The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Technician 

In today’s increasingly electrified world, ensuring electrical safety is more critical than ever. Whether you’re a solar installer, HVAC technician, or facilities management professional, understanding and implementing proper electrical safety practices is essential. That’s where the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST) certification comes in. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining your CEST certification.

What is the CEST certification?

The Certified Electrical Safety Technician (CEST) certification is a credential developed by the NFPA. It’s designed to validate your knowledge and ability to apply the principles found in NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace. This certification demonstrates your competence in managing risks associated with electrical hazards in the workplace. It is a great resume builder and can set you apart from other candidates when applying for jobs or seeking promotions in roles where electrical safety is prioritized.

Who should pursue CEST certification?

The CEST certification is ideal for:

• Electrical workers
• HVAC technicians
• Facilities management and maintenance professionals
• Solar and wind generator installers/maintainers
• Any skilled workers exposed to electrical hazards on the job

If you work around electrical equipment or are responsible for protecting workers from electrical hazards, this certification can help to validate your expertise.

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How can you qualify?

Qualifying for the CEST exam is easy. To be eligible to sit for the CEST exam, you must:

1. Have a high school diploma or equivalent
2. Have completed at least 6 hours of training on NFPA 70E, like HeatSpring’s 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training, within the past 2 years

What can I expect with the CEST Exam?

The CEST exam is a computer-based test consisting of 110 multiple-choice questions, where 100 of the questions will be scored and 10 are pilot questions being evaluated for potential future use as scored questions. 

You’ll have up to 3 hours to complete the exam, and it’s an open-book test. You’re allowed to bring the 2021 edition of NFPA 70E into the exam room. 

What’s covered on the CEST Exam?

The exam covers four major domain areas:

1. Electrical Safety Programs (15% of exam content)
2. Electrical Safety-Related Work Practices (45%)
3. Electrical Hazard Risk Assessments (30%)
4. Work Involving Electrical Hazards (10%)

The CEST Handbook breaks down the domain areas into a more detailed program blueprint. You can find the whole NFPA CEST Handbook for download here.

The application process

1. Complete the online application via the NFPA Certification Management System (CMS). This includes uploading all required documentation and paying the $399 application fee.
2. Once approved, you’ll receive instructions on how to schedule your exam. You must take your exam within 12 months of submitting your CEST application.

Taking the exam

The CEST exam is available worldwide at Prometric’s in-person computer-based testing facilities or via online remote proctoring. On exam day, remember to:

• Bring a valid photo ID
• Arrive early
• Bring only the approved 2021 edition of NFPA 70E (no other materials allowed)

You’ll receive your results immediately upon completion of the computer-based exam. If you pass, congratulations! You’re now a Certified Electrical Safety Technician. 

If you don’t pass, don’t fret! You can retest up to two additional times within 12 months of your original application date. Each retest costs $199.

Maintaining your CEST 

To keep your CEST certification active, you’ll need to recertify every three years. This involves:

• Earning 10 points of professional development activities related to electrical safety
• Paying the recertification fee of $180

Ultimately, the NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Technician certification is a valuable credential for anyone working with or around electrical hazards. By following this guide and taking the 6-Hour NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Training course, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a NFPA Certified Electrical Safety Technician. 

In the world of electrical work, safety isn’t just a box to check – it’s the cornerstone of a responsible and effective company culture. Your CEST certification demonstrates your commitment and it showcases your expertise and dedication to protecting lives. By pursuing this credential, you’re not just advancing your career – you’re contributing to a safer workplace for everyone. Knowledge isn’t only power – it’s protection.

Still have questions? Email us at support@HeatSpring.com and we’ll be happy to help!