The SMaRTech℠ Badge Pathway
As apprentices progress through the SMaRTech℠ program, they earn stackable, verifiable digital badges at every stage — culminating in SMaRTCert℠ industry certification. Each badge represents demonstrated competency validated through Related Supplemental Instruction (RSI) from college partners and On-the-Job Training (OJT) with employer partners.
- Stackable & portable
- Verifiable by employers
- Aligned to RTI work processes
- Recognized industry-wide
All badges are SMaRTCert℠ verified and aligned to RTI work processes and core capabilities.
Core competencies every technician earns first
Level 1 badges establish the safety, documentation, and field fundamentals shared across both Solar and EVSE tracks. Apprentices earn these early through classroom RSI and initial OJT rotations.
Safety & Compliance
OSHA 10, PPE, jobsite hazard awareness.
Professional Documentation
Work orders, service reports, digital records.
Maintenance & Inspection
Preventive maintenance fundamentals.
Troubleshooting & Diagnostics
Systematic fault-finding methods.
Service Entrepreneurship
Customer service and service business basics.
Project Management & Field Coordination
Scheduling, teamwork, and site logistics.
Track-specific skills for Solar or EVSE
Level 2 badges reflect specialized competencies for the chosen pathway. Solar apprentices focus on PV cleaning, monitoring, and site work; EVSE apprentices master charging equipment, OCPP networks, and fleet operations.
EVSE Systems Fundamentals
AC/DC charging equipment operation.
OCPP Network Operations
Networked charger protocols & backends.
EV Fleet Operations
Depot and fleet charging workflows.
Solar Cleaning & Assessment
Panel cleaning, soiling, visual inspection.
PV Monitoring & Performance
Data-driven system performance analysis.
Environmental Justice Site Operations
Community-based site work practices.
Business Compliance & Contracts
SOWs, warranties, and compliance basics.
Office Professionalism & Customer Service
Client communication and follow-up.
Specialist, Master Technician, and SMaRTCert℠
Level 3 recognizes advanced mastery. Apprentices earn Specialist status in their track, and top performers who complete both tracks become SMaRTech℠ Master Technicians. All culminate in the SMaRTCert℠ Certified Technician credential — the industry-recognized capstone.
SMaRTech℠ EVSE Specialist
Full EVSE maintenance & reporting track.
SMaRTech℠ Solar Specialist
Full Solar maintenance & reporting track.
SMaRTech℠ Master Technician
Mastery across both Solar and EVSE tracks.
SMaRTCert℠ Certified Technician
Industry-recognized capstone credential.
EVSE Physical Inspection & Non-Electrical Maintenance
Specialty micro-credential.
EVSE Charging Session Validation
Field validation of charging sessions.
Solar Mechanical Corrective Maintenance
Non-electrical corrective service.
Solar Capstone Documentation & Reporting
Culminating documentation project.
Ready to start earning badges?
Apply to the SMaRTech℠ apprenticeship and begin your paid, on-the-job pathway to SMaRTCert℠ certification.