The Engineering Plant Technician is a critical watch station onboard LCS class vessels. They are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of the ship's machinery and propulsion systems. They are qualified as professional firefighters, expert machinists, skilled electricians, diesel mechanics, mechanical technicians, and a vast array of other specialties. Engineering Plant Technician on LCS ships works on the Navy's newest water-jet propulsion systems, engines built by manufacturers such as Rolls Royce and General Electric, and other unique systems that sustain superior combat operations and missions at sea and in port. This position is open to EM, EN, GSE, and GSM ratings for E-5 to E-7 assigned to a Littoral Combat Ship and reports to the Readiness Control Officer and Officer of the Deck and ensures the availability of all Ship's engineering systems.
There are 6 credentials closely related to the tasks performed in this Out of Rate Assignment that may be attainable as soon as specific Littoral Combat Ship Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) and training has been completed. To view these credentials, select "< 1 Year" for the "Experience after 'A' School" filter in the “Related Credentials” section, which is an indicator that a certification may be attainable shortly following training.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 EPT - Engineering Plant 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.
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.
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.
The following civilian occupations are similar to the duties performed by EPT - Engineering Plant Technician. These occupations may require additional education, training or experience. For more information about these occupations, click on the civilian occupation below.
A wide range of civilian job opportunities is available within the private and public sectors that align with EPT - Engineering Plant Technician military training and experience. More information about these opportunities and other considerations concerning occupations related to EPT - Engineering Plant Technician can be found below.
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.
In addition to obtaining certifications in your field, voluntary education is another way to enhance job performance. Options for voluntary education include:
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.
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.
This is an official U.S. Navy websiteUpdated: January 29, 2021
The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.
Related As
The credentials shown in this table are related to this military occupation in one of three ways: Most, Some, or Other.
MOST
Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for them. To ensure a complete understanding of the credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
SOME
Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (related 80% to at least one or more critical tasks but less than 80% of all of the entire military occupation). Note that the credential may require additional education, training or experience before you are eligible for them. To ensure a complete understanding of credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
OTHER
Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience.
Attainability
This indicates ease of attainability in relationship to the experience and education requirements for this credential and the duties performed within the military occupation.
High
Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is HS or less and/or minimum experience is 2 years or less; no additional requirements.
Medium
Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is an Associate's degree (and prerequisites if any), and/or minimum experience of between 2 and 10 years.
Low
May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.
Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years.
Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year.
Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.
Navy$
Credentials listed in the Credentials table have been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. Note that
to be eligible for Navy funded credentials, you must have demonstrated competency and experience towards the credential being sought.
The credentials listed may require additional work to fully meet competency and experience requirements. To ensure a complete understanding of credential requirements, click on the credential name in the table and review the page that follows.
To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.
Gap Analysis
This indicates that a detailed analysis comparing the credential requirements to the military occupation has been completed. Click on either the credential name or the gap analysis icon to view the analysis page.
GI Bill®
Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill for the credentials with the GI Bill icon in this column.
Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.
Accreditation
This icon indicates that the credential has been accredited by at least one of the following. Hover over the icon to see which ones it has. See below for more information on what is listed in the hover text.
ANAB (ANSI)
ANAB indicates that the credential has been accredited by the ANSI (American National Standards Institute) National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Accreditation is the process by which a credentialing or educational program is evaluated against defined standards, and if it meets these standards, is awarded recognition by a third party. ANAB accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality.
Click here for the external link to the ANAB site for more information.
NCCA
NCCA indicates that the credential has been accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). Accreditation is the process by which a credentialing or educational program is evaluated against defined standards, and if it meets these standards, is awarded recognition by a third party. NCCA accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality.
Click here for the external link to the NCCA site for more information.
ICAC
ICAC indicates that the credential has been accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC). ICAC accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the ICAC site for more information.
ABSNC
ABSNC indicates that the credential has been accredited by the Accreditation Board for Specialty Nursing Certification (ABSNC). ABSNC accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the ABSNC site for more information.
IAS
IAS indicates that the credential has been accredited by the International Accreditation Service (IAS). IAS accreditation tells you that the credential meets documented standards of quality, which you can review on their web site.
Click here for the external link to the IAS site for more information.
Table Legend
Civilian Occupations Table Legend
Duties Matched
The civilian and military jobs share either most job duties or some job duties.
MOST
Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
SOME
Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook
The Bright Outlook icon indicates that new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job. Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move For Veterans State Map.
Registered Apprenticeship
The Registered Apprenticeship icon indicates that this job has an apprenticeship program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Click the links in this column to go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.
Local Salary Information
Click the links in this column to go to the external link My Next Move for Veterans web site to view salary and employment information for the job.
