Spacetec

What Spacetec does

SpaceTEC Partners, Inc. (SPI) is a Florida-incorporated 501c3 non-profit corporation headquartered in Titusville, Florida, operating as the National Science Foundation's National Resource Center for Aerospace Technical Education. Originally chartered as a Center of Excellence in 2002 following an NSF Advanced Technological Education grant to Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College), SPI was incorporated in 2009 to coordinate the activities of six operating divisions: SpaceTEC, CertTEC, Credential Testing Services (CTS), VetTEC, Schools-to-Space, and MakerTEC. The organization delivers performance-based certifications for entry-level and incumbent aerospace technicians across six principal competency areas (Applied Mechanics, Introduction to Aerospace, Aerospace Safety, Basic Electricity, Materials and Processes, and Tests and Measurements), with Core certification plus concentrations in Composites and Vehicle Processing, plus the CertTEC commercial portfolio covering aviation structures, avionics, mechanical assembly, basic electricity and electronics, and advanced manufacturing.

The certification framework is built on a three-part examination model — a 70-question computer-based written exam (90 minutes), an oral examination, and a practical performance-based skills examination — administered by certified SpaceTEC Examiners and powered by Questionmark's cloud-based assessment management platform, with remote proctoring delivered via ExamRoom.AI. SpaceTEC is the only FAA-recognized national performance-based certification for aerospace technicians in the United States, with ICAC accreditation to ISO 17024 and American Council on Education recommendation for 24 college credits. Governance and standards are validated through the National Aerospace Technology Advisory Committee (NATAC) and National Oversight Committee (NOC), which include senior representatives from NASA, Blue Origin, Sierra Nevada, Orbital ATK, FAA, and Space Florida.

Revenue is generated primarily through one-time certification exam fees ranging from $75 (Entry Level Electronics) to $625 (Core civilian) and $550 (concentrations), with active military pricing at $560 for Core. GI Bill reimbursement and COOL program listings on Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force channels reduce price sensitivity for transitioning servicemembers. Distribution occurs through a nationwide consortium of accredited community and technical colleges, universities, business and industry organizations, and government agencies, supplemented by direct online self-serve registration. NSF ATE grants (DUE-1303935, DUE-1601710, plus the 2002 Center of Excellence grant) supplement certification revenue, and the organization is governed by a Board of Directors under a traditional non-profit structure with no equity ownership.

Name

Spacetec

Legal name

SpaceTEC Partners, Inc.

Website

https://spacetec.us

Company type

Private

Founded year

2009

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

SpaceTEC Partners, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit operating as the NSF National Resource Center for Aerospace Technical Education, delivering FAA-recognized, ICAC ISO 17024-accredited performance-based certifications for aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing technicians across a nationwide consortium of colleges and military transition pathways.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Titusville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Certification Exam Fees: SpaceTEC generates revenue through fees charged for its three-part certification examinations, including Core certification ($625 per exam with one written retest; $560 for active military), and concentration certifications in Composites and Vehicle Processing ($550 each). Fees include a Pre-Test, Three-Part Exam, and one Written Exam Retest.
2. Custom Knowledge Assessments and Industry Aptitude Surveys: SpaceTEC provides custom knowledge assessments and skills-based workshops as well as preparatory readiness courses for technicians performing hands-on operations. These are offered alongside certifications as value-added services.
3. CertTEC and Credential Testing Services: CertTEC division provides web-based performance-based testing in disciplines including Basic Electricity & Electronics, Mechanical Assembly, and Composites for commercial industry. CTS division administers computer-based examination services for ASTM NCATT credentials and third-party end-of-course testing.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

SpaceTEC Partners, Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit corporation that delivers performance-based certification programs for aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing technicians. Its core offering is a three-part certification exam process (computer-based written, oral, and practical skills assessment) covering six competency areas: Applied Mechanics, Introduction to Aerospace, Aerospace Safety, Basic Electricity, Materials and Processes, and Tests and Measurements. Certifications are accredited by ICAC to ISO 17024 standards, recognized by the FAA, and recommended for college credit by ACE.

Product overview

SpaceTEC Partners, Inc. operates a multi-brand portfolio of performance-based certification and workforce development programs. The core SpaceTEC brand provides nationally recognized aerospace technician certifications, while CertTEC extends credentialing to commercial aviation and advanced manufacturing sectors. Credential Testing Services (CTS) powers computer-based examination administration through Questionmark. VetTEC serves military-to-civilian career transitions. Schools-to-Space delivers K-12 STEM outreach, and MakerTEC coordinates advanced manufacturing education. All certifications are performance-based with three-part assessments (written, oral, practical). SpaceTEC Core certification is the prerequisite for concentration exams in Composites and Vehicle Processing. The company also offers prep courses, Knowledge Skills Inventories (KSI) for candidate screening, and custom Industry Aptitude Surveys through CertTEC.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Certified Aerospace Technician: Performance-based certification for aerospace technicians covering Core and concentration areas (Composites, Vehicle Processing, Aerospace Manufacturing)
• Certifying what you know AND what you can do

