DOD Civilian COOL Summary - 0391

Civilian Job	Duties Matched	Registered Apprenticeship	Local Salary Info
Broadcast Technicians	Some	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer	Some		find local salary
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists	Some		find local salary
Radio Operators	Some	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists	Most		find local salary
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers	Some	Apprenticeship	find local salary
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers	Some	Apprenticeship	find local salary

Click here to go to Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Fiber Optic Installers (FOI) certification is an intermediate-level credential for fiber optic technicians. The FOI exam focuses on a general understanding of optical fiber installation, connectorization, splicing, and testing; candidates for the FOI certification are expected to be familiar with optical fibers, connectors, and splice performance characteristics. Candidates must be proficient in the installation of connectors on various types of fiber optic cables using epoxies; additionally, FOI technicians perform mechanical and fusion splicing. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Technician (TECH) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

BICSI Technician certification test candidates on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information. Individuals preparing to sit for the ITS Technician exam must possess at least three years of current and verifiable ITS industry installation experience. Participants must also be able to distinguish between different colors and possess manual dexterity to complete fine motor tasks. The ITS Technician exam is currently based on the ITSIMM and is a two-part exam, hands-on and written. To become a BICSI ITS Technician, you must successfully pass both parts. If an individual does not hold both the ITS Copper and Optical Fiber Installer 2 credentials, the written exam will have an additional 30 questions.

Click here to go to Certified Satellite Installer (CSI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Certified Satellite Installer (CSI) certification is an entry-level professional credential for satellite installers. CSI candidates should have knowledge of satellite communications history and theory, satellite dish reflectors, cabling, amplifiers, Satellite System Installation-site surveys, satellite receivers-digital technology, interfacing with other consumer electronics equipment, transmission-internet systems, troubleshooting, repairs, sun outage, safety, and related information. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) is an intermediate-level technician credential for professionals who work in the telecommunications field. TCM candidates must have knowledge of wired and wireless communications basic concepts, which are then applicable to various types of voice, data and video systems. Telecommunications Electronics Technicians must be knowledgeable and have abilities in the following technical areas: Cables and Cabling, Analog Telephony, Equipment, Telecom Safety and Mathematics, Transmission Service Providers and Protocols, Distribution Methods, Computer, Digital Telephony, Interfacing, Internet, Network Infrastructures and Topologies, Office Wiring, Wireless Telephony, Test Equipment, Optical Wiring, and Troubleshooting. Candidates that hold a Standalone TCM and later complete the Associate CET (CETa), are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET.

Click here to go to Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) is an entry-level certification that provides knowledge for employment in the operational and technical areas of television broadcast stations, broadband distribution centers, sports stadiums, cable companies, video production studios, and other related fields by learning the installation, operation, and maintenance skills necessary in the industry. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination. Candidates must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination.

Click here to go to Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The candidate for Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer must have at least 20 years of professional broadcast engineering or related technologies experience in radio and/or television, exclusive of any educational credit. Because the CPBE requires twenty years of professional experience in broadcast engineering, educational credits will not be counted toward that total. CPBE candidates must verify 20 years of compensated professional experience excluding educational credits. The candidate must presently be certified on the Senior Broadcast Engineer level unless registered as a professional electrical engineer in the U.S., Canada, or any other jurisdiction with a reciprocity agreement with the U.S. Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology, Inc. (ABET).

