Aviation Electronics

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Program Overview

Degrees & Certificates

Certificate programs provide students with a set of skills to find a job or stay current in a profession. Many certificates are designed to build on top of each other and eventually lead to a longer-term certificate or degree. These are called “stackable” certificates.

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  • Credits to complete: 30.0
  • Estimated program length in quarters: Full Time - 2 | Part Time - 3

Program Pathway Map 

Program Pathways are a series of courses and experiences carefully selected to help you earn your credential and prepare for your career or university transfer.  Program Pathway Maps guide you through quarter-by-quarter coursework, indicate when you’ll need to complete important steps, and describe popular careers in this pathway.  Some course sequences or recommended courses can be customized or adjusted by speaking with an advisor.  

Wire Assembly Certificate Map

Electronics Technician Certificate Map

Printer-friendly Program Planning Guides for Aviation Electronics Programs:

North Seattle College offers training in aviation electronics (avionics) to prepare you for jobs in the fast-growing aerospace industry in Washington state. North has recently been the recipient of federal and state grants to renovate its labs and increase capacity and support for training in this field.

North is the only school in King County with an electronics focus. According to the Department of Labor, the Seattle/Everett/Bellevue metropolitan area has the highest employment level of avionics technicians in the country.

Program Options

Many of the certificates available in the Electronics department are appropriate for the aerospace industry, but two Avionics certificates are designed specifically for the sector:

These two certificates are stackable and count toward the degree requirements for the two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Electronics Technology. Classes are ongoing, and you may start any quarter.

Federal Aviation Association Careers

North’s A.A.S. degrees in Electronics Technology and Electronics Engineering Technology are part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s Technical Operations – Collegiate Training Initiative (TO-CTI) Program. North Seattle College is one of only two colleges in Washington state and one of only 30 nationwide to be certified under this program. Graduates are eligible for these positions (both nationally and internationally):

  • Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (Job Series 2101)
  • Computer Systems Specialist (Job Series 0334)
  • Electronics Engineer (Job Series 0855)
  • Electronic Technician (Job Series 0856)
  • Environmental Protection Specialist (Job Series 0028)
  • Engineering Technician (Job Series 0802)
  • General Engineer (Job Series 0801)

Graduates are also eligible for internships when the FAA offers them. The FAA also has excellent internal educational programs in automation, communication, environmental, navigation and radar certification. Employees may advance their careers by attending classes at the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City.

Find more information.

The Avionics Industry

Three hundred aerospace companies in the region are expanding to fill both national and international demand. Boeing currently has a backlog of over seven years in plane orders. So the aerospace job outlook for the Seattle area is strong. According to careerinfonet.org the bottom 10 percent of avionics technicians in Washington state earn $21.34 an hour, and the median hourly rate for Washington is $31.68.


Program lengths are estimates, not guarantees. For the most current program information, please check with the program contact.