Systems Support
Critical Facilities Technician
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This 15-week intensive program prepares learners to become a specialized, highly sought-after Critical Facilities Technician responsible for keeping the world’s most essential infrastructure running without interruption. From massive data centers to healthcare plants, critical facilities rely on specialized technical professionals to operate high-voltage electrical grids, complex cooling plants, and automated facility controls. This hands-on program moves you beyond basic maintenance into high-reliability technical engineering operations, preparing you to diagnose, troubleshoot, and protect mission-critical environments where downtime is not an option.
- Hybrid
No catch. Training and job connections at no cost to you.
Course level
Suitable for all levels ?
Get certified in
- EPA 608
- OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Certification
- OSHA NFPA 70E
Applicants with all levels of experience in tech are encouraged to apply.
While anyone may apply for this course, some technical background may be helpful.
While these courses may include either intermediate or advanced material, technical knowledge specified in these listings will be required as a prerequisite for applicants to be considered for admission.
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In-person learning takes place at one of our facilities across the US.
Remote learners must live within commutable distance of a Per Scholas campus to best facilitate our professional development and post-training employment support. For individuals who live outside of a commutable distance, you may be eligible for our National training courses.
Hybrid courses allow flexibility for learners to participate in the course remotely or in-person based on several factors. Learn more about the course you're interested in by reaching out to your admissions lead or attending an admissions overview after applying.
Have questions?
We can help with course selection, and answer questions about eligibility requirements and special circumstances. Contact an admissions team member
Jumpstart Your Tech Career
Launch your technology career with hands-on instruction covering the core concepts, technologies and certifications you need to land entry-level Critical Facilities Engineering roles. This course is a hybrid of remote and in-person learning.
Learn the Fundamentals of Electrical Distribution and Automation
Get hands-on with the systems that power data centers, including PDUs, MCCs, switchgear, UPS and batteries, and diesel generator operation — the equipment behind every uninterrupted power supply.
Job-Ready Skills in 15 Weeks
You don't need years of school to build a career in data centers. Get trained and certified in a fraction of the time, with skills built for an industry that's only growing.
Professional Development & Growth Opportunities in Columbus
Our Career Coaches do more than connect you with employers. We prepare you with cutting-edge AI tools to develop a strong job application package, effective job search strategies, and workplace readiness, ensuring you have the professional skills to secure a role in the tech sector.
What jobs can I get as a graduate?
Once learners have graduated and passed the OSHA and EPA certifications, they should be set up with the skills and certifications needed to land a role across multiple industries, including Data Centers and Telecommunications, to Healthcare. All certification fees are covered, which means you get certified at no cost to you. Additional roles may include:
- Data Center Facilities Technicians
- Critical Facility Technicians
- Industrial Machinery Mechanic
In these roles, you might monitor electrical distribution panels, maintain backup generators and cooling systems, or troubleshoot automation controls in data centers, telecom hubs, and power plants—keeping the infrastructure that powers our modern economy online, without fail. These roles put you on the front lines of keeping mission-critical systems running 24/7.
Important to know:
– Most graduates start in entry-level, on-site roles maintaining large-scale infrastructure and industrial equipment.
– These roles keep data centers, hospitals, and other critical facilities running without interruption.
– You can grow into senior technician, facilities engineer, or data center management roles over time.
– Your first role is a starting point to build experience and continue growing your career.
3X On average, Per Scholas graduates earn four times their pre-training wage
Strengthen your Tech Professional Profile
Start your Tech Career Wherever you are!
Per Scholas will train you whether you are new to tech or a seasoned veteran looking to upskill. Remain competitive as the industry grows.
Going to Per Scholas and being introduced to information technology is more than just getting something done or trying something new. It’s an investment in yourself.
JOB ATTAINMENT PREP
Construct a tech professional resume and practice your interviewing skills during mandatory weekly Professional Development sessions.
Learn more about our partnership with:
JOB ATTAINMENT ASSISTANCE
Graduates will receive job attainment assistance to identify career opportunities leveraging their new and existing skills. If our primary corporate partner for this course doesn't work out, Per Scholas staff will continue to provide direct job connections with other employer partners.
Instead of being afraid of the tech world...there's a lot to learn, but I think there's a community of students, professors, and administration. And we all know why we are there.
What You'll Learn
Master Core Technician Skills
Follow safe operating procedures for electrical, mechanical, and control systems in a mission-critical environment, so you can support continuous uptime on day one.
Get Real-World Critical Infrastructure Experience
Identify and report faults in UPS, ATS, and cooling systems by reading diagnostic tools and alarm data — the same skills you'll use on the job.
Spot and Escalate Infrastructure Issues
Use BMS and EPMS interfaces to recognize infrastructure anomalies and escalate issues to senior technicians, building the judgment that gets you promoted.
Personalized Support
Learners can access the Learner Support Team (LST). LST provides personalized support for life challenges, resources, and tools to manage stressors and strengthen financial capability. LST is here to help learners achieve their personal and financial goals.
Learning That Reflects the Workplace
Per Scholas prepares learners for career success by incorporating workplace simulation into every training. This model ensures that learners do not simply acquire technical knowledge—they also practice applying it in team-based environments that reflect the realities of professional work.
Career Advancement for Alumni
Complimentary upskilling opportunities extended to alumni up to two years post graduation to help them match in demand employer hiring profiles and continue their career growth.
Meet Your Instructors
Learn from certified teachers with years of real-world training experience. Our instructors don't just teach you what you need to know, but how to learn it.