The International Society of Automation (ISA), Certified Control Systems Technician – Level I (CCST-I) credential offers third-party recognition of a technician's knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs understand process control looks and process control systems, including computer systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. CCST certifications are available at three levels, depending on the level of experience, training and education, with Level I being the most basic. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience. Candidates must pass a written exam.
The Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE), Certified Lubrication Specialist (CLS) is for individuals who evaluate and select lubricants to use and purchase, conduct lube surveys, train lubricators and assemble work lists, develop quality assurance and used lubricant analysis programs, troubleshoot and problem solve lubrication issues, and maintain records of all application, as well as waste collection or disposal. CLS applicants must have three years of experience working in the field of lubrication and must pass a written exam.
The National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence (ASE), Medium/Heavy Truck - Diesel Engines (T2) certification is for individuals who possess knowledge and skills in engine brakes, general engine diagnosis, and the diagnosis and repair of the cylinder head, valve train, engine block, lubrication and cooling systems, air induction and exhaust systems, fuel system and starting and charging system. Candidates must meet experience requirements and pass a written exam.
The International Society of Automation (ISA), Certified Control Systems Technician – Level II (CCST-II) credential offers third-party recognition of a technician's knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs understand process control looks and process control systems, including computer systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. CCST certifications are available at three levels, depending on the level of experience, training and education, with Level II being the mid-level. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience. Candidates must pass a written exam.
The International Society of Automation (ISA), Certified Control Systems Technician – Level III (CCST-III) credential offers third-party recognition of a technician's knowledge and skills in automation and control. CCSTs understand process control looks and process control systems, including computer systems. CCSTs calibrate, document, troubleshoot, and repair/replace instrumentation for systems that measure and control level, temperature, pressure, flow, and other process variables. Candidates must meet a combination of education and experience. Candidates must pass a written exam.
The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), Electrical Power Testing - Level I credential is an entry-level certification for electrical technicians who test equipment used in the production, transmission, and distribution of electrical power. The certification validates a technician’s knowledge required to inspect, test, and maintain electrical power equipment. Electrical Power Testing - Level I technicians work under the supervision of a higher-level technician and perform duties such as isolating and ground power equipment safely, connecting test equipment, and conducting and documenting standard tests of basic single-function equipment. Candidates must meet experience requirements and pass a written exam.
The Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC), Basic Electricity and Electronics - Alternating Current (BEE-AC) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The BEE-AC certification validates a professional's knowledge of various AC theories, equipment, math, cabling, and other related subjects. Applicants must meet training, experience, or education requirements. Any active or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the appropriate field are eligible for the BEE-AC exam. Applicants must pass a performance exam.
The Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC), Basic Electricity and Electronics - Direct Current (BEE-DC) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The exam tests applicant's hands-on troubleshooting skills and validates applicant's knowledge of basic electrical theory, magnetism, electrical safety, electronic equipment and components laws, circuits and other related subjects. Applicants must meet training, experience, or education requirements. Any active or veteran military personnel whose rating or assignment is/was in the appropriate field are eligible for the BEE-DC exam. Applicants must pass a performance exam.
The Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC), Basic Electricity and Electronics - Analog (BEE-A) is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. BEE-A applicants must have experience with hands-on troubleshooting skills and have knowledge of various analog components, electronics, power, and other related subjects. Applicants must meet education, experience, or training requirements. Applicants must pass a performance exam.
The Certifying Technical Employee Competence (CertTEC), Basic Electricity and Electronics - Digital (BEE-D) certification is an entry-level credential designed for technicians in the electricity and electronics field. The exam tests applicant's hands-on troubleshooting skills and validates applicant's knowledge of various digital electricity and electronics theories, safety precautions, conversions, diagrams, and other related subjects. Applicants must meet education, experience, or training requirements. Applicants must pass a performance exam.
The Electrical Generating Systems Association (EGSA), Electrical Generator Systems Technician Certification - Apprentice is an entry-level certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge of on-site power generation equipment and systems. Electrical Generator Systems Technician Apprentices have knowledge of electricity, mechanical, and electrical components and the interactions between them and are proficient in the installation, service, maintenance, and repair of on-site power generation systems. There are no formal education or experience requirements, but candidates must pass a written exam.
In Demand
This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.
Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.
GI Bill®
Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.
Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.
Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the rating (at least one critical task but less than 80%)
Most
Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the rating (at least 80%)
Other
Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience
High
Highly attainable: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.
Medium
Moderate ease of attainment: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.
Low
May be difficult to attain: Credential is related to the duties performed within the military occupation, the minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.
Most – Tasks in these careers match most duties of the military job or specialty (approximately 80% or greater)
Some – Tasks in these careers match some duties of the military job or specialty (greater than 20% but less than 80%)
Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job
Registered Apprenticeship
An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.