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Upcoming Events
• September 19, 2025 - Tukwila, WA
• September 19, 2025 - Wrightsville Beach, NC
• September 26, 2025 - West Yellowstone, MT
• October 4, 2025 - Baton Rouge, LA
• October 23, 2025 - Honolulu, HI
• November 8, 2025 - Grapevine, TX
• November 12, 2025 - Tempe, AZ
• January 31, 2026 - Indianapolis, IN
• February 15, 2027 - Phoenix, AZ
• February 14, 2028 - Orlando, FL
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FAQs
Q. Is the Certified Gate Automation Technician program approved for Louisiana and Mississippi gate systems licensing?
A. YES! The Certified Gate Automation Technician program was approved in 2020 as an initial and qualifier certification for Gate Systems by the Life Safety & Property Protection Education Board of the State Fire Marshal of Lousiana.
If you are trying to become licensed in either Louisiana or Mississippi, successfully earning the Certified Gate Automation Technician credential will meet the certification requirements.
For more information on this, please contact info@acieducation.org.
Q. I work for a company that installs automated gate systems, but I do not have direct installation experience. Am I eligible for the CGAT program?
A. Candidates for the CGAT program must have one year of experience installing gate operators before they are eligible for the certification. However, candidates may sit for the certification exam before the experience requirement is met and the certification will be held until the experience requirement is met.
Q. What kind of continuing education credits are valid for my CGAT recertification?
A. Any courses that relate to automated gates or access control topics are eligible.
Additional FAQs
Q. What is the difference between certification and accreditation?
A. Certification recognizes individuals. Accreditation recognizes companies.
Q. I don’t meet the experience requirements for a certification program yet. Can I still apply?
A. Yes! If you are within one year of meeting the experience requirements, you may sit for the certification exam. If you pass, your credential will be held until all other requirements are met.
Q. Can I test online?
A. Currently, ACI offers all certification testing in-person only.
Q. Does ACI offer education or training to go with its certification programs?
A. No. ACI is a credentialing body only and all programs are self-study. Other organizations do offer hands-on training courses that use the same study guides, but these courses do not “teach to the test” or have any knowledge of what material is included in exam questions.
Q. Do I have to keep track of all my continuing education credits for three years until my renewal application is due?
A. You will be required to enter your continuing education credits as part of your renewal application. However, you may enter them into your ACI profile as you earn them over the three-year period and they will be available to select as part of your renewal application when it is due.
Eligibility Requirements
The CGAT designation is built for installers and technicians working hands-on with automated gate systems. It demonstrates your ability to install, service, and troubleshoot equipment while meeting safety standards.
Applicants must have a minimum of one year of gate automation experience. If you do not yet meet the experience requirement, you may still take the exam and your credential will be awarded once the requirement is met.
Preparation
Applicants are encouraged but not required to attend AFA’s Gate Automation Installation School to strengthen their knowledge and improve exam success.
Topics Covered
The CGAT exam covers:
- UL 325
- ASTM F2200
- Safety
- Types of gates and operators
- Electrical wiring and testing
- Vehicle detectors
- Telephone entry
- Installation best practices
Study materials are sent electronically following application approval.
Testing
The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice practical, job-related questions.
Recertification
The CGAT certification is valid for three years. To renew, you must complete 12 hours of gate automation/access control-related continuing education within that period.
Accepted Continuing Education Includes:
Not eligible: Time spent viewing exhibits.
Reporting Your Education
When you submit your renewal application, you’ll need to include:
- Date(s) of session
- Session title
- Instructor name
- Organization providing training
- Proof of attendance with hours earned (certificate or signed letter; payment receipt not accepted)
You can add CEUs to your MyAFA Profile as you earn them – no need to wait until renewal. Just go to the Education tab, click “Add”, and follow the prompts.
Important Notes
- Requirements are subject to change by the AFA Credentialing Committee.
- If you do not meet renewal requirements, you must reapply and retake the certification exam.
Stay Certified
Keep your credential active by tracking your education along the way.
Renew Now
FAQs
Q. Is the Certified Gate Automation Technician program approved for Louisiana and Mississippi gate systems licensing?
A. YES! The Certified Gate Automation Technician program was approved in 2020 as an initial and qualifier certification for Gate Systems by the Life Safety & Property Protection Education Board of the State Fire Marshal of Lousiana.
If you are trying to become licensed in either Louisiana or Mississippi, successfully earning the Certified Gate Automation Technician credential will meet the certification requirements.
For more information on this, please contact info@acieducation.org.
Q. I work for a company that installs automated gate systems, but I do not have direct installation experience. Am I eligible for the CGAT program?
A. Candidates for the CGAT program must have one year of experience installing gate operators before they are eligible for the certification. However, candidates may sit for the certification exam before the experience requirement is met and the certification will be held until the experience requirement is met.
Q. What kind of continuing education credits are valid for my CGAT recertification?
A. Any courses that relate to automated gates or access control topics are eligible.
