If you work in a Cummins authorized dealership, you’ve probably completed a lot of training over the course of your career. You may even be a Cummins-certified Master Tech.
However, there’s an important distinction when it comes to the Cummins X15N engine:
Being a Cummins Master Tech does not mean you are automatically a Cummins CNG Master Tech.
For technicians who will perform warranty repairs on the X15N engine, Cummins requires completion of a separate CNG Master Tech pathway that includes specific X15N engine training as well as CNG fuel system inspector training and certification.
This distinction is important, and also a source of confusion.
Cummins Master Tech and Cummins CNG Master Tech Are Different
Technicians authorized to work on Cummins engines may already hold Cummins Master Tech credentials based on the training and requirements they have completed for other engines and products.
That experience is valuable, but it does not automatically satisfy the requirements for the Cummins CNG Master Tech Qualification Program. A technician may confidently say, “I’m a Cummins Master Tech” and be correct, but technically not authorized to perform warranty work on the X15N engine.
Why Is the X15N Different?
The X15N is Cummins’ 15-liter natural gas engine designed for heavy-duty fleet applications. Although technicians familiar with other Cummins engines may recognize aspects of the platform, the X15N introduces service considerations specific to natural gas and its high-pressure fuel system.
When Is Cummins CNG Master Tech Required?
Cummins CNG Master Tech status is strictly required for technicians performing warranty repairs on the X15N engine. Dealerships preparing to support X15N-powered vehicles need to identify which technicians will be responsible for warranty repair and make sure that they meet the appropriate requirements.
What Does It Take to Become a Cummins CNG Master Tech?
Cummins CNG Master Tech status comes with specific training and certification. AFVi has partnered with Cummins to provide the CNG fuel system portion of the Cummins CNG Master Tech Qualification Program, which is divided into:
- CNG Fuel System Inspector Training, which covers CNG fuel systems and components in accordance with applicable codes, standards, and industry best practices, including how to identify cylinder damage.
- CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification, which includes an independent exam that validates a technician’s knowledge and ability to apply what they have learned. A score of at least 80% is required to earn AFVi certification.
Then, once they complete the required Cummins courses, technicians authorized to work on Cummins engines will have achieved CNG Master Tech status and earned AFVi CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification. (AFVi certification is valid for five years.)
Cummins CST Numbers Matter, Too
When enrolling in AFVi’s Cummins CNG Master Tech Program, technicians must provide their Cummins Service Technician (CST) number. Once a technician passes the certification exam, AFVi uses that CST number to report the technician’s status to Cummins.
Technicians previously certified by AFVi may not need to repeat the entire process if their certification is still current. They can provide their CST number so their status can be reported to Cummins. If their certification has expired, there is an option to recertify.
Do You Know Your Cummins CNG Master Tech Status?
If you plan to perform warranty repairs on Cummins X15N engines, you need to verify that you are a Cummins CNG Master Tech.
Make sure you know:
- Which required Cummins X15N courses you have completed
- Whether you have completed AFVi’s CNG Fuel System Inspector Training
- Whether your AFVi CNG Fuel System Inspector Certification is current
- Whether AFVi has your Cummins CST number to report to Cummins
Being a Cummins Master Tech and being a Cummins CNG Master Tech are not the same thing. If you’re unsure which requirements you’ve completed, AFVi can help you determine your next step.
