Recreational Vehicle Service Technician Programs
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 49-3092.00 Recreational Vehicle Service Technician is an occupation that diagnoses, inspects, adjusts, repairs, or overhauls recreational vehicles. Within the occupation, the RV technician may specialize in various aspects of RV maintenance of gas, electrical, hydraulic, plumbing, or chassis/towing systems as well as repairing generators, appliances, and interior components. The NRVTA program focuses on the overarching components of an RV as outlined by the RV Industry Association (RVIA).
Registered RV Service Technician
This program prepares individuals to apply basic technical knowledge and skills to build, test, inspect, repair, service and maintain recreational vehicles, systems, and interior and exterior components. Includes instruction in brake, hydraulic, and towing systems; electrical systems; propane systems and propane and electric appliances; carpentry; plumbing; welding; and structural frames. The Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician program is focused on the entry level skills and training required for new technicians entering the RV industry including pre-delivery inspector (PDI). The RV Service Technician curriculum covers the core skill areas such as propane management, basic electrical operations, plumbing, fire & life safety, weight distribution, and other technical skills as outlined by the RV Service Training Council. Once the student has acquired their RV Service Technician knowledge and skills, they are eligible to take the RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician Exam to join the ranks of Registered RV Service Technician professionals. Students might expect to find employment at insurance industry, banking, extended service agreement companies, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dealerships, vendors, equipment suppliers, repair shops, and/or via small business ownership.
Full Program Length: 1 week / 48 hours
Required Courses:
Registered RV Service Technician
Full Program Length: 1 week / 48 hours
Required Courses:
RV Fundamentals Training
Course Code: RVTF 200
Subject Description:
The student will gain skills to assess and troubleshoot the key RV systems including: DC electrical systems, AC electrical systems, propane systems, plumbing systems, RV refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, and furnace.
Subject Hours:
40 Course time hours (28 hours lecture, 12 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician Certification Exam Review
Course Code: RVTP 900
Subject Description:
The purpose of this day long course is to help NRVTA students prepare for the RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician Exam. The review helps students prepare to take and pass the test, typically taken the next day. This study day reviews the following systems: RV Propane Systems, RV Electrical Systems, RV Water Systems, RV Exterior, RV Water Heaters & Furnaces, RV Air Conditioning, and RV Refrigerators.
Subject Hours:
8 course time hours (8 hours lecture, 0 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200
Advanced RV Service Technician
This can also be the entry level point for the Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician occupation or the next step in advancing the RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician’s knowledge. This program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to build, test, inspect, repair, service and maintain recreational vehicles, systems, and interior and exterior components. Includes instruction in brake, hydraulic, and towing systems; electrical systems; propane systems and propane and electric appliances; carpentry; plumbing; welding; and structural frames. This program advances the student’s skills in the areas of propane, electrical, plumbing, fire & life safety, weight knowledge, and other technical skills as outlined in the RV Service Training Council. The Advanced RV Technician curriculum provides a comprehensive focus on hands- on troubleshooting and reconstruction of RV systems. Once the student has acquired their Advanced RV Service Technician knowledge and skills, they are NRVTA: CSC-001X Page 17 of 28 eligible to take the RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician Exam to join the ranks of RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician professionals. Students might expect to find employment at insurance industry, banking, extended service agreement companies, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dealerships, vendors, equipment suppliers, repair shops, and/or via small business ownership. In addition, the advanced training could lead to being promoted to service technician instructor, service manager, parts advisor, shop foreman at these entities. The Certified RV Technician Exam is administered by RVTAA.
Full Program Length: 5 weeks / 188 hours
Required Courses:
Optional Courses:
These courses can be used for enhanced knowledge and skills. These courses can also be applied to meet the requirements of the Master Technician level of credentials.
Advanced RV Service Technician
Full Program Length: 5 weeks / 188 hours
Required Courses:
RV Fundamentals Training
Course Code: RVTF 200
Subject Description:
The student will gain skills to assess and troubleshoot the key RV systems including: DC electrical systems, AC electrical systems, propane systems, plumbing systems, RV refrigerator, air conditioner, water heater, and furnace.
Subject Hours:
40 course time hours (28 hours lecture, 12 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
RV Air Conditioners & Heat Pumps
Course Code: RVTA 301
Subject Description:
Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills on the operations of the Dometic and Coleman brands and models of RV air conditioners and heat pumps. The students will learn skills to identify the thermostats and temperature controls used in today’s RVs and how to use equipment for determining proper operation. Specifically, they will utilize wiring diagrams, identify the various test points for the low voltage controls, and study the 120-volt AC power voltages. Hands-on labs will enhance the skills of the student by way of live troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repair of the various Dometic and Coleman models of the RV air conditioners and heat pumps.
