RV Technical Institute

What RV Technical Institute does

RV Technical Institute (RVTI) is a nonprofit subsidiary of the RV Industry Association, founded in June 2018 with a combined $10M strategic investment from the RV Industry Association and the RV Dealers Association to address the RV industry's shortage of trained service technicians. It operates an 18,000 sq. ft. training facility in Elkhart, Indiana (with five classrooms and 10,000 sq. ft. of shop/bay space) and delivers a four-level certification program — Level 1 Inspection, Level 2 Diagnostic and Repair, Level 3 Specialty (five areas: Electrical, Chassis, Electronics, Appliance, Slideout), and Level 4 Master Technician — covering seven RV systems: propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis. Training delivery spans self-paced online via a Learning Management System, in-person at Elkhart, dealer on-site sessions, and a Hub-and-Spoke network of 393+ Authorized Learning Partners (389 dealerships, 2 correctional facilities, 2 community colleges, plus new high school and college programs).

RVTI monetizes through individual annual subscriptions ($663/year for Level 1 and 2 online access), corporate location subscriptions ($1,650/location/year), pay-as-you-go Level 3 specialty workshops ($50-$100 per workshop), exam retakes ($85 each), and partner-channel fees (e.g., Navarro College's $1,200 for an 80-hour intensive program). Go-to-market is hybrid: direct-to-consumer self-serve for individuals, direct field sales for dealerships, channel partnerships for learning providers, and event-driven community outreach (FFA Convention, ASCA, CareerTech Vision, RV Women's Alliance all-women's courses). By end of 2024 the program had certified 6,729 technicians across 997 dealerships with at least one certified staff member, and serves a market where 72M Americans planned RV trips and RV technician roles were growing at 97% year-over-year.

The core technology is a competency-based curriculum combining video, quizzes, interactive modules, and hands-on labs, augmented by supplier-led Level 3 training from Trek Systems (Victron), Lippert, Winegard, Renogy, Next-Gen Power Systems, Dometic, and Truma. Adjacent offerings include the Kevin Phillips Scholarship, a Spanish-language exam pilot, an LMS-driven certification registry, and integration with downstream platforms such as RV Help (1,400+ verified service professionals). Day-to-day operations are run by a small core team (1-10 employees per firmographics, 11+ listed leadership and support roles) under VP Education & Operations Sharronne Lee, with four named trainers (Mike Anderson, Tyson Watkins, Chris Jachim, Bill Stewart as Director of Education) handling instruction.

Name

RV Technical Institute

Legal name

Recreation Vehicle Technical Institute

Website

https://rvti.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RV Technical Institute is a nonprofit subsidiary of the RV Industry Association that delivers industry-standard four-level RV technician training and certification through online, in-person, and Authorized Learning Partner programs serving individuals, dealerships, community colleges, and high schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Vocational Technician Training and Certification

NAICS

Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Apprenticeship Training (611513), Professional and Management Development Training (611430)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Automotive (EDABALAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Renewable Energy Electrical (Solar PV, Wind, Storage) (EDAOABAI), Tire, Wheel, Alignment & Brake Systems Training (EDAOAEAK)

Headquarters

HQ city

Elkhart

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Individual Subscription: Annual subscription providing digital access to Level 1 and Level 2 online training courses and testing for one year starting from purchase date. Includes one attempt at each exam. Self-paced online delivery.
2. Location Subscription: Corporate annual subscription allowing unlimited employees/technicians at one location to enroll in Level 1 & 2 training and testing. Each physical location requires separate subscription.
3. Exam Retakes: Additional fee for retaking certification exams. Retests cost $85 per exam.
4. Level 3 Workshop Registration: Workshop registration fees for specialty training. Costs range from $50-$100 per workshop depending on duration and content. Electrical workshops $90, Electronics workshops $50-$60, Appliance workshops included.
5. Community College Program Fees: Navarro College program cost of $1,200 for 80-hour intensive two-week RV technician training covering RVTI Level 1 certification plus shop-readiness skills.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels14 records

Core offering

RV Technical Institute delivers a four-level industry-recognized certification program for RV service technicians covering seven RV systems (propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, chassis). Training is offered via individual online subscriptions, corporate location subscriptions, in-person courses at its Elkhart, IN campus, dealer on-site training, and through a network of 393+ Authorized Learning Partners including community colleges and dealerships.