Products and services

• Certified Aerospace Technician Core Certification Entry-level performance-based certification covering general knowledge in six competency areas: Introduction to Aerospace, Applied Mechanics, Basic Electricity, Test & Measurements, Materials and Processes, and Aerospace Safety. Includes a 70-question computer-based written exam, oral examination, and practical performance-based skills examination. Recommended by ACE for 24 college credits and FAA-recognized for RAMT training.
• Composites Certification Concentration certification offered after completing the SpaceTEC Core examination, validating technical knowledge and skills in aerospace composites. Three-part exam consisting of 70-question computer-based written exam, oral evaluation, and practical evaluation. ICAC accredited to ISO 17024.
• Vehicle Processing Certification Concentration certification offered after completing the SpaceTEC Core examination, validating aerospace vehicle processing technician skills. Three-part exam: 70-question computer-based written exam, oral examination, and practical evaluation. ICAC accredited to ISO 17024.
• CertTEC Aviation Basics Certification CertTEC certification covering foundational aviation knowledge through a three-part exam format for commercial aviation technicians.
• CertTEC Aviation Structures Certification CertTEC certification assessing knowledge and skills in aviation structural systems, with Level 2 advanced option available.
• CertTEC Basic Electricity and Electronics (BEE) Certification CertTEC certification covering DC, AC, Analog, and Digital electronics with separate module examinations. Cannot be administered remotely due to equipment needs.
• ASTM NCATT Certifications (via Credential Testing Services) Computer-based examination administration service for ASTM NCATT credentials including Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET), third-party end-of-course testing, and instructor professional development, powered by Questionmark assessment platform.
• Knowledge Skills Inventories (KSI) and Custom Industry Aptitude Surveys Objective surveys of knowledge and skills used to screen candidates for hiring or promotion, developed by NATAC to validate and publish Workplace Practices and Performance Standards. Custom knowledge assessments and industry aptitude surveys offered alongside certifications as value-added services.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• National Aerospace Technical Advisory Committee (NATAC) MemberscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNATAC members include Mark Gaedcke (SpaceTEC HQ), Mike Ennis (Harris), Jeff Manning (STC), Kevin Vega (NASA), Dale Ketchum (Space Florida), Dale Nash (Virginia Space Authority), Rick Serfozo (Orbital ATK), Larry Ostarly (AECOM), Steve Griffin (Vencore), Mike Powell (Titusville-Cocoa Airport Authority), Dan Ciccateri (Sierra Nevada), Dan Gearinger (Sierra Nevada), Pam Underwood (FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation), David Mandernack (Astrotech). NATAC validates and publishes Workplace Practices and Performance Standards for SpaceTEC certifications.
• National Oversight Committee (NOC) MemberscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNOC members include Stewart Harris (Chair, NASA Langley Retired), Richard Beagley (United Space Alliance Retired VP), Mike Flynn (International Assoc. of Machinists), James Underwood (URS Corporation), Dr. Ellen Gordon (Air Washington), Patricia Harris (Thomas Nelson Community College Retired), Scott Henderson (Blue Origin), Robert Herman (Orbital ATK), Captain Winston Scott (Florida Institute of Technology). The NOC provides oversight and governance for SpaceTEC certification programs.
• National Consortium of Community and Technical CollegescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC curriculum and examinations are offered through a nationwide consortium of accredited community and technical colleges, universities, business and industry organizations, and government agencies. The consortium supports two-year degree programs, workshops, seminars, and certification prep courses.
• Teachers in SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC Schools-to-Space Program is a proud co-sponsor of 10 student teams selected by Teachers in Space as winners of its Airbus Perlan Mission II CubeSat Flight Experiment contest. Hardware support was funded by a grant from SpaceTEC as part of their Schools-to-Space Program. Teams from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Oregon, and Puerto Rico participated.
• Airbus Perlan Mission IIminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC Schools-to-Space co-sponsored student CubeSat experiments aboard the Airbus Perlan Mission II glider, flying experiments to 90,000 feet where air density and temperature are similar to the atmosphere of Mars.
• Alcoa FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC Schools-to-Space, along with the Alcoa Foundation and movie producer David Ruck, co-sponsored the weeklong STEM event screening of 'I Want to be an Astronaut' at the Howmet Playhouse in Whitehall Michigan in October 2015. Over 1,300 middle school students attended.
• Craig TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC Schools-to-Space participated in the STEM Showcase hosted by Craig Technologies in Cape Canaveral Florida for Manufacturing Day 2015, meeting with parents, students, educators, business leaders, elected officials, and community members.
• George T. Baker Aviation Technical College / Miami-Dade County School DistrictminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC Schools-to-Space Coordinator taught a 2-hour workshop on the Mini-Cube Program at the Air Force Association STEM Teachers Workshop held at George T. Baker Aviation Technical College. Approximately 20 STEM instructors from Miami-Dade County School District attended.
• U.S. Department of Veterans AffairscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC and CertTEC certifications are recognized by VA and approved for reimbursement under GI Bill programs (Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, MGIB-SR, REAP, VEAP, DEA) up to $2,000 per exam. Certifications are listed on VA WEAMS License and Certification webpage.
• U.S. Military Services (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpaceTEC and CertTEC certifications are included on Army COOL, Navy COOL, Marine COOL, and Air Force COOL credentialing websites, enabling servicemembers to translate military technical training (MOS/AFSC/Rating) into civilian aerospace credentials.
• American Council on Education (ACE)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACE recommends the SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician Core for 24 college credits toward a technical degree. Passing the SpaceTEC exam enables Certified Aerospace Technicians to earn degrees at an accelerated pace. CertTEC and CTS third-party ASTM NCATT certifications also offer varying levels of college credit.
• International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICAC has accredited SpaceTEC Core, Vehicle Processing, and Composites certifications, and CertTEC certifications, to meet ISO 17024 guidelines — a global benchmark for personnel certification programs ensuring consistent, comparable, and reliable assessments worldwide.
• FAA Office of Commercial Space TransportationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe SpaceTEC Certified Aerospace Technician Core is recommended by the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation as one of three certifications the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) operator may use for RLV Aerospace Maintenance Technician (RAMT) training during forthcoming rating assessment processes. SpaceTEC provides the only FAA-recognized national performance-based certifications available for aerospace technicians in the United States.
• Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCCAF awards 25 semester hours for the SpaceTEC Aerospace Technician Certification. This credit is awarded to students enrolled in a CCAF degree program which accepts certification credit toward the program's technical education requirement.
• QuestionmarkcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpaceTEC and CertTEC use Questionmark's cloud-based, scalable assessment management system for computer-based examination administration. The written exam login portal is hosted on the Questionmark onDemand platform.
• ExamRoom.AIcoreTechnology or IntegrationSpaceTEC Partners, Inc. offers remote proctoring with ExamRoom.AI, enabling exam candidates to have exams proctored remotely using a working webcam and microphone.
• Eastern Florida State CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpaceTEC was initially chartered as a 'Center of Excellence' following a grant from NSF's ATE program to Brevard Community College (now Eastern Florida State College), which served as the founding institutional partner for SpaceTEC's national consortium.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is a large, broad-based aerospace and aviation higher education institution that includes aviation maintenance science programs in addition to its wider pilot and engineering degrees. It competes for the same aerospace workforce pipeline and offers its own stack of institutional credentials and credit pathways.
• Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC): ATEC is the U.S. industry trade group representing aviation maintenance technician education programs, including SpaceTEC's partner colleges. While not a direct credentialing competitor, ATEC shapes curriculum standards, policy advocacy, and program recognition that affect SpaceTEC's positioning in aviation technician education.

