What is the MECH certification?

If you work in healthcare engineering or manage a healthcare facility, you’ve probably heard about the MECH certification offered by the American Society of Healthcare Engineering (ASHE). 

But what exactly is it, and why is it worth checking out?

The MECH certification—or the Mechanic Evaluation and Certification for Health Care—helps experienced healthcare technicians demonstrate their skills and enhance their resumes, and provides new technicians with an achievable goal to work towards.

And that’s not all. 

This credential also ensures technicians can meet a facility’s compliance and operational standards. In short, this credential could be your ticket to professional advancement.

This article provides a deeper understanding of the MECH certification.

What is the MECH certification credential?

The MECH certification is a professional credential developed by the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE) to validate the knowledge and skills of healthcare facility technicians. 

Unlike general maintenance certifications, MECH is specifically tailored to the unique challenges and systems found in hospitals and healthcare environments.

This certification is designed for technicians responsible for the safe and efficient operation of facility systems, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and medical gas. 

When taking the MECH exam, it will evaluate both theoretical understanding and applied knowledge. The exam is structured in this way to make sure technicians can not only identify a problem but also fix it in a manner that meets strict healthcare compliance and safety standards.

In short, MECH confirms a technician’s ability to support patient care by maintaining critical infrastructure in a highly regulated healthcare setting.

Who Should Get MECH-Certified?

This certification is ideal for experienced technicians (with at least two years of experience) working within the healthcare physical environment.

The MECH certification validates the necessary knowledge and core skills you need to excel in your role. It’s a strong starting point for your career path and helps prove your expertise.

What You’ll Learn With a MECH Certification Prep Course

The MECH certification isn’t just about passing a test. It’s about gaining real, hands-on skills in healthcare mechanics, electrical systems, and safety protocols.

You’ll work with produced materials from the American Hospital Association (AHA) and learn from resources like the supervisor’s implementation guide and Legacy FM’s MECH certification preparation classes. Industry professionals design these tools and resources, so you receive the most up-to-date content.

MECH Certification Levels and Advancement

The MECH certification is designed with a clear pathway for career growth. It includes multiple levels that reflect a technician’s experience, expertise, and leadership ability. As you move through each level, you demonstrate a deeper understanding of healthcare facility systems and a greater capacity to support compliance, safety, and operational excellence.

MECH (Entry-Level Certification)

The foundational MECH certification is ideal for individuals new to healthcare facility maintenance or transitioning from other industries. This level is often suited for trainees, apprentices, or newly hired general maintenance techs working in hospitals or long-term care facilities.

It verifies core knowledge in the following areas:

• Basic mechanical systems
• Safety procedures
• Preventive maintenance
• Regulatory awareness in a healthcare setting
  

MECH SR (Senior-Level Certification)

The MECH SR designation is the next step for seasoned technicians with four or more years of experience in healthcare environments. It signifies advanced knowledge and the ability to troubleshoot complex systems. This level is ideal for technicians aiming for supervisory or lead mechanic roles within a healthcare facility.

It also reflects leadership readiness, including the ability to do the following:

• Mentor junior staff.
• Lead maintenance projects.
• Interpret and apply detailed regulatory codes.

Make decisions that impact compliance and patient safety.

What’s on the MECH certification exam?

To earn your MECH certification, you must pass a comprehensive exam that tests your knowledge, practical skills, and understanding of healthcare facility standards. The exam is designed to ensure that technicians are well-rounded, safety-minded, and capable of supporting the unique demands of hospital and clinical environments.

We’ve provided a breakdown of the key content areas covered on the exam. These foundational topics assess your ability to handle day-to-day tasks in a healthcare facility safely and effectively. This section ensures you’re familiar with the more complex systems that support patient safety and comfort.

There are seven specific knowledge areas that the exam (and the prep course) focus on. 

• Plumbing
• Carpentry
• Electrical Systems
• HVAC Systems
• Power Plant/Boiler Maintenance
• Safety and Support Services
• General Facility Maintenance

Technicians must demonstrate comfort with both manual and digital tools commonly used in today’s maintenance shops. These topics test your ability to work in a regulated environment and maintain compliance with safety and quality standards.

Tools and Equipment

• Proficient use of traditional hand tools
• Familiarity with computerized diagnostic and shop equipment
  

Regulatory and Industry Standards

• Knowledge of standards set by the American Hospital Association (AHA)
• Awareness of NFPA, ASHRAE, and other code references
• Infection prevention and safety protocols in healthcare settings
  

The exam also focuses on how well you can apply your knowledge in real healthcare facility scenarios. So, not just what you know, but how you use it on the job.

Tips for a Higher Mech Exam Score

If you’re concerned about the testing process, we’re here to help. Legacy FM offers MECH exam preparation training, so you have the best chance of passing the exam. 

And don’t discount joining a study group to share test-taking strategies and for moral support.

Here are some additional tips to help you achieve a higher score.

• Use a study guide and take good study notes.
• Get comfortable with test language by reviewing test-taking tips.
• Focus on MECH’s product offerings and practical examples.

Review topics in the supervisor’s implementation guide.

MECH Recertification and Continuing Education

Like many certifications, MECH requires ongoing learning. After passing your certification exam, you’ll need to renew every few years.

You’ll be required to check in with the recertification review panel, update your required material, and stay familiar with healthcare engineering trends.

The good news? Staying certified means staying competitive—and eligible for top jobs.

Is the MECH Certification worth it?

Aside from the obvious resume boost, MECH certification sets a standard that employers can trust.

Your MECH certification education helps reduce errors, improve efficiency, and foster teamwork across hospital departments. This credential gives you the certified confidence to do your job well.

Plus, it proves you’re serious about improving your craft and supporting your facility.

So, if you’re ready to commit to excellence in healthcare engineering, the MECH certification is worth your time. 

Remember that the healthcare system depends on skilled workers like you. Taking the time to earn your MECH certification shows that you’re here to lead.

Ready to take the next step? 

Grab your study guide, get familiar with the testing process, and aim for that certificate. Your facility (and your future) will thank you.