RP 528A - Technician Development Program Guidelines: Introduction: Notes

Commercial vehicles continue to become more complex. This situation is likely to continue into the foreseeable future. As a result, fleet service technicians must be better and continually trained. A strong motivation for increased and improved training is technician certification.

It is likely that many-if not most-commercial vehicle technicians are not certified as technicians. If there was a program that would encourage fleet technicians to become certified it would likely enhance/raise the quality of repair on today's vehicles and thereby reduce the cost of maintenance. Today's commercial vehicle requires the use of special tools, manuals, computer software, and knowledge to accurately diagnose and repair as opposed to a "shot gun" parts replacement technique.

This RP is intended to help fleet managers design a process-based certification program that is aimed at preparing the technician to become certified in truck repair. Such a certification program should include comprehensive coverage of vehicle operation, service, and diagnostics using a systems approach. It should be generic, not focusing on any one product or component brand. Technicians should become certified in the areas in which they work and not necessarily all areas of the vehicle. However, they could also become certified ASE Master Technicians.

Program Objectives: 

• Develop a process to encourage fleet technician certification.
• Have all fleets and manufacturers encourage training for fleet technician certification.
• Have TMC promote fleet technician certification and training.
• Develop a training plan and appropriate information resources.