Product overview

RV Technical Institute offers a four-level certification program for RV service technicians, starting with Level 1 Inspection (foundational skills for pre-delivery inspection), progressing through Level 2 Diagnostic and Repair (troubleshooting and repairs), Level 3 Specialty (five advanced areas: Electrical, Chassis, Electronics, Appliance, and Slideout), and Level 4 Master Technician (highest certification). The core delivery is via Individual Subscriptions ($663/year for online access) or Location Subscriptions for dealerships. Additional programs include Dealer On-Site Training where instructors travel to dealerships, Level 3 intensive workshops at the Elkhart campus, the Kevin Phillips Scholarship for financial aid, and Spanish language exam options. The curriculum covers seven RV systems: propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Level 1 Inspection Training Foundational RV technician certification covering propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis systems. Includes 7 courses, 11 modules, 39 learning outcomes, and 32 labs. Can be completed in 1 week in-person or 32 hours self-paced online. Certification valid for life. Designed for new technicians, career changers, and existing service staff needing baseline credentials.
• Level 2 Diagnostic and Repair Training Intermediate certification developing theoretical knowledge and practical skills for basic diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repairs on all RV systems. Includes 7 courses, 28 modules, 184 learning outcomes, and 111 labs. Completed in 3 weeks in-person or 120 hours online. 5-year certification with 24 CEU requirement for renewal. Targets working technicians advancing beyond Level 1.
• Level 3 Specialty Training Advanced specialty certification in five areas: Electrical (converter, inverter, lithium-ion batteries, solar), Chassis (stabilization, leveling, brakes), Electronics (satellite systems, CAN networks), Appliance (furnaces, AC, refrigerators, water heaters), and Slideout (cable, above floor, through frame systems). Requires 24 hours of approved vendor training per specialty. Designed for experienced technicians seeking to specialize.
• Level 4 Master Technician Certification Highest certification awarded to technicians who have completed all five Level 3 specialties and are proficient in troubleshooting and repairing all seven major RV systems. Requires 24 hours of approved hands-on training covering minimum topics for all 5 specialty areas within 5 years. Validates Master-level expertise across propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis systems.
• Individual Subscription Annual subscription providing digital access to Level 1 and Level 2 online training courses and testing for $663/year. Includes self-paced video, quizzes, and interactive content accessible on computer, tablet, or smartphone. One year of access from purchase date and one attempt at each exam. Designed for individual technicians seeking self-paced certification.
• Location Subscription Corporate subscription at $1,650 per location per year enabling unlimited employees/technicians at one physical location to enroll in Level 1 and Level 2 training and testing. Each rooftop requires a separate subscription. Access available within 3-5 business days. Designed for RV dealerships and corporate service operations needing enterprise-wide training access.
• Dealer On-Site Training Program where RVTI trainers travel to qualifying dealership locations to deliver Level 1 or hybrid Level 2 training on-site, eliminating travel costs for technicians. Led by trainers including Director of Education Bill Stewart and Trainer Mike Anderson, with sessions delivered at dealerships such as Rex & Sons RV, Fife RV Center, Hemlock Hill RV, and NTP-STAG locations.
• Level 3 Specialty Workshops Intensive multi-day specialty workshops hosted at RVTI's Elkhart, IN facility enabling technicians to acquire Level 3 certification hours. Includes Level 3 Electrical Workshop ($90, 3 days, Trek Systems Victron 16hr, Next-Gen generators 4hr, Renogy REGO 4hr), Level 3 Electronics Workshop ($50-$60, 2 days, Winegard/Lippert/Firefly 16hr), Level 3 Chassis/Slideout Workshop ($100, 4 days, 32 combined hours), and Appliance Workshop (Dometic water heaters, refrigerators, furnaces, AC, Truma systems). Registration fees $50-$100.
• Kevin Phillips Scholarship Financial assistance scholarship covering the cost of an individual subscription for new high school graduates, military veterans, or individuals who found college wasn't for them. Designed to remove financial barriers to entering the RV technician profession for career changers and early-career candidates.
• Spanish Language Certification Exams Pilot program offering Level 1 and Level 2 certification exams and study guides in Spanish, removing language barriers for Spanish-speaking technicians pursuing RV certification. Exam validation in progress as part of pilot phase to ensure equivalent testing rigor.

