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WASHINGTON, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WISE Certification has been officially approved by the Maryland’s Governor’s Workforce Development Board Career and Technical Education (CTE) Committee for inclusion on the state-approved list of Industry-Recognized Credentials (IRC), effective July 1, 2026.
Maryland schools can now integrate WISE®(Wireless Industry Service Excellence) Certification into high school CTE programs while accessing state and federal funding to support wireless device repair training and examination. The program will ensure students preparing for high-demand careers have access to training built upon industry-validated standards. This initiative directly supports the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which aims for 45 percent of high school graduates to earn an IRC by 2030.
“The wireless industry is dedicated to operationalizing global standards that drive consistency and professional excellence across the secondary market,” said Michelle James, CTIA Vice President, Strategic Industry Programs. “Our focus remains on expanding the WISE workforce pipeline to meet the growing demand for certified talent, providing companies with the skilled professionals necessary to support a high-quality, trusted electronics ecosystem.”
Jason Evans, Director of Electronics at Simple Cell Inc., a wireless repair employer in Maryland, said, “Maryland’s approval of WISE Certification as an Industry Recognized Credential ensures new hires meet rigorous, industry-validated standards. By scaling a skilled workforce, we are building a more resilient ecosystem that can keep pace with the evolving needs of the wireless industry. Training to the WISE Certification allows us to hire faster and more confidently to meet the rising demand for expert, reliable repair services.”
WISE Certification is the industry’s first and only recognized standard for mobile device repair. Established by CTIA, the wireless industry association, the program was developed through a collaborative effort of leading carriers, OEMs, and reverse logistics providers to ensure a consistent, high-quality repair experience for consumers globally. As a CTIA Certification program, WISE Certification provides the technical curriculum and hands-on validation required to verify a technician’s expertise, enabling trusted repairs for consumers.
After meeting Maryland’s rigorous IRC criteria, CTIA Certification is pursuing Industry-Recognized Credential approval in additional states, including Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Florida, and New York, to strengthen workforce pipelines and expand access to high-quality, industry-aligned training that supports the wireless device repair workforce nationwide.
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SOURCE CTIA
If you are looking to obtain certification in your current field, seeking a new career, or looking at an entrepreneurial opportunity in device repair, WISE Certification provides the most comprehensive knowledge available in smartphone, tablet and Chromebook repair. Study materials are provided for Level 1 certification, it is self-guided and the test when you are ready, is taken online. For Level 2 certification, depending on your background and qualifications, we can provide you with the best guidance to obtain your Level 2 certification. This is a fast growing industry with exciting entry-level opportunities, learn more about WISE Certification today!
Download our ASC Policies & Procedures pdf here.
Step 1 Prerequisites for Authorization:
The ASC Program requires that the facility be ISO 9001 compliant, and their line managers be WISE Certified. Recyclers are also required to be R2v3 or compliant with e-Stewards.
Step 2 ASC Audit:
At your convenience, please reach out to programs@ctiacertification.org to coordinate with an approved and authorized auditor.
Before the day of the audit, you will need to provide the following:
WISE Authorized Service Centers (ASC) demonstrate a commitment to excellence that aligns with the standards set forth by the Policies and Procedures for WISE Authorized Service Centers. This document defines the facility requirements and processes to become a WISE ASC for the repair, refurbishment, and remanufacturing of wireless devices.
Device Repair Retailers, Kiosks, On-Demand Vehicles, and more who meet the requirements outlined in the Authorized Service Provider Certification Program Document.
To differentiate your business and demonstrate your commitment to quality.
Click the Learn More button below for guidance on certification.
The fee is $400 per location or vehicle. Each location and/or vehicle will renew annually for $400 USD.
The short answer – the wireless industry. WISE Certification is a collaborative effort across wireless carriers, device manufacturers, insurance companies, independent repair shops, and leaders in reverse logistics.
WISE stands for Wireless Industry Service Excellence. It is the industry recognized standard for retailers and technicians performing phone repair. As a WISE Certified service provider, we are committed to delivering a consistent and reliable repair experience.
The truth is repairing your phone is personal. You deserve a reliable and trusted professional to make sure your most valued asset is repaired with industry recognized standards. Our hope is that this WISE Certified Provider location gives you peace of mind as you hand over your phone for repair.
WISE Certification is proud to provide you with the highest quality of device repair service in the industry. Look for this sign on the repair store for the confidence you deserve with your most trusted possession. Thank you for trusting us with your phone today!
Smartphones continue to be the remote control to our lives keeping the world connected. When devices are not operating reliably, anxiety sets in quickly! When seeking repair services at a WISE Authorized Service Provider, consumers can be more confident their technician has met the requirements established by wireless industry subject matter experts. Consumers should rest assured data is handled with best practices, and basic safety protocols are followed. Certified repairs should be performed with the highest of quality industry recognized standards.
Chromebook Certification is recommended for any technicians performing Chromebook repair services, IT professionals managing fleets of Chromebooks, and others engaged in repairs within a depot program. Anyone wanting to advance their skills or add to other WISE Certifications.
WISE Level 1 Chromebook Repair is a comprehensive certification program aimed at equipping technicians with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the fast-evolving world of Chromebook technology.
Visit the WISE Platform to register your account and get started on your Industry recognized repair certification.
Anyone wanting to grow their technical skillset in device repair.
WISE Level 2 certification is a great way to advance your career in the industry. You will be qualified to repair common device issues and restore device to working condition.
The WISE Level 2 Test Out allows experienced technicians to bypass the program’s hands-on testing requirements by assessing a technician’s practical skills and knowledge, providing an opportunity for experienced technicians to demonstrate their proficiency without undergoing the full Level 2 hands-on training. Level 2 Certification is only available to technicians who have successfully passed the WISE Level 1 Knowledge Exam.
To enroll, please visit our WISE Platform, select Course Catalog, and click the course titled WISE Level 2 Certification Test Out.
Anyone wanting to grow their skills in device repair can benefit from certification. You’ll have credentials proving you have the basic knowledge of best practices and device safety protocols for smartphones and tablets.
Visit the WISE Platform to register your account and get started on your Industry recognized repair certification.
