NMEA - National Marine Electronics Association - Marine Electronics Training

NMEA Certified Marine Electronics Technician (CMET) Program, National Marine Electronics Technician (NMET) Certification, and NMEA Marine Electronics Installer Training Programs

Founded in 1957, National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) is a pioneer in providing standards for marine electronics technicians in the marine electronics industry. NMEA was founded by a group of electronic dealers who got together at the New York Boat Show to discuss how to strengthen relationships with electronic manufacturers.

NMEA offers its members an extensive list of benefits, including professional development and certification, standards development, lobbying, national marketing and branding campaigns designed to drive traffic to dealers, manufacturers, and other members, and many more.

The NMEA Product Awards are presented annually to recognize excellence in design, performance and reliability in marine electronics products.

The National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) has established an extensive education and certification program. NMEA Training events occur regionally around the USA, Canada, UK, and Europe.

For all other parts of the world that NMEA does not train in a classroom setting, students can take the basic installer courses on line.

Certification Programs

• Certified Marine Electronics Technician (CMET): The CMET Certification program tests the knowledge base and experience of the marine electronic professional.  The test includes a variety of questions from the FCC General Radio Operators License to the NMEA® Installation Standard.  The CMET program is the pre-eminent certification program in the marine industry. The marine electronic technician, who has been tested, passed and awarded the CMET certificate - shows to have acquired the knowledge base to diagnosis the most significant marine electronic issues on board; exhibits the ability and knowledge to solve most marine electronic issues on board with effective and efficient trouble shooting; demonstrates an ability to design an integrated marine electronic system; and, provides the highest level of professional service.
• National Marine Electronics Technician (NMET) Certification: The National Marine Electronics Technician, or NMET is similar to Certified Marine Electronics Technician (CMET), but without the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requirements. The purpose of the NMET program is to provide a stepping stone towards CMET. The NMET exam is identical to the CMET exam and has the same experiential knowledge questions related to installing, troubleshooting, and repairing marine electronics. CMETs can also perform FCC Ship Radio Safety Inspections required by USCG. NMEA Master dealers require a CMET on staff as CMETs are legally licensed to perform repairs and FCC Inspections.
• The NMET certification does not replace (and is not equivalent to) a CMET because a CMET has met a higher standard of expertise. Unlike NMETs, CMETs are legally allowed to repair VHF, SSB, and marine radar transmitters. The main difference between a NMET and CMET is that a CMET has successfully completed the FCC exams and is listed on the FCC website as such.
• Certification Renewal: The NMET Certification is good for five (5) years from the date of issue. The renewal exam is an online 50 question test that does not require proctoring.

NMEA Training Programs

• Basic Marine Electronics Installer Course (MEI) - (virtually or person): The Basic Marine Electronics Installer Course is suitable for marine electronic installers, engine mechanics, boat builders, riggers, product designers, surveyors, etc. This is an introductory course in marine electronics installation that clarifies and defines competent installation practices.
• Basic NMEA 2000® Installer Training (B2NK) - (virtually or person): The Basic NMEA 2000® Installer Training is primarily targeted for the beginner or those who have been installing NMEA 2000® but would like more information, clarity, and an opportunity to share ideas with others who have installed NMEA 2000® networks. You will take from this class the near-term and long-term benefits of NMEA 2000® certified equipment, accepted installation practices for NMEA 2000® backbone cable and products; including selection of cable, power application point, and alternatives that make it work best.
• Advanced Marine Electronics Installer Training (AMEI) (in-person only): The Advanced Marine Electronics Installer Training (AMEI) is for a Marine Electronics Installer who wishes to achieve competency in advanced topic areas and concepts. An Advanced MEI certificate is an indication that an installer has a working knowledge regarding commissioning of a boat and installation of complex marine electronic devices.
• Advanced NMEA 2000 Installer Training (AN2K) (in-person only): The NMEA 2000® advanced course focuses on installations, setup, and diagnostic troubleshooting of moderately complex NMEA 2000® networks. The class is only taught in person and consists of a PowerPoint presentation followed by hands-on training. The purpose of the hands-on portion is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in the ability to build, configure, backup network files, and evaluate network conditions using the diagnostic tools shown in the class.
• Certificate Renewal: All NMEA 0400 Installation Standard Training Certifications expire three (3) years from the date the certificate is issued. This applies to MEI, AMEI, Basic NMEA 2000, and Advanced NMEA 2000. Renewal material consists of an on-line link with the current course materials that will expire 30 days after payment is received by the NMEA national office. For those who have had their NMEA certifications for more than 2 years, they must re-take the appropriate full training class and full exam.

LAST UPDATED ON Jan 02, 2023