Career roadmap
How to Become a Building Maintenance Technician
The education, training, certifications and steps it takes to start working as a building maintenance technician, plus how long it takes and where the career can lead.
To become a building maintenance technician: (1) get basic skills, (2) start as a maintenance helper, (3) earn EPA 608, (4) add certifications, (5) advance. Most people need about 3–12 months on the job. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education.
5 steps to become a building maintenance technician
Get basic skills
Take shop classes or help with home repairs.
Start as a maintenance helper
Learn from experienced technicians.
Earn EPA 608
Required for HVAC refrigerant work.
Add certifications
CAMT, BOC or trade courses expand your scope.
Advance
Become a lead technician, maintenance supervisor or facilities manager.
Education and training requirements
A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job; some take vocational classes in HVAC, electrical or plumbing. Industry certifications add skills and pay.
| Typical entry-level education (BLS) | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Related work experience | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Typical training time | 3–12 months on the job |
Certifications and licenses
- EPA Section 608 certification: Required to work on equipment containing refrigerants.
- Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT): National Apartment Association credential.
- Building Operator Certification (BOC): Credential for operating building systems efficiently.
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry: Basic workplace safety training.
Skills to build now
Start with basic plumbing repair, basic electrical repair, and hvac maintenance, and practice problem solving and customer service. Learning the building maintenance technician vocabulary early makes training and interviews easier.
Where the career can lead
- Maintenance Helper: Assist with repairs and make-readies.
- Maintenance Technician: Handle work orders independently.
- Lead Technician or Maintenance Supervisor: Lead teams and manage vendors.
- Facilities Manager: Oversee buildings, budgets and projects.
Get a head start
Our self-paced Building Maintenance Technician training gives you a realistic, practical overview of the job (duties, terminology, step-by-step tasks, safety and interview prep) so you can decide with confidence and show employers you’re serious.
Common questions about getting started
What certification helps most?
EPA 608 is valuable for HVAC work, and the CAMT is well known in apartment maintenance.
How long does it take to become a building maintenance technician?
Most people need about 3–12 months on the job of training. A high school diploma is typical. Most technicians learn on the job; some take vocational classes in HVAC, electrical or plumbing. Industry certifications add skills and pay.
Do you need a degree to be a building maintenance technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “high school diploma or equivalent” as the typical entry-level education, plus moderate-term on-the-job training.
What certifications are available for building maintenance technicians?
Common credentials include EPA Section 608 certification, Certificate for Apartment Maintenance Technicians (CAMT), Building Operator Certification (BOC), and OSHA 10-Hour General Industry. Some repairs, such as major electrical, plumbing or gas work, may require a licensed tradesperson depending on state and local rules.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-9071 (Maintenance and repair workers, general).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Maintenance and repair workers, general (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.