What is the Advanced Electric Propulsion Certification?
The Advanced Electric Propulsion Certification is a training program designed to equip marine professionals with in-demand skills in electric propulsion technology. Supported by the B.C. Employer Training Grant, this hands-on certification helps you master next-generation systems and become a recognized Technically Trained Marine Electric Propulsion Expert—with little to no cost to your employer.
How It Works?
Apply for the program
Submit a quick application through our enrollment form. We’ll walk you and your employer through the next steps. Electric is new to the marine - no prior experience required.
Get approved for government funding
An employer applies for the B.C. Employer Training Grant to secure up to $10,000 per participant in training funds for their employees, including contractors.
Complete the training
Join the hands-on certification program led by electric propulsion experts. Learn how to sell, install, service, and maintain electric propulsion systems—and understand electric marine technology.
Receive your certification and toolkit
Upon completion, you'll receive an official Advanced Electric Propulsion Certification. You will also receive all training materials and a toolkit to help you get to work right away.
Become a Technically Trained Sales or Service Expert
Stand out in the growing clean marine sector. This certification positions you as a trusted expert in electric propulsion—ready for new roles, responsibilities, and career growth.
What you'll learn?
The Advanced Electric Propulsion Certification delivers practical, in-depth training across the full ecosystem of the components of an electric propulsion system. This includes components like battery, motor, charger, electric control unit, etc. and integrated software.
During this program, participants will learn to:
- Bring to market the new technology to existing marine applications
- Install, service, and troubleshoot Electric outboard motors
- Work with high-performance battery packs and Battery Management Systems (BMS)
- Understand the Electric Control Unit, the system’s digital backbone
- Operate and calibrate the Digital Throttle for precise control
- Use the Charger to optimize safety and ease of use
- Navigate and configure the Vessel Control, Unit (VCU) including real-time diagnostics and performance data
You'll Gain:
- Understand the technology to sell electric systems
- Hands-on experience with real-world installations
- Exposure to the latest in marine clean tech
- A competitive edge in the evolving electric propulsion market
The Program Structure
LEVEL 1
Foundations of Electric Propulsion for Marine Professionals
Course Highlights:
- Interactive modules tailored for marine applications
- Real-world case studies contrasting electric vs. combustion systems
- Visual breakdowns of electric propulsion architecture
- Step-by-step guidance on safety protocols and standards (ISO, ABYC, CE)
- Quick-reference system schematics and diagnostics
- Built-in knowledge checks and final assessment
Learning Outcomes:
- Explain the principles behind electric propulsion and its benefits for marine environments
- Identify key components in an electric propulsion system and their functions
- Distinguish between electric and traditional combustion systems in terms of efficiency, emissions, and maintenance
- Apply foundational safety procedures and compliance requirements (including relevant certifications and standards)
- Interpret basic system architecture and troubleshoot common setup or performance issues
Duration: 10 Hours
Format: Virtual
Cost: $2,100
LEVEL 2
Mastering Technical Sales in Electric Propulsion
Course Highlights:
- Deep dive into the technical value proposition of electric systems
- Frameworks for selling to boat builders, dealers, and fleet operators
- Hands-on training with system configurations, performance metrics, and ROI calculators
- Objection-handling strategies tailored to the electric transition
- Use of digital tools: quoting software, spec sheets, and comparison kits
- Real-life role-play and sales scenario simulations
Learning Outcomes:
- Confidently communicate the technical and environmental benefits of electric propulsion
- Break down system specs into compelling selling points for different customer types
- Demonstrate how to configure electric systems for various applications (commercial, recreational, fleet)
- Navigate complex sales conversations with engineers, purchasing teams, and operations leads
- Quantify ROI for clients using tools and performance data
- Customize sales strategies based on market segment and buyer needs
Duration: 18 Hours
Format: Virtual
Cost: $2,590
*Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1
LEVEL 3
Electric Propulsion System Installation & Integration
Course Highlights:
- Hands-on training with full system installation: motor, battery, throttle, and control components
- Guided electrical setup and calibration procedures
- Practical integration techniques for both new builds and retrofitsa
- Instructor-led sessions supported by diagrams, tools, and step-by-step protocols
Learning Outcomes:
- Install and configure a complete electric propulsion system from end to end
- Execute accurate electrical wiring and initial calibration across components
- Identify and resolve common issues in both hardware and software
- Integrate electric systems with existing vessel architecture (legacy or hybrid)
- Apply safety and compliance checks during and after installation
- Collaborate effectively with boat builders, technicians, or retrofit teams in live projects
Duration: 12 Hours
Format: In Person
Cost: $3,950
*Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 & Level 2
LEVEL 4
Diagnostics, Optimization & After–Sales Support
Course Highlights:
- Advanced system diagnostics using onboard tools and software
- Techniques for monitoring battery health, charging cycles, and system logs
- Firmware updates and interpreting software data for performance tuning
- Preventative maintenance strategies to ensure long-term system reliability
- Customer support essentials: guiding end-users, resolving common issues, and documenting service
- Fully in-person, instructor-led experience with hands-on testing stations
Learning Outcomes:
- Run and interpret advanced diagnostic tests on electric propulsion systems
- Analyze battery behavior across charge/discharge cycles for proactive servicing
- Perform firmware updates and understand their impact on performance and safety
- Deliver preventative maintenance that reduces downtime and enhances life-cycle value
- Support customers confidently with technical insight, remote troubleshooting, and follow-up care
- Document system performance and create actionable service reports for internal and client use
Duration: 12 Hours
Format: In Person
Cost: $3,950
*Prerequisite: Completion of Level 1 & Level 2 & Level 3
MASTER CERTIFICATION 01IE
This advanced certification prepares experienced professionals
to become authorized trainers for ACEL's electric propulsion curriculum.