Quantifiable outcome

• 6,729 certified technicians by end of 2024
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature7 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• NTP-STAGminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 May 2026Distributor of aftermarket RV parts and accessories. Dealer on-site Level 1 training at Dallas location led by Trainer Mike Anderson. Sales team attended to sharpen product knowledge and boost sales effectiveness. Also received training at Georgia Austell location.
• Alliance RVminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 21 April 2026RV manufacturer that hosted all-women's Level 1 training program with RVTI and RV Women's Alliance. Training designed to elevate technical proficiency of female team members. Quality Director Charles Briggs emphasized importance of external training for employee development.
• California Area School DistrictminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 April 2026Prospective high school partner from Coal Center, PA. Plans to integrate RVTI's Level 1 certification into curriculum following EPIC Campus model. Would mark second high school partner for RVTI. District leaders are avid RVers seeking to build technician program for students.
• Fife RV CenterminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 30 March 2026Washington dealership in Fife. Received dealer on-site Level 1 training led by Trainer Chris Jachim. Sales team attended to improve product knowledge and sales effectiveness.
• Trek SystemscoreTechnology or Integration · 18 March 2026Designated training provider for Victron Energy systems at RVTI's Elkhart facility. Delivers hands-on instruction covering lithium batteries, inverter/charger systems, solar power, troubleshooting, and remote monitoring. Provides 16 credit hours toward RVTI's Level 3 Electrical Certification.
• Rex & Sons RVminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 2 March 2026North Carolina dealership in Castle Hayne. Received dealer on-site Level 1 training from RVTI. Six technicians enrolled, all passed and became Level 1 certified. Operations Manager & Co-Owner Travis Creech praised training impact on service department expertise.
• Littleton Public Schools EPIC CampuscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 8 October 2025First high school RV technician certification program. EPIC Campus is a career and technical education center in Littleton, CO. Students can graduate with Level 1 RVTI certification. Six attendees graduated from inaugural semester-long program in May 2026. Blueprint for aligning high school education with industry demand.
• RV HelpminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 January 2025RV service platform opening network to RVTI-trained technicians. In 2025, served over 2 million RV owners with network of 1,400+ verified service professionals processing 100+ daily service requests. Platform connects RV owners with mobile technicians at campgrounds, storage facilities, or driveways.
• Hemlock Hill RV Sales & ServiceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2025Southington, CT dealership received Level 1 training led by Director of Education Bill Stewart. General Manager Chris Andro commended instructor for creating welcoming learning environment. Training included solving puzzling shop scenario.
• Navarro CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 3 October 2024First community college Authorized Learning Partner. Navarro College in Corsicana, TX offers RVTI Level 1 curriculum to students. 80-hour intensive two-week program covers propane, electrical, plumbing, appliances, body, generator, and chassis systems plus shop-readiness skills. Ribbon-cutting ceremony November 2025 marked launch. Level 2 and Level 3 courses planned for future addition.
• Fun Town RVcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 October 2024Fort Worth-based dealership that championed Navarro College partnership and donated $250,000 to establish RV technician program. Provided significant financial support and scholarships. Suggested program to Navarro College based on John Deere TECH program model. Corporate Training Manager Amberly Patrick key advocate.
• RV Women's AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Partnership to host all-female Level 1 training courses nationwide. RVWA and RVTI collaborate to train women for RV technician careers. Third course held in Hershey, PA during Pennsylvania RV and Camping Association's Hershey RV Show. Courses provide comfortable environment for women learning skilled trades.
• Authorized Learning Partners NetworkcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 4 December 2023Hub and Spoke model network of 393+ locations (389 dealerships, 2 correctional facilities, 2 technician colleges). Partners have access to full curriculum, LMS, testing, and trainer training. Learning Partners must ensure instructors are Level 2 Certified and have completed Train the Trainer Course. 85% of RVTI students trained through partners; over 15,000 learners total.
• RV Industry AssociationcoreOthers · 1 June 2018Parent organization. Board of Directors approved $10M+ strategic plan in June 2018 to address RV industry technician shortage. Created RVTI as supporting foundation. RV Industry Association and RV Dealers Association contributed combined $10 million to create curriculum and credentialing program.

