You can have a faster pathway to becoming a professional technologist (Ts.) and a certified technician (Tc.) if you have WOU qualifications in the disciplines of mechatronics, construction management and manufacturing.
Malaysia Board of Technologists (MBOT) assistant registrar Mohd Rezykin Md Shariff was explaining the route to attain these professional certifications during a virtual talk organised by WOU’s School of Science and Technology (SST) on 14 May 2022.
He said that MBOT seeks to raise the profile of highly-skilled professional technologists and technicians for a successful career. “We encourage the workforce to pursue lifelong learning for their personal and professional development,” Rezykin remarked.
“A degree in the relevant industry is required to become a professional technologist,” he asserted, adding that graduates can apply for certification with MBOT once they meet the criteria of a minimum three years work experience in the related field.
WOU bachelor’s degrees in mechatronics (BTME) and construction management (BTCM) along with its MBAs in construction management (MBACM) and manufacturing & production management (MBAMPM) expedite the pathway to gaining professional certifications. These WOU programmes are delivered via open distance learning (ODL) and so learners can work while they earn.
Rezykin also said that a diploma in the related profession or the Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM), along with 3-years work experience, is the route to become a certified technician.
He said there are a total of 24 fields of technology to choose from, and professionals must understand their skill sets before registering with MBOT to become a Ts. or a Tc. After receiving the certification, applicants must complete specified hours of continuing professional development (CPD) annually, he added.
“A minimum of 30 hours of CPD needed for a professional technologist and 20 hours for a certified technician may include workshops, seminars, study tours and conferences. Keep in mind that these activities must be technical in nature,” he highlighted.
He listed the advantages of achieving professional certifications, namely having your talents and knowledge recognised, receiving support from professional bodies, and easy access to training programmes.
During the Q & A, Rezykin advised individuals who are currently pursuing their degree to complete their studies first because if they become a certified technician and then want to change their title to a professional technologist, they will have to repeat the whole application process.