Subject Hours:
40 course time hours (16 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200
RV Exterior Systems
Course Code: RVTE 301
Subject Description:
Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills on the operations of electric and hydraulic slide outs and leveling systems. The skills involve identifying the types of materials, construction techniques for roofs and sidewalls, and the components of the running gear (axles, suspension, and tires). Hands-on labs on the various RVs of the school fleet allows the students to practice and perfect their skills.
Subject Hours:
40 course time hours (16 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200
RV Absorption Refrigerators
Course Code: RVTR 301
Subject Description:
Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of operation of the propane and electrical circuits of the Dometic and Norcold brands of RV absorption type of refrigerators. Students will learn to identify the various temperature controls used to maintain the cooling of the freezer and refrigerator areas. They will learn to read the wiring diagrams for the current models and troubleshoot the 12 volts DC and 120 volts AC test points of the circuit board along with the propane function of this type of refrigeration. The hands-on troubleshooting labs allow the students to walk through the test points of electrical and gas circuits verifying their test procedures.
Subject Hours:
40 course time hours (16 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200
RV Water Heaters & Furnaces
Course Code: RVTW 301
Subject Description:
Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of operation of the Suburban, Dometic/Atwood water heaters and furnaces. They will learn to read the circuit flow charts and wiring diagrams, test key points of both the water heater and the furnace, identify burner sequence of firing operation, the 120-volt AC heating element, and the various types of thermostats used in today’s water heaters and furnaces. The hands-on troubleshooting labs allow the students to walk through the test points of electrical and gas circuits verifying their test procedures.
Subject Hours:
40 course time hours (16 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200
RVTAA Certified RV Technician Certification Exam Review
Course Code: RVTP 910
Subject Description:
The purpose of this day long course is to help NRVTA students prepare for the RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician Exam. The review helps students prepare to take and pass the test, typically taken the next day. This study day reviews the following systems at an advanced level: RV Propane Systems, RV Electrical Systems, RV Water Systems, RV Exterior, RV Water Heaters & Furnaces, RV Air Conditioning, and RV Refrigerators.
Subject Hours:
8 course time hours (8 hours lecture, 0 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
RVTF 200 or INSP 200, RVTA 301, RVTE 301, RVTR 301, and RVTW 301
Optional Courses:
These courses can be used for enhanced knowledge and skills. These courses can also be applied to meet the requirements of the Master Technician level of credentials.
Generators
Course Code: RVTG 301
Subject Description:
This course is designed for the RV Technician, RV Inspector, or RV owner that is interested in power generation equipment for the RV. Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of generator operations. Students will learn how to select, install, operate, and maintain portable and mobile generators, as well as how to isolate and repair generator problems. This course can help RV owners avoid power failure and ensure their generator power is sustainable.
Subject Hours:
35 Course time hours (11 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
Solar
Course Code: RVTS 301
Subject Description:
This course is designed for the RV Technician, RV Inspector, or RV owner that is interested in solar power equipment for the RV. Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of solar power as it relates to RV operations. Students will learn how to select, install, operate, and maintain solar energy as well as how to isolate and repair solar equipment problems. RV owners will find this course will help them avoid power failure and ensure their solar power can be maintained at a lower cost.
Subject Hours:
35 Course time hours (11 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
Whether the student is an RV Technician, RV Inspector, or RV Owner, these courses help develop the skills of organization, technology, and leadership to starting a business and maintaining a successful business model.
Small Business Kick-Starter – Home Study
Course Code: RVSB 101
Tuition: $997
Subject Description:
In this course, the student participates in a structured, self-paced learning process of online videos supporting the hardcopy course materials along with monthly, live, online Q&A sessions up to 1 year from course commencement. Students will be provided a variety of training materials including the book Eight Steps to Start and Grow a Business by Mark J. Kohler, as well as training courses from Ziglar, Inc including an individual personality assessment that will be completed to gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and help them overcome common business pitfalls.
