How to Find Certified RV Techs and How to Become One with Curtis from RVTI

What this episode covers

Everything You Need to Know About the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) Whether you're a seasoned RVer looking for reliable repairs or someone interested in launching a career in the RV industry, the RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is playing an increasingly vital role in ensuring that RVers can hit the road with confidence. In this week's episode of The RV Atlas podcast, Curtis Hemmeler, Executive Director of RVTI, joined us for an in-depth conversation about the organization’s mission, training programs, and career opportunities. From the importance of working with certified technicians to how you can become one, here's everything you need to know about RVTI and the impact it’s making across the RV community. What Is the RVTI? RVTI is a nonprofit organization created about five years ago by the RV Industry Association (RVIA) and RV Dealers Association (RVDA). The organization was established to address a persistent and growing issue in the RV world: the shortage of qualified service technicians. As Curtis explained, “We were set up basically to train, certify, and recruit technicians into the career field—but with the mission of making sure that the RV consumer has a better experience.” The goal is simple: to reduce the amount of time RV owners wait for repairs and to improve the quality and safety of those repairs by making sure they’re performed by highly trained and certified professionals. Why It Matters to RV Owners Photo by Bill Sferrazza For RV owners, long wait times for repairs are a common and frustrating problem. That’s why RVTI certification is more than just a piece of paper—it’s a marker of credibility, safety, and reliability. “When you have somebody that has that credential,” Curtis emphasized, “you can basically sleep comfortably at night because that person has been trained and has passed a certification.” Certified technicians not only understand complex modern RV systems—from electrical to propane and plumbing—but also meet professional safety standards, which is crucial when dealing with increasingly sophisticated RV components. RVTI has trained over 21,000 individuals, with more than 7,000 having completed certification, and demand is growing. Their mission is supported by the broader RV industry and is designed with consumers in mind. How to Find an RVTI Certified Technician RVTI has launched an online “Find a Tech” map tool, which allows RV owners to locate certified technicians in their area. Many of these professionals work at dealerships, while others are part of independent mobile repair services or small businesses. The certification is especially valuable for mobile RV techs, a growing part of the industry. If you’ve ever had a breakdown at a campground, you know the relief of finding someone on-site who can help. The RVTI directory is a great first step in locating a trustworthy expert. Becoming an RVTI Certified Technician For those considering a career change, RVTI offers an exciting and accessible path. Whether you're just entering the workforce, looking to start a new business, or want a flexible job you can take on the road, becoming a certified tech may be for you. Curtis outlined four levels of certification: Level 1 (Inspection Level): 40 hours of instruction that provides a broad understanding of RV systems. Level 2: Adds 80 hours of training focused on diagnostics and troubleshooting. Level 3: Specialization tracks (like solar, slide-outs, electrical). Level 4 (Master Tech): Achieved by completing all Level 3 specialties. The cost? Just $630 for both Level 1 and Level 2 training, which includes a one-year subscription to complete the coursework.