electronics Technician — Maintenance and repair of automated industrial control systems and equipment.
• Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) — Entry pathway toward servicing medical electronic equipment (with additional specialization).

The certificate may be applied toward the Electronics Engineering Technology A.S. degree at participating Florida colleges (e.g., Hillsborough Community College, Eastern Florida State College). Students may also pursue further academic or professional advancement through the A.S. and beyond.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This program prepares students for industry-recognized certifications through ETA International, the leading accrediting body for electronics technician credentials:

• Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) — Covers electrical theory, test equipment, circuits, telecommunications basics, and technician work procedures. Designed for technicians with fewer than two years of training or experience. The CETa serves as the foundation for all ETA Journeyman, Senior, and Master specialty certifications.
• Student Electronics Technician (SET) — ETA's most basic electronics certification, appropriate for students completing entry-level vocational programs.

Institutions offering this program may also facilitate preparation for IPC certifications, including IPC J-STD-001 (Soldering Requirements) and IPC-A-610 (Acceptability of Electronic Assemblies), depending on available lab resources and instructor credentials.

Program Notes

• This is a clock-hour vocational certificate (0-level in the SCNS taxonomy) and does not automatically transfer as college credit; however, coursework may be applicable toward an A.S. degree in Electronics Engineering Technology at participating Florida institutions.
• Programs typically operate on an open-entry, open-exit basis at adult technical centers, allowing students to enroll at multiple points during the academic year.
• Students must be at least 16 years of age. No prior electronics experience is required for enrollment.