Click here to go to Fiber Optics Technician (FOT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Fiber Optics Technician (FOT) certification is an intermediate-level fiber optics professional credential. Candidates for the FOT certification are expected to have knowledge of fiber optics concepts pertaining to designing, configuring, installing, and maintaining fiber optics systems. FOTs test and troubleshoot Local Area Networks (LANs) with various faults. The FOT certification is designed for technicians, system analysts, design engineers, managers, telecommunications professionals, fusion splicers, mechanical splicers, end users, and others whose professions require fiber optics knowledge and skills. The prerequisite for the FOT certification is the ETA-I Fiber Optics Installer (FOI), or equivalent work experience. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS) certification is for individuals with knowledge in maintenance and troubleshooting of the inside plant facilities and of advanced entertainment, data and voice networks within the headend. Candidates must have a minimum of six to eight years of experience in cable television headend operations. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS) is an advanced-level certification for technicians working in the cable telecommunications industry. BTSs are fiber maintenance and transport technicians. The BTS certification aims to identify competency in understanding and delivering signal transport; this includes network headend to hub, also from hub to optical node. BTS candidates are required to have knowledge of fiber optic and microwave system theory, cable system operations, modern telecom video, voice and data products and services, HFC network overview to include optical transport systems, and different cables, optical fibers, and cabling techniques. BTS candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) is an intermediate-level credential for technicians in the cable telecommunications industry for a cable provider, contractor or vendor. Candidates should be able to perform coaxial network troubleshooting, coaxial network preventive maintenance, and coaxial system design calculations. BDS candidates must have a minimum of five years of work experience in cable television network operations. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The SBE Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE) is an intermediate-level radio engineer certification. CBREs operate, maintain, update and repair hardware and systems used across radio, podcasts and other channels, ensuring that programs are broadcast on-time at the highest level of quality. Broadcast engineers work in teams; other professionals on a team include producers, studio managers, presenters, and technical staff. The candidate for Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in broadcast engineering or related technology and must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The SBE Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE) is an intermediate-level television broadcast certification. CBTEs operate, maintain, update, and repair hardware and systems used across television and other channels, ensuring that programs are broadcast on time at the highest level of quality. Broadcast engineers work in teams; other professionals on a team include producers, studio managers, presenters, and technical staff. The candidate for Certified Broadcast Television Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in broadcast engineering or related technology and must pass an exam.

Click here to go to Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Boradcast Networking Technologist (CBNT) certification is an entry-level credential designed for persons who wish to demonstrate a basic familiarity with networking hardware as utilized in business and audio/video applications in broadcast facilities. The CBNT certification can be obtained by achieving a passing grade on the proficiency examination. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination other than current employment in broadcast engineering or related technology.

Click here to go to Certified Video Engineer (CEV) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Video Engineer (CEV) is a mid-level certification. Video engineers are broadcast engineering professionals who work with television signals rather than radio. In addition to operating broadcasting equipment, video engineers develop the settings needed on engineering equipment, install upgrades or updates to the equipment and perform repairs when necessary. The candidate for Certified Video Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in audio/video engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination.

Click here to go to Certified Senior Radio Engineer (CSRE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The SBE Certified Senior Radio Engineer (CSRE) is an advanced-career level radio broadcasting engineer credential. CSRE candidates must have 10 years of responsible broadcast engineering or related technology experience. Broadcast engineers work in teams; other professionals on a team include producers, studio managers, presenters, and technical staff.

Click here to go to Certified Senior Broadcast Television Engineer (CSTE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The candidate for Certified Senior Radio Engineer or Certified Senior Television Engineer must have 10 years of responsible broadcast engineering or related technology experience and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made. Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV, covering the equivalent of 10 years experience at a responsible level. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each question is worth two (2) points. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points.

Click here to go to Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential is aimed at Information and Communications Technology (ICT) industry professionals. Candidate must have five years of ICT design experience or two years of verifiable ICT design experience plus three years of additional ICT equivalents chosen from combinations of experience, approved education and approved ICT license/certification. Candidate must take and pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Outside Plant (OSP) Designer COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

BICSI, Outside Plant (OSP) Designer is for individuals who have knowledge in OSP technology and the ability to design aerial, underground and direct-buried infrastructures. OSP applicants must be able to demonstrate knowledge in OSP right-of-way and route design, OSP space design (maintenance, holes, ducts, vaults), underground direct-buried, and aerial plant design, OSP cabling and hardware and OSP grounding (earthing), bonding and electrical protection systems. To earn the OSP certification, applicants must hold a current BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) credential or meet specific education and experience criteria. Applicants must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

Cisco Systems, Inc., Cisco Certified Design Professional (CCDP) certification is an advanced network design certification designed for seasoned IT professionals with progressive end-to-end network design expertise. With a CCDP certification, a network professional can perform the conceptual, intermediate, and detailed design of a network infrastructure that supports desired network solutions over intelligent network services, to achieve effective performance, scalability, and availability. The CCDP certification is appropriate for Senior Network Design Engineers, Principle System Engineer, and Network/Solution Architects. The Cisco CCDP certification program focuses on advanced addressing and routing protocols, WANs, services virtualization, and integration strategies for multi-layered Enterprise architectures. Candidates seeking this certification must first hold valid CCDA and CCNA Routing and Switching certifications, or valid CCDA and CCNP Routing and Switching certifications, or any CCIE/CCDE certifications, and successfully pass three written exams.

