Recertification Q & A

How do I REGISTER for recertification?

Click the link and go to the Recertification Registration page to possibly take advantage of the registration promotion schedules. You may have a chance to delay recertification and extend your current certification!

How do I recertify?

Click the link and go to the page that explains the MECH Recertification process.

How many training hours are required to recertify?

A total of 30 classroom hours over a five year period must be accumulated. It is important to note that for each of the five years, a minimum of 6 classroom hours are required per year. Mechanics are encouraged to go well beyond the minimum and document all training hours received each year.

What is an anniversary month?

An anniversary month is considered to be the month and year in which you took the last MECH certification test. If you became a Certified Healthcare Mechanic and then, having additional qualifying experience, became a Senior Certified Healthcare, your anniversary date would be your last certification; the month you became Senior Certified.  Recertification must be completed within or before the anniversary month of the recertification year, year five.

How many years does certification or recertification last?

Five (5) years. The exception has to do with those transitioning into the recertification program. MECH has established a method to distribute former certified mechanics so that all past certificate holders are not required to recertify at the same time. MECH has also allowed former certified mechanics extra time and other mechanics a shorter period of time to recertify. The allocated time and process was announced in July of 2007 to all known MECH Mechanics.

What type of training qualifies?

Any type of classroom training that your Facilities Manage will sanction is training that qualifies.

What is classroom training?

Classroom training is the type we normally associate as typical training. Usually this is where a teacher, manager, facilitator, trainer, or instructor addresses a group’s training needs. The classroom could be a meeting room, shop, or other space where information can be shared or technique can be practiced.

Can I train on my own?

Study or individual time you spend learning something does not count as classroom training time. However, your individual time could prepare you to be the trainer. If you present your knowledge to train others, you can count that classroom time as part of your recertification requirements.

Where can I get a recertification form?

Click here to obtain a PDF version of the Recertification Form.

What about online training?

A percentage of the time may qualify. If the online training program can produce a record of time for an individual, this time may be counted as part of your recertification requirements. Because this time is not considered to be classroom training and more individualistic, the ratio is 3 to 1 –three hours of online training is considered to be the equivalent of 1 hour of classroom (or MECH) time. Please note that this is an arbitrary requirement at this time and may change over time.

Will the recertification requirements ever change?

As the recertification program matures, it may be necessary to change the requirements of the program. MECH is always looking for ways to enhance the status of healthcare mechanics and improve healthcare maintenance.

If I, personally conduct the training, does it count?

Yes, the amount of time you present information, demonstrate a process, or train to develop hands-on skills can be counted as classroom (or MECH) time.

What are proprietary forms?

Your healthcare institution may already log your training hours. MECH will accept a report generated by your institutions (proprietary form) with the information required by MECH for Recertification. Be sure to check the MECH form and insure that the proprietary form has the information required.

What happens if I have not notified MECH that I would like to recertify?

If you are not beyond your 5 year anniversary date, you will need to check to see if you can verify a minimum of 6 hours of training in each of the 5 previous years.

What if I am beyond my 5 year anniversary date?

After January 1, 2011, you will not be able to recertify by verifying training experience. The only way to recertify will be to take the certification test again. You can take the test again for your current level of certification or if you are “Certified”, you can opt to take the “Senior Certified” level test and upgrade to “Senior Certified.” We encourage to to try for the “Senior Certified” level. If you don't attain this level of certification, but do pass at the certificated level, you will qualify at the “Certified” level and receive certification.

Can MECH take credit cards?

At this time, the only way to pay for recertification is by check. In the future, MECH hopes to be able to process credit cards. At that time certificate holders will be notified of that ability.