Direct peers

• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA): PIA is an aviation maintenance technician school that prepares students for FAA Airframe & Powerplant and related aerospace technician roles, directly competing for the same technician candidate pool that SpaceTEC's certifications validate.
• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: Spartan College provides aviation maintenance and avionics technician training programs, producing graduates who compete for the same aerospace technician positions where SpaceTEC's Core and Composites certifications are used by employers to validate competency.
• Aviation Institute of Maintenance: AIM is a national network of aviation maintenance technician schools that train candidates for aerospace and aviation technician careers. As a performance-based credential body, SpaceTEC competes with AIM-aligned curriculum and FAA-recognized credential pathways for the same technician population.
• Universal Technical Institute (UTI): UTI is one of the largest U.S. providers of aviation maintenance technician training, preparing candidates for the same aerospace technician roles and FAA-recognized credentials that SpaceTEC certifies. UTI and SpaceTEC's CertTEC compete for the same downstream technician employment outcomes.
• ASTM International (NCATT program): ASTM administers the National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies (NCATT) credentials, including Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET), which SpaceTEC's Credential Testing Services division also tests for. Both organizations issue nationally recognized aerospace/aviation technician credentials against industry-endorsed standards.
• National Aviation Academy (NAA): NAA is an aviation maintenance technician training school with FAA-approved programs in airframe, powerplant, and avionics, training candidates for the same technician roles that SpaceTEC's performance-based certifications credential.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/spacetec11
• Facebookfacebook.com/spacetec2013
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/spacetec-partners-inc

Compliance8 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Spacetec