I have been getting a few inquiries from fellow RV’er about my experience at NRVTA (National Recreational Vehicle Training Academy) so I have decided to put it to paper for easier distribution.
I have included a direct link to the programs and courses they offer. I have also included a reddit link that has other folk’s opinions on the course.
As always, most are from those who never attended but from my review many make valid arguments.
I can only accurately give you my take on the first week but will also share a few impressions of what I saw going on in the facility.
The first week generates the largest attendance, my class had over fifty students. Much smaller numbers in the last four programs; RV Fundamentals, Certified RV Technician, RV Inspector, RV Master Technician, RV Solar and RV Generators (Solar and Generators are separate courses)
The first two are the same course with the only difference being upon completion those folks who chose “Certified RV Technicians” take an accredited exam to earn their certification. I chose to take the exam which was one of the hardest tests I have ever taken mostly due to the volume of information being tested after only one week of instruction. Good or bad news depending on how you look at it, it only takes a 70% to pass. I figured “Why not” and am (No bragging) now a “Certified RV Technician”. Like Bill Murray quotes in Caddy Shack, “So I’ve got that going for me . . . which is nice!”
The facility is air conditioned and well equipped. Nice Break room with free coffee and some snacks. Several smaller classrooms and labs. They put a lot into the big red Barn!
There are vending machines and usually some small free breakfast items, lunch is not provided. The camping facility is above average and includes a rec hall with a laundry room and a few vending machines. The Campground is a separate entity and charges the usual fees (at the time) of $ 375 per week with Full Hook ups. There is a smaller, cheaper campground virtually next door with a few sites, not sure of the amenities. There is a small town approx. ten minutes away with a few places to eat, chain and mom and pops.
The school is an accredited institute of higher learning (First of its Kind) in the State of Texas so many residents can get State tuition assistance.
OK, full disclosure as a camper for many years, I was familiar with a majority of what they taught in the fundamentals class. I learned the most when they covered the electrical systems. If nothing else it, I learned what and when something would be fixable by myself and what would need either further assistance or full replacement. I also became much more aware of the need to do walk around inspections, recommended manufacture/component inspections and scheduled maintenance. I personally would like to go back and take the Solar Course as “Boondocking” just for a couple days would reduce our expenses and open up more places to visit; IE Harvest Host. The Solar class is not “accredited” yet but becoming a true RV tech was not really my intentions to begin with.
The advanced classes appear to be MUCH more hands on and in-depth labs. Each student has the components and tools in front of them to really break it down. There are several contemporary RV’s on the premises to learn how to Access, Inspect, Remove and Replace components and to do actual structural inspection and repair of the unit itself.
I felt “I got my money’s worth” not just for that reason, but the confidence I have attempting repairs. It has helped me a couple of times since being on the road full time. I was even able to assist another camper diagnose a slide out issue on a unit he had rented.
I am still reasonably able to work so the certification is a legit avenue to employment.
Now the best part, the lead and best instructor is “Todd” from YouTube’s, “Todd’s Tech Tip Tuesday.” (Highly recommended)
I know this is kind of generic so please feel free to ask any other specific questions you may have!
Registration Fee: $ 100.00
RVTF 200 / INSP 200 - RV Fundamentals Training $ 1,644.00
Books and Supplies Fee: RVTF 200 / INSP 200 $ 150.00
RVTP 900 - RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician $ 249.00 * Optional
RVTAA Registered RVST Exam $ 99.00 * Optional
Credit - Military Discount 10% of course $ (164.00)
Total $ 2,078.00
Links:
RV Service Technician - National RV Training Academy
I have included a direct link to the programs and courses they offer. I have also included a reddit link that has other folk’s opinions on the course.
As always, most are from those who never attended but from my review many make valid arguments.
I can only accurately give you my take on the first week but will also share a few impressions of what I saw going on in the facility.
The first week generates the largest attendance, my class had over fifty students. Much smaller numbers in the last four programs; RV Fundamentals, Certified RV Technician, RV Inspector, RV Master Technician, RV Solar and RV Generators (Solar and Generators are separate courses)
The first two are the same course with the only difference being upon completion those folks who chose “Certified RV Technicians” take an accredited exam to earn their certification. I chose to take the exam which was one of the hardest tests I have ever taken mostly due to the volume of information being tested after only one week of instruction. Good or bad news depending on how you look at it, it only takes a 70% to pass. I figured “Why not” and am (No bragging) now a “Certified RV Technician”. Like Bill Murray quotes in Caddy Shack, “So I’ve got that going for me . . . which is nice!”
The facility is air conditioned and well equipped. Nice Break room with free coffee and some snacks. Several smaller classrooms and labs. They put a lot into the big red Barn!
There are vending machines and usually some small free breakfast items, lunch is not provided. The camping facility is above average and includes a rec hall with a laundry room and a few vending machines. The Campground is a separate entity and charges the usual fees (at the time) of $ 375 per week with Full Hook ups. There is a smaller, cheaper campground virtually next door with a few sites, not sure of the amenities. There is a small town approx. ten minutes away with a few places to eat, chain and mom and pops.
The school is an accredited institute of higher learning (First of its Kind) in the State of Texas so many residents can get State tuition assistance.
OK, full disclosure as a camper for many years, I was familiar with a majority of what they taught in the fundamentals class. I learned the most when they covered the electrical systems. If nothing else it, I learned what and when something would be fixable by myself and what would need either further assistance or full replacement. I also became much more aware of the need to do walk around inspections, recommended manufacture/component inspections and scheduled maintenance. I personally would like to go back and take the Solar Course as “Boondocking” just for a couple days would reduce our expenses and open up more places to visit; IE Harvest Host. The Solar class is not “accredited” yet but becoming a true RV tech was not really my intentions to begin with.
The advanced classes appear to be MUCH more hands on and in-depth labs. Each student has the components and tools in front of them to really break it down. There are several contemporary RV’s on the premises to learn how to Access, Inspect, Remove and Replace components and to do actual structural inspection and repair of the unit itself.
I felt “I got my money’s worth” not just for that reason, but the confidence I have attempting repairs. It has helped me a couple of times since being on the road full time. I was even able to assist another camper diagnose a slide out issue on a unit he had rented.
I am still reasonably able to work so the certification is a legit avenue to employment.
Now the best part, the lead and best instructor is “Todd” from YouTube’s, “Todd’s Tech Tip Tuesday.” (Highly recommended)
I know this is kind of generic so please feel free to ask any other specific questions you may have!
Registration Fee: $ 100.00
RVTF 200 / INSP 200 - RV Fundamentals Training $ 1,644.00
Books and Supplies Fee: RVTF 200 / INSP 200 $ 150.00
RVTP 900 - RVTAA Registered RV Service Technician $ 249.00 * Optional
RVTAA Registered RVST Exam $ 99.00 * Optional
Credit - Military Discount 10% of course $ (164.00)
Total $ 2,078.00
Links:
RV Service Technician - National RV Training Academy
