HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician
National Certifications
You selected Early Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E1-E3. To help you focus on the credentials most appropriate for early in your career, the National Certifications list below has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E1-E3 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and credentials are considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.
You selected Mid-Career—this applies to Sailors in paygrades E4-E6. To help you focus on the credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E4-E6 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and holding credentials is considered during promotion evaluations. Obtaining credentials now and holding them over time helps prepare you for civilian employment when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You selected Late Career-- this applies to Sailors in paygrades E7-E9. To help you focus on credentials most applicable to this phase in your career, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are LaDR-designated for your rating at the E7-E9 level. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly.
You chose Transitioning-- this applies to Sailors who will not be reenlisting and who are planning their next steps. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered down to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
Obtaining credentials can help prepare you for civilian employment, and can demonstrate knowledge and skills in a way civilian employers understand. The Navy will not pay for exams if you have less than six months of service left so you'll want to plan accordingly. If you are already within that six-month timeframe, you can still choose to pursue the credential yourself or explore other funding options to pay for credentials.
As a transitioning Sailor, you may also want to visit the Navy's Transisition Goals, Plans, Success (GPS) program for other guidance regarding reentering the civilian workforce.
You chose Promotion-Seeking-- this applies to Sailors who plan to stay in the Navy and who are actively working on advancement. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to only show COOL-funded certifications that are related to Most or Some of the skills and training gained in your rating. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table. It is recommended you also filter by LaDR paygrade so you can see which certifications the LaDR recommends for you.
Obtaining credentials related to your rating helps improve your professionalism and are considered during promotion evaluations. They also help prepare you for civilian employment for when you do transition out.
Once you have found a credential you want to pursue and are eligible for, you can apply for a voucher for COOL funding to pay for the exam. Make sure to check to see that you meet the eligibility requirements for a voucher before you apply.
You chose Veteran-- veterans are any former Service member who has been discharged from active duty military service. To help you focus on the most applicable credentials, the certification list has been filtered to show in-demand credentials that are GI Bill approved. You can customize your search by clicking Select Filters at the top left of the credentials table or by using the keyword search at the top right of the table.
COOL does not pay for credentialing exams for veterans, but you may be able to get your credential funded through the GI Bill. Explore your funding options to see what funding may be available to you. Also, visit our page of Related Sites and expand the Resource Sites For Veterans section to see what other resources may be available to you
The following civilian credentials are related to HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician. These credentials may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these credentials, click on the credential title below.
You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn how your training and experience can meet certification requirements.
For more supervisory and managerial credentials, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.
| Compare | Credential | Agency | Related As | Attainability | Navy$ | Gap Analysis | LaDR | GI Bill® | Accreditation | ID | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) |  Some |
 high |
 Navy Bucks |
 E4 |
 GI Bill |
 Accreditation
|
||||
CompTIA A+ ce
 Is In Demand
AT1
|
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
| Certified Electronics Technician - Associate-Level (Associate CET) Is Not In Demand AT1 | International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
 E3 |
GI Bill |
|||||
| Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Medical Is Not In Demand | International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET) |  Most |
 medium |
Navy Bucks |
E3 |
GI Bill |
|||||
|
CompTIA Network+ ce
Is In Demand
AT1
|
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
 E5 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
|
Certified Biomedical Equipment Technician (CBET)
Is In Demand
AT4
|
Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) | Most |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
||||||
| Certified Radiology Equipment Specialist (CRES) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) | Most |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
||||||
| Biomedical Electronics Technician (BMD) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Most |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
|
CompTIA Security+ ce
Is In Demand
AT4
|
Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
| Biomedical Imaging Electronics Technician (BIET) Is Not In Demand AT1 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Most |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
GI Bill |
Accreditation
|
||||
| Certified Instrument Specialist (CIS) Is Not In Demand | International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) |  Other |
|||||||||
| Electronics Associate DC (EM1) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Electronics Associate AC (EM2) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Electronics Associate Analog (EM3) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E4 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Electronics Associate Digital (EM4) Is Not In Demand AT4 | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Electronics Associate Comprehensive (EM5) Is Not In Demand | Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) | Some |
high |
Navy Bucks |
E5 |
Accreditation
|
|||||
| Certified Healthcare Technology Manager (CHTM) Is Not In Demand | Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) | Some |
medium |
Navy Bucks |
 E6 |
State Licenses
Some states have specific licensing requirements for the following related civilian occupations. These state licenses may require additional education, training or experience. Click on the occupation below to get more information on state requirements from the U.S. Department of Labor.