Program Overview:
- Advanced pedagogical techniques for teaching complex technical concepts
- Curriculum development and customization strategies
- Assessment design and evaluation methodologies
- Adult learning principles and engagement techniques
- Remote and hybrid teaching methodologies
Learning Outcomes:
- Design and deliver comprehensive training programs for all previous certification levels
- Develop custom learning materials adapted to different audience needs
- Evaluate and assess student competency across all certification requirements
- Mentor new instructors and maintain training quality standards
- Integrate emerging technologies and methods into training programs
Key Components:
- Train-the-trainer workshops with expert facilitation techniques
- Advanced troubleshooting scenarios for teaching purposes
- Development of training aids and visual learning tools
- Cultural competency and inclusive teaching methods
- Quality assurance and standardization protocols
Certification Requirements:
- Completion of all previous certification levels
- Minimum 5 years of industry experience
- Demonstrated teaching or mentoring experience
- Creation of original training materials
- Successful delivery of supervised training sessions
Professional Outcomes:
- Become an authorized ACEL training provider
- Lead certification programs at approved training centers
- Develop a specialized curriculum for different market segments
- Participate in ACEL's trainer network and continuing education
- Contribute to future training program development
This master-level certification represents the highest level of expertise in both technical knowledge and educational delivery within ACEL's certification framework.
Duration: 12 Hours
Format: In Person
Cost: $8,950
*Prerequisite: Completion of all four levels
MASTER TRAINER 02IE
Designed for elite professionals who have demonstrated mastery of electric propulsion systems and are ready to lead as educators, curriculum architects, and global ambassadors of ACEL’s mission.
Program Overview:
This level focuses on mastery in both technical instruction and
program leadership.
- Curriculum architecture and scalable content development
- Trainer enablement and mentorship programs
- Global standardization of certification delivery
- Digital learning strategy and LMS integration
- Program evaluation and continuous improvement frameworks
- Cross-cultural and multilingual training facilitation
Learning Outcomes:
- Design and lead full ACEL certification programs (Levels 1–4 & 01IE) across markets
- Build and manage regional training networks and strategic academic partnerships
- Certify and onboard new Master 01IE trainers through standardized assessments
- Develop modular, multilingual curriculum frameworks tailored to global markets
- Drive quality audits and learning efficacy improvements
- Serve as subject matter experts in industry forums, events, and regulatory discussions
Key Components :
- Curriculum Architecture & Modular Design – Build scalable, multilingual, and competency-based training programs for global markets
- Trainer Certification & Mentorship – Certify Master 01IE instructors and mentor them through structured onboarding and quality coaching
- Global Standardization & QA – Establish protocols for consistent delivery, auditing, and improvement across regional training hubs
- EdTech & LMS Integration – Leverage advanced tools like AR/VR, simulations, and learning management systems to enhance delivery
- Thought Leadership & Industry Representation – Represent ACEL in global forums, shaping the future of electric marine propulsion education
Certification Requirements:
- Completion of Levels 1–4 & Master 01IE of the ACEL Certification Program
- 5+ years of professional experience in electric propulsion or marine technology
- Minimum of 3 years of instructional or mentoring experience
- Submission of a Master Trainer Capstone Project: A complete training module and strategic rollout plan
- Live evaluation of an advanced training delivery session with real learners
Professional Outcomes:
- Official designation as ACEL Master Trainer, with global training authority
- Eligibility to certify new Master 01IE instructors
- Leadership role in ACEL’s Global Training Advisory Council
- Influence over future curriculum development and certification policies
- Priority access to international teaching opportunities, paid speaking engagements, and program innovation pilots.
Duration: 12 Hours
Format: In Person
Cost: $8,950
*Prerequisite: Completion of all five levels
Meet Your Trainer
Jacob Enns is an Electrical Technician at Petawatts Ltd, bringing seven years of sound engineering and system design experience to his role. He studied electrical engineering, circuits, and systems at Okanagan College before working in battery manufacturing production at Teck Metals Ltd. At Petawatts, Jacob has contributed to solar systems, incinerating toilets, and notably, the ACEL electric motor systems, including their installation in a classic 1950's wooden runabout boat. This experience fuels his hobbies of fixing CB radios, building custom sound systems, and creating small form factor home lab setups.
Training Materials
Participants in the Advanced Electric Propulsion Certification Program will receive comprehensive resources to support their learning:
- Detailed Presentations
- Technical Manuals
- Instructional Videos
- Hands-on Practice
- Digital Resources
- Premium Toolkit
Why Get Certified in Electric Propulsion ?
Exclusive Perks for Certified Technicians
New Career Opportunities in an Emerging Sector
Jobs in Technical Sales, Marine Service Technicians and more
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Electric Propulsion Certified Status – Gain industry recognition
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80% Funded Training – Up to $10,000 covered by government grants