Scale indicators14 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Universal Technical Institute: Large for-profit provider of transportation technician training (auto, diesel, motorcycle, marine, collision). Closest analog to RVTI: industry-aligned, multi-level curriculum, manufacturer partnerships, and similar student profile of career changers and post-secondary learners, though UTI is broader and degree-bearing vs. RVTI's certification focus.
• Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI): MMI is to the powersports industry what RVTI is to the RV industry - a niche specialist training provider for recreational vehicle technicians with manufacturer-aligned curriculum and tiered certifications. The direct analog supports similar student pathways into recreational-mechanic careers.
• WyoTech: Specialist automotive training school focused on hands-on, deep technical curriculum including chassis, drive train, and high-performance systems. Comparable to RVTI in industry-specialist positioning and concentration on a specific mechanic niche rather than broad technician education.
• Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI): Marine specialty training within the same UTI group, focused on recreational marine (boat) technicians. Closest adjacent recreational-vehicle specialty training in structure and audience, suggesting where RVTI's model could expand or what RVTI's offerings compete against for the recreational mechanic labor pool.
• Lincoln Tech: Multi-campus vocational school with automotive, diesel, and collision repair programs reaching comparable career-changer and high-school-graduate audiences. Operates similar blended in-person/online delivery and similar tuition-based revenue model, but covers all automotive vs. RVTI's RV-specific scope.
• Penn Foster: Online vocational school offering self-paced, subscription-style career programs with annual or monthly access fees - almost identical commercial model to RVTI's $663/year Individual Subscription. Overlaps in audience (career changers, military, GED holders) but covers many trades rather than RV specialization.
• NASCAR Technical Institute: Sister UTI school focused on high-performance automotive and NASCAR technician training with manufacturer-endorsed curriculum. Similar industry-aligned brand-driven model and similar hands-on, specialty credentialing approach.

Regional players

• NewAge Technical Institute: Smaller-scale technical/trade vocational school serving similar career-changer and continuing-education audiences for mechanical and industrial trades. Comparable in mission and target student but smaller footprint and less industry-sponsored than RVTI.
• Autry Technology Center: Taxpayer-funded career-tech school in Oklahoma offering adult vocational training across mechanical, industrial, and trades specialties. Comparable 'short path to certification' positioning and adult-learner focus, but operates as a regional public provider rather than an industry-sponsored gold-standard.

Emerging players

• Lippert Technician Service School: Supplier-led training program run by the largest RV components manufacturer, covering Lippert chassis, slide-out, and leveling systems. Aligned with RVTI's Level 3 Specialty curriculum and competes for the same advanced-systems training hours, though narrower in scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/RVTechnicalInstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rv-technical-institute

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 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 RV Technical Institute