For more supervisory and managerial occupations, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page.
COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:
- Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
- Service members may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if they are separating or retiring in the state in which they desire the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Service members should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
- For each of the above opportunities, the Service member must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.
As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.
Apprenticeship
The United Services Military Apprenticeship Program (USMAP) is a formal military training program that provides active duty and Full Time Support (FTS) Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) provides the nationally recognized "Certificate of Completion" upon program completion.
USMAP enhances your job skills and shows your motivation for more challenging military assignments. Having a DOL Certificate of Completion is an advantage in getting better civilian jobs since employers know the value of apprenticeships.
Please refer to the HM-Hospital Corpsman page for information about apprenticeships related to your rating.
Completing an apprenticeship is a process with four major steps. Proceed to Step 1 on the USMAP website to select an apprenticeship trade that is related to your military occupation.
Related Civilian Occupations
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.
For more supervisory and managerial positions, please refer to the Leader (All enlisted E-4 and above) page. To search for related civilian job opportunities, go to the Veteran's Employment Center.
| Civilian Job | Duties Matched | Bright Outlook | Registered Apprenticeship | Local Salary Info | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Support Specialists |
Some
|
 Bright Outlook |
 find local salary |
||
| Medical Equipment Preparers |
Most
|
Bright Outlook |
 Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
|
| Medical Equipment Repairers |
Most
|
Bright Outlook |
Apprenticeship |
find local salary |
Related Federal Occupations
See the "Federal" tab under "Related Occupations" on the HM Rating page for more information on related federal occupations.
Other Career Considerations
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to HM - Biomedical Equipment Technician can be found below.
METC Degree Partners
Degree Programs that Give Special Consideration for METC Training
A number of civilian colleges have developed degree programs that give special consideration, in a variety of ways, for the training received by Service members at the Medical Education and Training Campus (METC) in San Antonio, Texas. The intent of these programs is to make it possible for Service members and Veterans to complete degree programs in disciplines that relate to their healthcare training and experience, as quickly as possible. These programs can enable Service members and Veterans to respond to the increasing trend toward degree requirements for civilian healthcare occupations. Degree completion programs are offered by civilian colleges in a total of 26 states, with the overwhelming majority of these programs offered by colleges in Texas. Go to the METC website to identify the programs by city and state, and by school and degree program.
Troops to Teachers
An additional resource for transitioning to a teaching career is the Troops to Teachers program. The Troops to Teachers program is a national program which provides support services to prepare military personnel for a career in teaching. Service members with a baccalaureate degree or higher are eligible to begin the traditional teaching certification process, however, Service members without a degree may also qualify to become a vocational/technical teacher. Click here for more information about the Troops to Teachers program.
COOL may be able to assist with funding state licensure on a case by case basis. The following conditions should apply:
- Enlisted Navy Reservists (SELRES) may get a state license funded based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. The state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty.
- Enlisted personnel may get a state/county or municipality certification/license funded if the Sailor is separating or retiring in the state in which he/she desires the license. This will be a onetime funding opportunity based on their Navy or civilian occupation, earned academic degree or a semester course. Renewals are authorized 60 days prior to their discharge/separation. The license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty. Enlisted Sailor should make contact with Navy COOL prior to 18 months remaining on their soft/hard EAOS due to the complicated funding processes of some states. Certification/license must be completed 60 days prior to separation.
- For each of the above opportunities, the Sailor must contact Navy COOL prior to submitting a voucher request for licensure funding coordination.
As with any state license, you must meet all state eligibility criteria. Funding of a state license must have relevancy to a Navy occupation or collateral duty (e.g. no real estate license, no beautician license, no private eye license, etc…). Contact Navy COOL for more information.
Voluntary Education
Voluntary Education
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:
- Navy College Program
- VOLED Assistance Center
- VOLED Region Advisors
- Unofficial JST Transcript showing recommended American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations for this rating. For informational use only.
For help in making informed choices on schools, education programs, and using tuition assistance, see:
You can use the Engage My Career Tool on MilGears to enter personalized information to learn about degree programs related to your training and experience and next steps towards pursuing a degree.
