Electronic Technology

Prepare for a career in the world of electronics as a technician or engineer through classroom and practical, hands-on learning using state-of-the art laboratory equipment.

View Transfer Options, Degrees & Certificates

The electronic technology certificate of achievement provides a solid foundation for immediate employment as an electronic technician, designing, testing and servicing telecommunication, medical, video, automotive, computer, aerospace, and entertainment equipment.

Completion of the associate in science degree provides even broader opportunities for personal, academic, and career growth.

Students may also transfer into the California state university system to complete a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.

Program Length

Four semesters.

Transfer Options

Students may transfer directly into the engineering technology programs at Cal Poly Pomona or Cal State Long Beach and complete a bachelor’s degree.

Transfer, Degrees and/or Certificates

Sample Academic Plans

Electronics Technology

AS COA COP

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
ENGL C1000 (WR 1)	Academic Reading and Writing	1A	4
MATH	Math GE Course	1C	3-5
ET 92	Basic Electric Circuits I	Major	4
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
Communication/Thinking	Communication/Analytical Thinking GE Course	1B	3-4
ET 99	Digital Electronic Circuits	Major	4
Social Sciences	Social Sciences GE Course	3	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
ET 104	Bsic Electric Circuits II	Major	4
ET 105	Electronic Devices and Circuits I	Major	4
Arts/Humanities	Arts or Humanities GE Course	4	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		1

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	AS GE Area/Major	Units
ET 107	Electronic Devices and Circuits II	Major	4
ET Major	ET Major Course from List A	Major	4
Natural Sciences	Natural Sciences GE Course	2	3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		3
Elective	Degree Applicable Elective (Courses 1-299)		1

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 92	Basic Electric Circuits I	4

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 99	Digital Electronic Circuits	4

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 104	Basic Electric Circuits II	4
ET 105	Electronic Devices and Circuits I	4

Semester 4

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 107	Electronic Devices and Circuits II	4
ET Major Course	ET Major Course	4

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 92	Basic Electric Circuits I	4

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 99	Digital Electronic Circuits	4

Semester 3

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	Units
ET 104	Basic Electric Circuits II	4
ET 105	Electronic Devices and Circuits I	4

Semester 1

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	UNITS
ET 92	Basic Electric Circuits I	4
ENGR 21	Introduction to Engineering and Technology	1
ELEC 200	OSHA Standards for Construction Safety	3

Semester 2

Sample Educational Plan for a single term.
Course	Title	UNITS
ET 104	Basic Electric Circuits II	4
ET 119	Industrial Automation Using PLCs	2

Explore Careers

Electrical and Electronics Drafters

Median Salary

$60,962

Job Growth

-22%

Education

Certificate
38%

Some College
2%

Associate's Degree
51%

Bachelor's Degree
9%

View Career

Prepare wiring diagrams, circuit board assembly diagrams, and layout drawings used for the manufacture, installation, or repair of electrical equipment.

New workers start around $38,629. Normal pay is $60,962 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $114,504.

Education

Certificate
38%

Some College
2%

Associate's Degree
51%

Bachelor's Degree
9%

Core Tasks

Draft working drawings, wiring diagrams, wiring connection specifications, or cross-sections of underground cables, as required for instructions to installation crew.
Assemble documentation packages and produce drawing sets to be checked by an engineer or an architect.
Consult with engineers to discuss or interpret design concepts, or determine requirements of detailed working drawings.
Review completed construction drawings and cost estimates for accuracy and conformity to standards and regulations.
Examine electronic schematics and supporting documents to develop, compute, and verify specifications for drafting data, such as configuration of parts, dimensions, or tolerances.
Confer with engineering staff and other personnel to resolve problems.
Draft detail and assembly drawings of design components, circuitry or printed circuit boards, using computer-assisted equipment or standard drafting techniques and devices.
Measure factors that affect installation and arrangement of equipment, such as distances to be spanned by wire and cable.
Locate files relating to specified design project in database library, load program into computer, and record completed job data.
Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
Draw master sketches to scale showing relation of proposed installations to existing facilities and exact specifications and dimensions.
Study work order requests to determine type of service, such as lighting or power, demanded by installation.
Explain drawings to production or construction teams and provide adjustments, as necessary.
Review work orders or procedural manuals and confer with vendors or design staff to resolve problems or modify design.
Reproduce working drawings on copy machines or trace drawings in ink.

Median Salary

$60,962

Job Growth

-22%

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians

Median Salary

$63,623

Job Growth

-18%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
12%

Certificate
24%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
43%

Bachelor's Degree
8%

Doctoral or More
4%

View Career

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

New workers start around $36,571. Normal pay is $63,623 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $106,381.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
12%

Certificate
24%

Some College
9%

Associate's Degree
43%

Bachelor's Degree
8%

Doctoral or More
4%

Core Tasks

Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.
Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.
Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.
Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.
Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.
Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

Median Salary

$63,623

Job Growth

-18%

Electro-Mechanical Technicians

Median Salary

$63,481

Job Growth

-40%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
13%

Certificate
30%

Some College
13%

Associate's Degree
41%

Bachelor's Degree
3%

View Career

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

New workers start around $40,580. Normal pay is $63,481 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $108,407.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
13%

Certificate
30%

Some College
13%

Associate's Degree
41%

Bachelor's Degree
3%

Core Tasks

Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
Inspect parts for surface defects.
Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.

