EGSA and Ferris State University now officially recognize the training center at MTU Onsite Energy's North American headquarters in Mankato, Minn., and the Caterpillar Inc. facility in Peoria, Ill., as official testing centers for the EGSA Generator Technician Certification Program. “Our designation as an official Testing Center helps us provide even more value for technicians who come to...

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EGSA and Ferris State University now officially recognize the training center at MTU Onsite Energy's North American headquarters in Mankato, Minn., and the Caterpillar Inc. facility in Peoria, Ill., as official testing centers for the EGSA Generator Technician Certification Program.

“Our designation as an official Testing Center helps us provide even more value for technicians who come to Mankato for training,” said John Haack, training manager for MTU Onsite Energy. “Now when our distributors and dealers send their technicians to us for training, they have the option to take the certification test right here in the convenience of our training center.”

The EGSA Generator Technician Certification Program was first introduced in 2006 as part of EGSA's commitment to advancing professionalism within the on-site power industry. The test consists of approximately 200 multiple-choice questions developed by knowledgeable experts working in the industry.

The testing program covers:

• Basic electricity prime movers

• Generators/alternators

• Engine generator instrumentation and controls

• Governors

• Automatic transfer switches

• Voltage regulators

• Multiple generator switchgear and controls

• Auxiliary support systems

• Startup/commissioning

• Troubleshooting system problems.

According to EGSA Director of Education George Rowley, Caterpillar's decision to become a testing center is a savvy competitive move. “Manufacturers who have done a lot of research into our certification program have identified some possible important future implications for positioning themselves within the marketplace,” he said. “For example, it's very possible that in the short-term future that manufacturers and distributors alike will require at least one certified technician on staff in order to successfully bid on new installations and even routine contract maintenance. Companies who are aware of this trend are positioning themselves to embrace the program and promote it to their technicians and their customers.”