Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL

What aspects of an RV will I learn about in the online RV Technician Certificate program?

Both the Level 1 and Level 2 courses cover all the major systems of an RV, including:

          Propane

          Electrical

          Chassis

          Appliances

          Generator

          Exterior/Body

Why should I become an RV technician?

RV technicians are in very high demand – the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 12% job growth rate for RV service technicians through 2030* – and they have the potential for career and salary growth. Our training programs are economic, and there are no education requirements to enroll. During the RV Technician Certificate program, you will learn about all aspects of an RV, which could lead to a passion or focus in one of the specific areas, such as electrical or plumbing.

*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Data for Occupations Not Covered in Detail, at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm (visited December 28, 2022)


National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Information provided is not intended to represent a complete list of hiring companies or job titles, and program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.  

What will I learn in each level of the online Technician Certificate program?

During Level 1, you will learn to complete a pre-delivery inspection of an RV. This includes a complete system inspection that a dealer typically performs before customer delivery to ensure all systems are functioning properly.


During Level 2, you will learn to troubleshoot, diagnose, repair, and replace the major systems of an RV.  

How long does it take to complete the online Technician Certificate program?

Typically, students can complete both the Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum in 240 hours; however, because the program is self-paced, completion times may vary.

Where is RV Technical Institute located?

We are in Elkhart, Indiana, the RV Capital of the World.

How often and when are the in-person classes offered should I want to complete an in-person or hybrid program instead of online?

Each level of the program is offered at least once a month. The full schedule is available at www.rvti.org/catalog.

Where could I potentially secure employment upon successful completion of the RV Technician Certificate program?

          RV Dealerships

          RV service centers/repair shops

          Campgrounds

          Mobile tech

          Manufacturers

What options do I have for completing my RV Technician certificate?

You may choose to enroll online, in-person or follow a hybrid pathway.

How does each pathway work?

The online pathway is 100% online and self-paced. Once registered, you will receive access to the Level 1 program. The course is broken into distinct modules, which include videos, labs, and quizzes. Once you finish each of the Level 1 and Level 2 coursework, you will need to sign up to complete the testing requirement.


The hybrid pathway is only available for the Level 2 program. The first 11 weeks are 100% online, with structured objectives that must be completed each week. You will also complete weekly check-ins with your instructor, giving you the opportunity to get to know your classmates. The testing requirements and hands-on learning will be held during the final, in-person week of the course.


The in-person pathway requires students to attend a regularly scheduled class beginning at 8:00 AM ET with an instructor at our Elkhart, Indiana training center. The course is chapter and module based and students will complete quizzes at the end of each module. Testing for each level will be held in-person and students will also complete hands-on applications.

Is RV Technical Institute the school located in Texas?

No, we are in Elkhart, Indiana. While there are other RV technician training programs, RV Technical Institute is the only industry-backed training program for RV technicians.

What is the average salary for an RV Technician with Level 1 certification?

The average annual salary is estimated at $42,400 according to Payscale*; however, data varies depending on location, industry, experience, employer, and other factors.

*Payscale, End of Year Report: The Hottest Jobs and Top Paid Skills 2020. https://www.payscale.com/research-and-insights/end-of-year-report-2020/


National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth. Degree and/or certificate program options do not guarantee career or salary outcomes. Students should conduct independent research for specific employment information.

Do I have to complete both the online Level 1 and Level 2 certifications, or do I have the option to only complete Level 1? 

You may elect to complete the Level 1 certification only; however, Level 2 is included with the subscription.

Why should I enroll in RV Technical Institute’s technician program rather than a competitor program?

RVTI is the only industry-recognized certification for RV technicians. We are typically the more economic option because the RV industry subsidizes most of the cost of the program. The curriculum we offer was created by industry experts. RVTI’s parent company, RV Industry Association, is the governing body for the RV industry and holds all the codes and standards for the RV industry, including OEM build specs.

Do you offer an RV inspection certification?

No, there is no inspection program that is recognized, but our Level 1 program teaches pre-delivery inspection, covering all systems and functions that would be checked in inspection.

