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How to Become a Controls Technician
From assembly lines to climate systems, modern industry runs on automation.
Controls technicians are the professionals who keep those automated systems working safely and efficiently.
Controls technicians install, calibrate, and maintain electrical and electronic control systems used in factories, utilities, and commercial buildings.
They work with sensors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and instrumentation that keeps processes running smoothly.
If you enjoy solving problems and working with both electrical and computer systems, becoming a controls technician offers a dynamic and future-focused trade career.
Quick Facts: Controls Technician Training and Outlook
What Controls Technicians Do
Controls technicians manage and maintain automated equipment that regulates industrial machinery, HVAC systems, or energy systems.
They interpret wiring diagrams, troubleshoot PLCs, and ensure sensors and control loops function properly.
Typical Responsibilities
- Install and configure control panels and instrumentation
- Read electrical schematics and PLC logic diagrams
- Calibrate sensors and actuators
- Troubleshoot electrical and software faults
- Maintain system documentation and safety standards
Controls technicians blend electrical expertise with computer-based diagnostics to keep automation running reliably.
Key Skills and Traits for Success
- Electrical and electronic troubleshooting
- Familiarity with PLCs and industrial control systems
- Understanding of sensors, actuators, and process control loops
- Attention to detail and analytical thinking
- Ability to work independently and safely around high-voltage equipment
Work Settings for Controls Technicians
Controls technicians work in:
- Manufacturing and automation facilities
- Utilities, power plants, and water treatment systems
- Commercial HVAC and building automation
- Engineering firms and equipment service contractors
How to Become a Controls Technician (5 Steps)
It usually takes 1β3 years of training and experience to become proficient as a controls technician.
1. Earn a High School Diploma or GED
Focus on math, electronics, and computer classes to prepare for technical training.
2. Complete a Technical or Associate Program
Trade schools and community colleges offer programs in industrial automation, mechatronics, or electrical technology.
3. Gain Hands-On Experience
Entry-level technicians often work under supervision while learning to wire panels, test systems, and perform calibration tasks.
4. Obtain Industry Certifications
Credentials from ISA, Siemens, or Rockwell Automation demonstrate specialized skills in PLCs or process control systems.
5. Continue Learning and Advance
With experience, technicians can move into engineering support, automation design, or control system integration roles.
Education and Training Paths
| Pathway | Typical Duration | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate Program | 6β12 months | Foundational control and automation skills |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | In-depth electronics and control systems education |
| Apprenticeship | 2β3 years | Paid, structured training under industry professionals |
| Certification | Variable | Validation of PLC or automation expertise |
Career Growth and Advancement
Controls technicians can progress into:
- Automation Specialist β designs and programs industrial control systems
- Maintenance Supervisor β oversees technicians and preventive systems
- Control Systems Integrator β configures PLCs and networked systems for automation
- Field Service Engineer β installs and supports advanced industrial control systems
Cost and Duration of Training
- Program Cost: $4,000β$12,000 depending on training and equipment
- Duration: 1β3 years
- Certification Fees: typically under $500
Controls technicians work at the crossroads of electricity and automation. This trade offers long-term career potential in every sector that relies on automated systems.