Officials say the exam will assess a student’s grasp of concepts in the following areas: applied shop math; blueprint reading; inspection/quality control and measurement; metal fabrication safety; metallurgy; and precision sheet metal equipment. The length and extent of coursework will vary based upon a school’s unique academic format but will include a minimum of 120 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction.

“FMA is committed to helping connect students to meaningful jobs in the industry,” said association President and CEO Ed Youdell. “We worked with the training providers to develop an exam that serves as the culmination of the students’ achievements in the classroom and translates to a credential that they can carry with them into the workforce.”

 Members of FMA-certified educational centers will be allowed access to FMA’s online testing system free with the annual renewal of their membership dues.