About MECH the test …

The Healthcare Maintenance Certification Program was constructed by healthcare maintenance workers, for healthcare maintenance workers! Large, medium, and small institutions provided incumbent workers who were involved in healthcare maintenance work. Subsequent revisions of the test also involve a mix of institutions and many healthcare maintenance workers throughout the nation.

 

Test Requirements

Before the test can be taken, a letter from the supervisor of the candidate needs to be received by MECH. The letter may also accompany the application for the test. The letter must attest to the amount of experience required for the candidate on one of two levels. It is a mandatory requirement that a candidate’s years of experience are documented before the certification test is taken and certification is granted! This requirement applies to the current employment and does not include prior employment situations, unless they can be documented as taking place in a healthcare institution. The current supervisor makes the final determination of years of experience and the candidate’s readiness for the test.

·         Certified Healthcare Mechanic - 2 years documented experience as a healthcare mechanic

• Senior Certified Healthcare Mechanic - 4 years documented experience as a healthcare mechanic

Job Categories Tested

The following categories of Healthcare Maintenance work were identified by working Healthcare Mechanics and are tested for certification:

• Plumbing and Pipe Fitting
• General Facility Maintenance
• HVAC/R
• Carpentry
• Electrical and Electronics
• Boiler/Power Plant
• Safety and Support Services

Preparation:

The MECH Test Preparation Manual is designed to prepare maintenance personnel for the certification test in the months and years prior to taking the test. Read more about the manual and content page.

Testing:

The test is typically conducted within the healthcare institution where the candidate works, using the “On Site Certification” process. In some cases a regional test center is identified and mechanics are asked to come to a particular location. The test is comprised of multiple-choice questions. The candidate uses a pencil to mark their answer on the answer sheet. Approximately two hours is set for taking the test, however, most candidates complete the test in 90 minutes. At the end of two hours, the test materials are gathered for processing and sent by the test proctor to the scoring center.

Score Report:

After the test, candidates will receive a “score report” in the mail within 30 days. The score report shows how well the candidate performed in each of the seven categories on the test. The report also provides information on the number of questions on the test; how many questions in each category were answered correctly; and comparison information about the group tested; and the composite scores for the state and the nation.