Subject Hours:
30 course time hours (21 hours lecture, 09 hours lab, 00 hours externship)
Prerequisites:
None
ENROLLMENT DISABLED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
Small Business Kick-Starter - Live
Course Code: RVSB 201
Tuition: Call for pricing
Subject Description:
In this course, the student participates in live, small business training sessions supported by the hardcopy course materials as well as live, open forum discussions. Students will participate in a live, in-person Q&A session as well as monthly, live, online Q&A sessions up to 1 year from course commencement. Students will be provided a variety of training materials including the book Eight Steps to Start and Grow a Business by Mark J. Kohler, as well as training courses from Ziglar, Inc including an individual personality assessment that will be completed to gain an understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and help them overcome common business pitfalls.
Subject Hours:
30 course time hours (21 hours lecture, 09 hours lab, 00 hours externship)
Prerequisites:
None
No Course Dates Available At This Time
Master RV Service Technician
Once the Advanced Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician has achieved proficiency in the areas of RV propane, electrical, plumbing, fire & life safety, and weight knowledge, the student is eligible to advance their skills further as a Master Technician. The Master Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician curriculum provides a comprehensive focus on all aspects relative to RV living, troubleshooting, and reconstruction of RV systems. In addition, the Master Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician will learn essential theory on precept, mentoring, and teaching the next generation of RV technicians and inspectors. Once the student has acquired their RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician credentials, has 3-years of experience and has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills, they are eligible to take the RVTAA Master Certified RV Service Technician Exam to join the ranks of the RVTAA Master Certified RV Service Technician professionals. Students might expect to find employment at insurance industry, banking, extended service agreement companies, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dealerships, vendors, equipment suppliers, repair shops, and/or via small business ownership. In addition, the master training could lead to being promoted to service manager, parts advisor, shop foreman, vice president of operations, servicer underwriter, or master service technician instructor.
Full Program Length: 2 weeks / 78 hours
Required Courses:
Master RV Service Technician
Once the Advanced Recreational Vehicle (RV) Service Technician has achieved proficiency in the areas of RV propane, electrical, plumbing, fire & life safety, and weight knowledge, the student is eligible to advance their skills further as a Master Technician. The Master Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician curriculum provides a comprehensive focus on all aspects relative to RV living, troubleshooting, and reconstruction of RV systems. In addition, the Master Recreational Vehicle (RV) Technician will learn essential theory on precept, mentoring, and teaching the next generation of RV technicians and inspectors. Once the student has acquired their RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician credentials, has 3-years of experience and has acquired the necessary knowledge and skills, they are eligible to take the RVTAA Master Certified RV Service Technician Exam to join the ranks of the RVTAA Master Certified RV Service Technician professionals. Students might expect to find employment at insurance industry, banking, extended service agreement companies, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), dealerships, vendors, equipment suppliers, repair shops, and/or via small business ownership. In addition, the master training could lead to being promoted to service manager, parts advisor, shop foreman, vice president of operations, servicer underwriter, or master service technician instructor.
Full Program Length: 2 weeks / 78 hours
Required Courses:
Generators
Course Code: RVTG 301
Subject Description:
This course is designed for the RV Technician, RV Inspector, or RV owner that is interested in power generation equipment for the RV. Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of generator operations. Students will learn how to select, install, operate, and maintain portable and mobile generators, as well as how to isolate and repair generator problems. This course can help RV owners avoid power failure and ensure their generator power is sustainable.
Subject Hours:
35 Course time hours (11 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
Solar
Course Code: RVTS 301
Subject Description:
This course is designed for the RV Technician, RV Inspector, or RV owner that is interested in solar power equipment for the RV. Students advance assessment, diagnostic, and troubleshooting skills of solar power as it relates to RV operations. Students will learn how to select, install, operate, and maintain solar energy as well as how to isolate and repair solar equipment problems. RV owners will find this course will help them avoid power failure and ensure their solar power can be maintained at a lower cost.
Subject Hours:
35 Course time hours (11 hours lecture, 24 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
None
RVTAA Master Certified RV Technician Certification Exam Review
Course Code: RVTP 920
Subject Description:
The purpose of this day long course is to help NRVTA students prepare for the RVTAA Master Certified RV Service Technician Exam. The review helps students prepare to take and pass the test, typically taken the next day. This study day reviews the following advanced level of the following systems: RV Propane, RV Electrical, RV Water, RV Exterior, RV Water Heaters & Furnaces, RV Air Conditioning, and RV Refrigerators.
Subject Hours:
8 course time hours (8 hours lecture, 0 hours lab)
Prerequisites:
- 3-years of experience as an RVTAA Certified RV Service Technician
- Completed RVTG 301 - Generators
- Completed RVTS 301 – Solar Power
- 24 qualifying Continuing Education Units (CEUs) of RV manufacturer factory training on RV systems