COST

How much does it cost to complete the online Technician Certificate program?

The Technician Certificate subscription costs $600 for the in-person, online, or hybrid programs and includes access to the Level 1 and Level 2 curriculum. Subscribers also receive one attempt at each of the certification tests for both levels with this subscription package.

Can I use my VA benefits to help pay for the RV Technician certificate program?

  • You've protected and served our country, and the RV industry would like to return the favor. To help put money back in your pockets, we offer a scholarship that covers the full cost of your education, allowing you to save your VA benefits. Learn more about the Kevin Phillips Scholarship here: https://www.rvti.org/get-trained/scholarships
  • If you still plan to use your VA benefits, RVTI and J-Tech have partnered to offer the program. Visit https://www.jtech.org/military-benefits/ and contact financial aid about your options. 


Are there any additional expenses for the program?

The subscription cost is $600 and includes everything that is needed to complete the courses, including digital textbooks. However, if you decide to enroll in-person or under the hybrid model, you may have additional travel and lodging expenses. Also, if you are unsuccessful in your first attempt at each of the Level 1 and Level 2 testing requirements, you will be responsible for additional testing fees. 

Will I need any tools to complete the program?

You will need a multimeter. If you do not currently own a multimeter, they are available for purchase at most home improvement stores for approximately $30.

Why is the cost for this certification economic?

More than 75% of this program is subsidized by the RV industry due to high demand for certified RV technicians, meaning that students receive this high-quality training at a fraction of the cost.

Where can I purchase hard copies of the textbooks?

Textbooks are available for purchase on our website at https://www.rvti.org/pages/product-catalog.

ENROLLMENT

How do I register for the online Technician Certificate pathway?

You may complete your registration at https://train.rvti.org/bundles/2023-individual-subscription-12-months-mkt. You may also access the registration page by visiting www.rvti.org, select “Get Trained” in the main menu bar and “Get Trained” in the dropdown menu, and then select the “Individual 12-month Subscription.”

How long does each online Technician Certificate program subscription last?

The subscription is good for one year from the date of purchase.

How do I sign up to complete the certification in-person or following the hybrid model?

Call us at 574-549-9080 to enroll for in-person or hybrid.

Do you offer accommodations for students who enroll in the in-person or hybrid model?

No housing is offered by the RV Technical Institute; however, we have partnered with nearby hotels to offer lower rates to our students. Visit https://www.rvti.org/pages/location-and-housing-1 for complete details.

Am I able to progress to Level 2 before completing the Level 1 testing requirement?

No, you must successfully complete and pass the Level 1 program including testing before proceeding to Level 2.

How do I obtain Level 3 and Level 4 certification?

Level 3 certification is provided by individual suppliers to the industry through training on the specific products they carry and is typically completed online, regionally and/or in-person. Suppliers submit their curriculum and hours to completion to the commission for approval. We will start listing these links on our website. We require the completion of 24 hours in each area of focus to become a specialist in that area.


Once you complete all the Level 3 areas, you become a Level 4 Master Tech. To maintain Level 4 certification, you must complete 24 hours of continuing education credits every five years.

ONLINE EXPERIENCE

What is the difference between completing the Technician Certificate program in-person versus online?

The same curriculum is offered in the in-person and online programs. The only difference is how the curriculum is delivered. The in-person training is held at the Elkhart, Indiana headquarters and is taught by a live instructor at a set date and time. The online program is self-paced, and you may access the curriculum whenever and wherever you want within your subscription period, and it includes simulated hands-on experiences.

How does the testing process work?

If you are completing the test online, it will be proctored, meaning that you will be recorded while testing. If you are completing the test in-person, it will be held at the Elkhart training center and an instructor will be present to proctor the exam. Both the Level 1 and Level 2 tests include two components: a written portion on the curriculum and a practicum on processes. You will not be permitted to access cell phones, textbooks, notes, or other individuals for assistance while testing is in process.

Have more questions?

For more information pertaining to the FAQs, please schedule an appointment with our Student Success team by selecting "Chat with Us" below.