Collateral Duty / Out of Rate Assignments
Navy collateral duties/out of rate assignments play a vital role in the day-to-day operations and duties that Officers and Enlisted Sailors perform. Certifications and licenses are also available in these collateral duties/out of rate assignments, so please go to the Collateral Duty/Out of Rate Assignments search feature (under the Navigator) and explore more opportunities to get certified.
Opportunities Related to Academic Degrees
Out of rate or designator requests for exam funding for credentials related to an earned academic degree or a semester course may also be funded if it can be directly related to an industry certification or state license.
For example, if you have a degree in Human Resources but are serving as a Culinary Specialist, you can get funding for a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification.
If the completed degree is not in the Sailor's Joint Service Transcript (JST), the Sailor must provide proof of completion with the Voucher Request Form, OPNAV 1500/57 for funding approval. The requested credential must be included on the Navy COOL website, and the Sailor must meet all other eligibility requirements.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities for Prior Rate or Designator Sailors
If you have cross-rated or redesignated, you now are eligible for certifications and licenses mapped to your prior rating or designator. The “Navy Bucks” icon on the Navy COOL page for your previous position/rate indicates which certifications and licenses may be funded.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities Related to Off-Duty or Command-Sponsored Training
If you can document that you have completed an on- or off-duty training course that fully prepares you for a civilian certification or license, you may now be eligible to have the credential exam funded.
For example, if you took a Command-sponsored Emergency Medical Technician course, you may be eligible for funding for an EMT Basic credential.
The requested credential must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
College course completion must be annotated in your Joint Service Transcript. Formal off-duty or command-sponsored training should be visible in your Electronic Training Jacket (ETJ). In lieu of an ETJ entry (where training cannot be entered into the ETJ) you will need to submit some form of, proof of completion (a certificate of completion from the course/training is sufficient). If neither of the previously mentioned methods of validating proof of completion are available, then a command correspondence (such as a command letter, memo, or PG-13 form) describing the training along with the OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Opportunities for Navy Reservists
If you are a Navy Reservist, officer or enlisted, you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to your civilian occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your civilian occupation, you will need a screen shot from Navy Standard Integrated Personnel System (NSIPS) showing the Civilian Occupational Code. Please send the NSIPS screenshot with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
In lieu of NSIPS documentation you may also submit a command endorsed and executed NAVPERS 1070/613 (PG-13) Administrative Remarks form noting your civilian occupation along with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form). You must sign the PG-13.
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Prior Other-Service Occupation
If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials related to prior other-Service (Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard) occupation. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your prior other-Service occupation, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a document (e.g. DD-214; or Military Service School completion certificate; or other document) showing your other-Service occupation. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
Credentials Earned & Maintained Prior to Joining the Navy
If you are Navy (Active or Reserve), you may now be eligible for funding for credentials that were earned, and maintained, prior to entering the Navy. The certification or license must have relevance to the needs of the Navy, and must appear on Navy COOL, although it does not need to show the Navy Bucks icon to be funded.
To validate your earned & maintained credential, you will need to provide Navy COOL with a scanned or emailed document (e.g. credential certificate document, screenshot from your credential dashboard, digital badge, etc…) showing the credential earned and maintained. Please send the document (scanned & emailed) with your OPNAV 1500/57 Professional Certification and Licensing Voucher Request (COOL Voucher Request Form).
As with any credential, you must meet all other eligibility criteria and the certification or license vendors' requirements.
E4
HM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
HM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E4 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E4 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E5
HM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
HM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E5 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E5 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E6
HM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
HM • - SELRES
The September Active Duty E6 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
The March 2020 SELRES E6 exams have been delayed. You can still view the references using these links:
E7
HM • - ACTIVE DUTY/FTS
HM • - SELRES
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A BIBLIOGRAPHY is provided by the Navy Advancement Center (NAC) to document the REFERENCES used by a subject matter expert (a Navy Chief in the rating) as the basis for writing the items on the Active Duty and Reserve Navy Advancement Exams. If a reference has been updated since the exam was created and differs from the reference listed here, the information in the updated reference will be used as the basis for scoring the exam.
INQUIRIES CONCERNING
Exam Development and Bibliographies
COM: (850) 473-6110
DSN: 753-6110
SFLY_EXAM_QUESTION@navy.mil
General Advancement Information
COM: (850) 473-6148
DSN: 753-6148
SFLY_NAVY_ADVANCEMEN@navy.mil
Low
Gap Analysis