Florida Certificate of Competency

Florida's Certificate of Competency is the foundation credential for elevator technicians. It proves the individual has the training and background to qualify for the next step, but it is not the work license by itself. People get tripped up here because the certificate sounds final, but Florida still requires the separate Certified Elevator Technician registration before someone can legally do the field work.

What qualifies someone for it

• Education-only route: A degree in mechanical engineering can satisfy the qualification path.
• Education and experience route: Florida also allows a mix of approved education or testing plus 4 years of verified experience constructing, maintaining, servicing, or repairing regulated conveyances.
• Accepted education pieces: The division lists the Florida Certificate of Competency test, a registered elevator-mechanic apprenticeship, or equivalent licensure from another qualifying jurisdiction as acceptable pieces of the education-and-experience route.
• Verified work history: The experience has to be verified by a registered elevator company.

Fees and annual upkeep

• Application fee: $50.
• Renewal cycle: Annual.
• Renewal requirement: Florida renews the credential when it receives proof of 8 hours of approved continuing education and the $50 renewal fee.

What it actually does

This certificate qualifies the holder to become a Certified Elevator Technician. It does not authorize work on vertical conveyances by itself.