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In many countries, Technologists are synonymous with applied scientists or engineers. Other countries have a clear distinction defined in law and only individuals who have graduated an accredited curriculum in technology, and have a significant amount of work experience in their field may become certified.
History
Canada
In Canada, the Applied Science Technologist (AScT) designation (a.k.a. Certified Engineering Technologist or CET) was created in the 1960s with the goal to effectively bridge the gap between the highly theoretical nature of engineering degrees and the strictly practical approach of technician programs. 2 or 3-year technology programs are traditionally delivered by community colleges and technical institutes.Certification of Technologists
Educational Component
In general, an engineering technologist has a broad range of applied science and applied mathematics training. A technologist will also have the fundamentals of engineering related to a particular specialty or area of focus as their major.
He is expected to have had some coursework in ethics.
In the United States of America, Technologist certification requires a bachelor's degree in an engineering technology program accredited by the Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (TAC/ABET). One may also obtain a technology degree from an accredited industrial technology program. Industrial Technology programs are accredited through The National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT).
Industrial Technology is a field of study designed to prepare technical and/or management oriented professionals for employment in business, industry, education, and government. Industrial Technology is primarily involved with the management, operation, and maintenance of complex technological systems while Engineering and Engineering Technology are primarily involved with the design and installation of these systems.
Work Experience Component
A certified engineering technologist must apprentice for a term, usually two years, before being able to apply for certification through a local governing body. In that time the technologist must have completed tasks which directly apply to their area of study.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies(NICET) awards certification at two levels depending on work experience: the Associate Engineering Technologist (AT) and the Certified Engineering Technologist (CT).
In Canada, technology program certification is done through the Canadian Technology Accreditation Board (CTAB), often in conjunction with provincial associations that are affiliated with the Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists. Graduated technologists are certified by their provincial bodies.
The National Association of Industrial Technology awards two levels of certification in Industrial Technology: (1) Certified Industrial Technologist (CIT) and (2) Certified Senior Industrial Technologist (CSIT). While the CIT certification is obtained through examination, the CSIT requires a minimum of five years of industry experience and continuous improvement demonstrated every five years via the obtainment of professional development units (PDUs).
Occupations
In simplest terms a technologist can perform most of the functions of an engineer or scientist and is usually working as part of a team with them. In some jurisdictions a technologist may even be able to sign and take responsibility for engineering work.
Industrial Technologists may also serve an organization well in a mid-level technical managment occupations due to their required management coursework component.
See also
- Engineering Technician
- BCIT British Columbia Institute of Technology
- NAIT Northern Alberta Institute of Technology
External links
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)
- Applied Science Technicians and Technologists of British Columbia webpage
- The Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists webpage
- Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists of Prince Edward Island (ACETTPEI)
- Canadian Council of Technicians and Technologists (CCTT)
- National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT)
"Technologist"