Basic Marine Electronics Installer Training (BMEI)
Training Overview
The Basic Marine Electronics Installer Course (BMEI) is suitable for marine electronic installers, engine mechanics, boat builders, riggers, product designers, surveyors, etc. This is an introductory course in marine electronics installation that clarifies and defines competent installation practices. An MEI certificate is an indication of a working knowledge of NMEA’s 0400 Installation Standard.
The Basic MEI Training class is an 8 hour full day course taught virtual/live and in person/live.
The Basic MEI Training class is offered in 2 versions, an “Coastal/Freshwater MEI version” and an “Offshore/Saltwater MEI version”. These versions are offered based on geographic location of the installers in a specific area and the type of electronics and ancillary equipment typically installed. These is no difference in the MEI certification that is issued to the student who passes the certification exam. This is due to the significant overlap in subject areas between both versions of the BMEI as indicated below.
BMEI Coastal/Freshwater Topics
General Knowledge, Ohms law, EMI, DC Wiring, Grounds, Batteries & Chargers, Load Calculations, Displays & Black Boxes, VHF Radios, Transducers, Stereos, LED Lighting, Trolling Motors, Shallow Water Anchors, NMEA 2000 Introduction, Digital Switching.
BMEI Offshore/Saltwater Topics
General Knowledge, Ohms law, EMI, DC Wiring, Grounds, Batteries & Chargers, Load Calculations, Displays & Black Boxes, VHF Radios, Transducers, Stereos, Coaxial Cables, Antennas, AIS (Class B).
The Basic Marine Electronics Installer Course (BMEI) is suitable for marine electronic installers, engine mechanics, boat builders, riggers, product designers, surveyors, etc. This is an introductory course in marine electronics installation that clarifies and defines competent installation practices. An MEI certificate is an indication of a working knowledge of NMEA’s 0400 Installation Standard.
The Basic MEI Training class is an 8 hour full day course taught virtual/live and in person/live.
The Basic MEI Training class is offered in 2 versions, an “Coastal/Freshwater MEI version” and an “Offshore/Saltwater MEI version”. These versions are offered based on geographic location of the installers in a specific area and the type of electronics and ancillary equipment typically installed. These is no difference in the MEI certification that is issued to the student who passes the certification exam. This is due to the significant overlap in subject areas between both versions of the BMEI as indicated below.
BMEI Coastal/Freshwater Topics
General Knowledge, Ohms law, EMI, DC Wiring, Grounds, Batteries & Chargers, Load Calculations, Displays & Black Boxes, VHF Radios, Transducers, Stereos, LED Lighting, Trolling Motors, Shallow Water Anchors, NMEA 2000 Introduction, Digital Switching.
BMEI Offshore/Saltwater Topics
General Knowledge, Ohms law, EMI, DC Wiring, Grounds, Batteries & Chargers, Load Calculations, Displays & Black Boxes, VHF Radios, Transducers, Stereos, Coaxial Cables, Antennas, AIS (Class B).
Certification Exam: All students must pass a 50-question multiple choice, open book certification test at the end of the training day. This exam is done in person or on-line, based on the published NMEA training schedule.
2025 Pricing: $520 NMEA member, and $1040 non-member. Joining NMEA as a Trade member ($450) gets you a FREE installer course as part of your membership fee. Course Materials Included with Registration: Paper copy of color presentation slides, electronic copy of NMEA 0400 Installation Standard. |
Passing Score:
The passing score of any NMEA installer certification exam is 80% or higher. If a student does not pass, they are allowed one (no charge) proctored re take of the exam. This re-take must be arranged by the student and taken within 90 days of the original exam date. If the student does not pass the re-take (or if they do not perform the re-take within 90 days of the original exam date) they must re-attend the training class at a scheduled future date / location, but can do so at a 50% discount.
MEI Renewal:
All NMEA 0400 Installation Standard Training Certifications expire three (3) years from the date the certificate is issued. This applies to MEI, AMEI, Basic NMEA 2000, and Advanced NMEA 2000. Renewal material consists of an on-line link with the current course materials that will expire 30 days after payment is received by the NMEA national office. The 50 question test will be sent to you at your request with a 1 hour continuous running time limit. The request for test will also expire after 30 days from receiving payment by the NMEA National Office. The cost to renew is $100 regardless of membership status. To renew, click on the "Renew My Certification" button above.
Over 2 years expired for all NMEA Certificates:
For those who have had their NMEA MEI certification expired for more than 2 years, the individual must re-take the appropriate full training class and exam, but can do so at a 50% discount on the published member or non member price.
NMEA Training Classes Cancellation Policy:
NMEA strives to prepare well in advance for training classes to assure the best student learning experience. We base the classroom selection and lunch delivery on enrollment size. If unforeseen circumstances occur (death or serious illness) the class can be cancelled and refunded at no charge. Otherwise, there is no full refund. The cancellation policy is as follows:
Outside of 2 weeks before training date- Refund less $100 cancellation fee
Students may cancel outside of 2 weeks (for any reason) prior to the class start date. The cancellation fee is $100.
Inside of 2 weeks before training date- Refund less $200 cancellation fee
Students may cancel inside of 2 weeks (for any reason) prior to the class start date. The cancellation fee is $200.
No shows:
Students that do not show up without any notice to NMEA will not be eligible for a refund.
NMEA will not be responsible for any expenses associated with the cancellation of a training course.
The passing score of any NMEA installer certification exam is 80% or higher. If a student does not pass, they are allowed one (no charge) proctored re take of the exam. This re-take must be arranged by the student and taken within 90 days of the original exam date. If the student does not pass the re-take (or if they do not perform the re-take within 90 days of the original exam date) they must re-attend the training class at a scheduled future date / location, but can do so at a 50% discount.
MEI Renewal:
All NMEA 0400 Installation Standard Training Certifications expire three (3) years from the date the certificate is issued. This applies to MEI, AMEI, Basic NMEA 2000, and Advanced NMEA 2000. Renewal material consists of an on-line link with the current course materials that will expire 30 days after payment is received by the NMEA national office. The 50 question test will be sent to you at your request with a 1 hour continuous running time limit. The request for test will also expire after 30 days from receiving payment by the NMEA National Office. The cost to renew is $100 regardless of membership status. To renew, click on the "Renew My Certification" button above.
Over 2 years expired for all NMEA Certificates:
For those who have had their NMEA MEI certification expired for more than 2 years, the individual must re-take the appropriate full training class and exam, but can do so at a 50% discount on the published member or non member price.
NMEA Training Classes Cancellation Policy:
NMEA strives to prepare well in advance for training classes to assure the best student learning experience. We base the classroom selection and lunch delivery on enrollment size. If unforeseen circumstances occur (death or serious illness) the class can be cancelled and refunded at no charge. Otherwise, there is no full refund. The cancellation policy is as follows:
Outside of 2 weeks before training date- Refund less $100 cancellation fee
Students may cancel outside of 2 weeks (for any reason) prior to the class start date. The cancellation fee is $100.
Inside of 2 weeks before training date- Refund less $200 cancellation fee
Students may cancel inside of 2 weeks (for any reason) prior to the class start date. The cancellation fee is $200.
No shows:
Students that do not show up without any notice to NMEA will not be eligible for a refund.
NMEA will not be responsible for any expenses associated with the cancellation of a training course.