Median Salary

$63,481

Job Growth

-40%

Non-Destructive Testing Specialists

Median Salary

$61,423

Job Growth

+6%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
45%

Certificate
10%

Some College
5%

Associate's Degree
25%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

View Career

Test the safety of structures, vehicles, or vessels using x-ray, ultrasound, fiber optic or related equipment.

New workers start around $36,865. Normal pay is $61,423 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $103,807.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
45%

Certificate
10%

Some College
5%

Associate's Degree
25%

Bachelor's Degree
15%

Core Tasks

Interpret or evaluate test results in accordance with applicable codes, standards, specifications, or procedures.
Interpret the results of all methods of non-destructive testing (NDT), such as acoustic emission, electromagnetic, leak, liquid penetrant, magnetic particle, neutron radiographic, radiographic, thermal or infrared, ultrasonic, vibration analysis, and visual testing.
Examine structures or vehicles such as aircraft, trains, nuclear reactors, bridges, dams, and pipelines, using non-destructive testing techniques.
Select, calibrate, or operate equipment used in the non-destructive testing of products or materials.
Identify defects in solid materials, using ultrasonic testing techniques.
Prepare reports on non-destructive testing results.
Document non-destructive testing methods, processes, or results.
Supervise or direct the work of non-destructive testing trainees or staff.
Produce images of objects on film, using radiographic techniques.
Make radiographic images to detect flaws in objects while leaving objects intact.
Map the presence of imperfections within objects, using sonic measurements.
Conduct liquid penetrant tests to locate surface cracks by coating objects with fluorescent dyes, cleaning excess penetrant, and applying developer.
Visually examine materials, structures, or components for signs of corrosion, metal fatigue, cracks, or other flaws, using tools and equipment such as endoscopes, closed-circuit television systems, and fiber optics.

Median Salary

$61,423

Job Growth

+6%

Electrical and Electronics Repairers for Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Median Salary

$63,515

Job Growth

-18%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
22%

Certificate
32%

Associate's Degree
46%

View Career

Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

New workers start around $36,793. Normal pay is $63,515 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $104,407.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
22%

Certificate
32%

Associate's Degree
46%

Core Tasks

Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.
Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires.
Install repaired equipment in various settings, such as industrial or military establishments.
Operate equipment to demonstrate proper use or to analyze malfunctions.
Enter information into computer to copy program or to draw, modify, or store schematics, applying knowledge of software package used.
Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, such as checking, cleaning, or repairing equipment, to detect and prevent problems.
Calibrate testing instruments and installed or repaired equipment to prescribed specifications.
Repair or adjust equipment, machines, or defective components, replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment.
Consult with customers, supervisors, or engineers to plan layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance.
Examine work orders and converse with equipment operators to detect equipment problems and to ascertain whether mechanical or human errors contributed to the problems.
Study blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications to determine installation procedures.
Maintain inventory of spare parts.
Coordinate efforts with other workers involved in installing or maintaining equipment or components.
Develop or modify industrial electronic devices, circuits, or equipment, according to available specifications.
Determine feasibility of using standardized equipment or develop specifications for equipment required to perform additional functions.
Advise management regarding customer satisfaction, product performance, or suggestions for product improvements.
Send defective units to the manufacturer or to a specialized repair shop for repair.

Median Salary

$63,515

Job Growth

-18%

Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assemblers

Median Salary

$35,540

Job Growth

-14%

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
80%

Certificate
8%

Some College
12%

View Career

Assemble or modify electrical or electronic equipment, such as computers, test equipment telemetering systems, electric motors, and batteries.

New workers start around $27,439. Normal pay is $35,540 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $56,882.

Education

H.S. Diploma or Less
80%

Certificate
8%

Some College
12%

Core Tasks

Read and interpret schematic drawings, diagrams, blueprints, specifications, work orders, or reports to determine materials requirements or assembly instructions.
Assemble electrical or electronic systems or support structures and install components, units, subassemblies, wiring, or assembly casings, using rivets, bolts, soldering or micro-welding equipment.
Adjust, repair, or replace electrical or electronic components to correct defects and to ensure conformance to specifications.
Position, align, or adjust workpieces or electrical parts to facilitate wiring or assembly.
Explain assembly procedures or techniques to other workers.
Clean parts, using cleaning solutions, air hoses, and cloths.
Drill or tap holes in specified equipment locations to mount control units or to provide openings for elements, wiring, or instruments.
Fabricate or form parts, coils, or structures according to specifications, using drills, calipers, cutters, or saws.
Confer with supervisors or engineers to plan or review work activities or to resolve production problems.

Median Salary

$35,540

Job Growth

-14%

Not sure if Electronic Technology is the right fit?

Exploratory Interest Area

Explore Electronic Technology while still working toward your academic goals.

Learn More

Talk with a Counselor

Speak to one of IVC’s Academic Counselors to learn more about all of your options.

Contact Counseling

Why choose IVC?

Affordable

Quality education should not put you in the red. The cost of attending Irvine Valley College is very low compared to the private, UC, and CSU systems.

Career Preparation

With Fast Track Career Paths, at IVC, we give you the tools to quickly enter the workforce and start making money.

#1 in Transfers

Looking to transfer to a four-year university? With #1 in transfers in Orange County to the UC System, IVC is the best place to start!

Questions?

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Call 949-451-5100

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Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Find Your Path

Become an IVC Student

Guide to Paying for College

Supporting You

Welcome Lasers

Finish Your Path at IVC

Program Length

Transfer Options