Meet Our Graduates
When you are interviewing a Per Scholas graduate, you already have someone who is committed and prepared for the work world and responsible for their time and availability.
How to Be Considered
- Meet the Learner Profile Requirements
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You may qualify to become a Per Scholas Learner if you:
- Are aged 18 or older
- Can read, write, and speak in English
- Live within commutable distance of the Per Scholas Site
- Must be able to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
- Must be comfortable standing most of the time while wearing safety shoes
- Must be comfortable working with technical hand tools
- Have a High School diploma, equivalent, or higher
- Meet the pre-training income policy guidelines
- Must be able to provide proof of valid U.S. work authorization
- Can attend classes full-time for the entire duration of the course
- Are able to start a full-time job after course completion
- Are ready to make an important commitment to building your future
*Women, unemployed, underemployed and U.S. Veterans strongly encouraged to apply
- Complete the Multi-Step Admissions Process
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2. Admissions Overview: Once you submit an Eligibility Form, you’ll be directed to our Admissions Overview registration page. During this virtual webinar, you’ll learn more about our admissions process and next steps.
3. Assessments: Each training requires either an academic assessment, tech assessment or both. Information will be provided in detail at the Admissions Overview.
4. Interview: Individuals who meet the assessment score requirements will be invited to attend a behavioral interview.
5. Offer Letter and Onboarding: The Admissions team will review assessment scores and interview results and offer seats to eligible candidates. The learner onboarding process mirrors Employment Onboarding.
Please note that this application process is very competitive, and not all applicants will be accepted for our limited slots.
- Submit Enrollment Documentation, Including Tech Prep Work Information
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Get a head start on your course at Per Scholas!
- Complete required Tech Prep Work. Learn more about Tech Prep Work here
- Submit required Enrollment Documentation through our secure portal. Learn more at perscholas.org/enrollment-dvp-checklist
Required Critical Infrastructure Tech Prep Work
You do not need to pay to complete the Tech Prep Work. The full certificate requires payment, but you only need to show proof of completion by taking screenshots.
Required Courses:
- Numbers, Units, and Arithmetic Course (5 Hours)
- Introduction to Electronics Course (10-15 Hours)
Submission Portal:
- Tech Prep Work Submission Portal
- Note: Alison offers learners the option for a paid certificate. This is absolutely optional for learners and is not required to complete the training.
Directions to Upload Certificates:
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Alison’s content is free, but the certificate requires payment. As a result, we ask that you show course completion for each course via the following steps:
- Go to your learner dashboard within via
- You should see the applicable course(s) as Completed Courses.
- Note: A paid certificate of completion is not needed.
- Capture a full screenshot of the two courses below as completed.
- Numbers, Units, and Arithmetic Course
- Introduction to Electronics Course
- Title this screenshot with your full name and courses.
- Upload the screenshot to the submission portal above.
Help Resources:
- Email admissionsadmins@perscholas.org if you need any help troubleshooting
Tech Prep Work Deadline:
Learners must submit their Tech Prep Work before seat offers.
Is this Program Right For You?
This course may be a good fit if you want to start a career in data centers or critical facilities and enjoy hands-on, mechanical problem-solving.
You don't need professional experience, but you should be comfortable with hands-on physical work — including lifting equipment, standing for extended periods, and working with tools — and ready to learn in an accelerated training.
You're a careful, detail-oriented person who prefers doing things the right way over the fast way, and you stay level-headed when the stakes are high.
Prior mechanical or electrical exposure — like HVAC, automotive repair, or vocational training — is a plus, but not required.
You can commit 35 hours weekly to instruction, labs, and career prep (plus 10–20 hours studying outside class).
Frequently Asked Questions
- What kinds of jobs can I get after completing this training?
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A wide variety: everything from working in an office supporting other computer users to helping manage a global corporate network or becoming a field technician installing and servicing remote locations.
They all fall into the general categories of IT support management and end-user services.
IT support involves keeping computer systems running smoothly and securely at all times.
End-user support means helping other people—whether customers or employees—use computer systems and software effectively.
Starting salaries vary greatly, but the average is about $35,000 per year.
- How can the course be free? Are there hidden fees?
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Most people who learn about us think: “Too good to be true.” We know it seems that way, but it’s true. Our services are provided at no cost to you, using funds we raise from foundations, corporations, government and generous individuals.
The costs you can prepare for include transportation or childcare—expenses that take care of you so you can focus on your studies.
- What professional certifications can I earn?
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You will prepare to earn the EPA 608 and OSHA certifications. As a Per Scholas graduate, you may have access to advanced certifications, such as the Security+ certification and others.
- I receive unemployment insurance benefits or other benefits that require me to spend time working or looking for work. Can I still enroll?
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Yes. Generally, Per Scholas courses are approved for people receiving unemployment insurance, as well as other benefits that would ordinarily require them to spend time working or looking for work. Your benefits should not be affected. If you have questions or concerns about your situation, please contact us.
- I meet other requirements, but I am not a U.S. citizen and haven’t received my work authorization yet. Can I still apply?
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Unfortunately, we cannot process your application until you have received clearance to work in the U.S. However, if you are experiencing problems, we may be able to refer you to other organizations that may be able to help.
- I have a disability. Can you accommodate me?
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We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other relevant laws and regulations. Please contact accommodations@perscholas.org to discuss your specific situation and needs.
- Is there a learner pre-training income policy?
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Yes, Per Scholas learners must meet the pre-training income policy requirements. View our Learner Pre-Training Income Policy here.
- Does Per Scholas have a Non-Discrimination policy?
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We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. See our full EEO statement here.