Click here to go to Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

A Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) performs general technology solution tasks by creating, operating and servicing network-based AV solutions, while conducting AV management activities which provide for the best audiovisual resolutions of the client's needs, both on time and within budget. Applicants must demonstrate audiovisual knowledge and/or skills, and must agree to the terms and conditions as noted in the CTS Application, which includes agreement to the CTS Code of Ethics & Conduct. Applicants must also pass an examination.

Click here to go to Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) is a mid-level certification. Audio engineering is a part of audio science dealing with the recording and reproduction of sound through mechanical and electronic means. The field draws on many disciplines, including electrical engineering, acoustics, psychoacoustics, and music. An audio engineer must be proficient with different types of recording media, such as analog tape, digital multi-track recorders and workstations, and computer knowledge. With the advent of the digital age, it is becoming more and more important for the audio engineer to be versed in the understanding of software and hardware integration from synchronization to analog to digital transfers. The candidate for Certified Audio Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in audio/video engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination.

Click here to go to AM Directional Specialist (AMD) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

The Certified AM Directional Specialist is an intermediate-level credential. SBE Specialist Certifications require that applicants currently hold an SBE Engineer certification- the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification. The SBE Program of Certification designed the AM Directional Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to keep facilities operating properly. AM radio stations can operate as non-directional with a single tower or directional using more than one tower. While both require knowledge and skill to maintain in proper working order, the directional antenna system involves a higher degree of skill and understanding of RF theory. Candidates must pass an exam. The examination covers the operation, maintenance and repair of a directional antenna system. These are the tasks common to the station engineer charged with maintaining these systems. The examination will also gauge a person's knowledge of AM radiators, understanding of the principles of phase addition and cancellation, familiarity with the various components used in a directional antenna system, and ability to correctly make necessary measurements and take proper procedures to make repairs and adjustments to the system. In addition, the examination will cover the FCC rules concerning directional operation, test equipment and safety procedures.

Click here to go to Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

A Certified Technology Specialist - Installation (CTS-I) installs and maintains audiovisual systems by following specifications, schematics, codes and safety protocols; administering installation process logistics; troubleshooting and problem-solving systems; maintaining tools and equipment; and communicating with clients, designers, other trades, other installers and staff to provide the best audiovisual solutions for client needs, on time and within budget. Applicants must agree to the terms and conditions as noted in the CTS-I Application, which includes agreement to the CTS Code of Ethics & Conduct; must hold current certification as a general CTS; must be in good standing with the Certification Committee; must provide documentation verifying a minimum of two years audiovisual industry experience in audiovisual installation; and must provide verification of attainment of skills in the following technical areas: termination, rack-build, projector set-up and installation, audio set-up and EQ, mounting equipment, and customer relations. Applicants must pass an examination.

Click here to go to Certified Technology Specialist- Design (CTS-D) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

A Certified Technology Specialist- Design (CTS-D) is an AV systems designer who assesses client's needs, designs AV systems and prepares AV design documents, by coordinating and collaborating with other professionals to create AV systems that satisfy clients' requirements. Applicants must hold current certification as a general CTS; must have signature agreement to the terms and conditions including the CTS Code of Ethics and Conduct; must be in good standing with the Certification Committee; and must provide documentation verifying a minimum of two years audiovisual industry experience in audiovisual design. Applicants must also pass an examination.

Click here to go to Certified 8-VSB Specialist COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Certified 8-VSB Specialist is an intermediate-level certification. SBE Specialist Certifications require that applicants currently hold an SBE Engineer certification- the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification. The SBE Program of Certification designed the 8-VSB Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to keep facilities operating properly. The exam will cover these areas of competency: transport stream, audio (AC-3), video (MPEG-2), PSIP, DTV standards documents and transmission systems.

Click here to go to Certified Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 5 years

Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB) is an intermediate-level credentla. The SBE Program of Certification designed the Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to build and keep facilities operating properly. It will demonstrate an individual's knowledge of digital radio broadcasting including audio processing, studio-to-transmitter links and transmission of multi-channel digital program streams. To apply for a specialist certification, candidates must currently hold a certification at the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer level.

Click here to go to Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) is an entry-level credential designed for technicians who can install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at customers’ premises. BPI candidates should have knowledge to perform routine installations, disconnects, pre-wires, change of service, and multiple dwelling unit (MDU) wiring for cable television (video, voice, and data) for residential customers. The BPI certification is a foundation certification as well as one of three stand-alone Broadband Premises certifications. BPI candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) is an intermediate-level credential designed for experienced field technicians who can install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at customers’ premises. BPT candidates should have knowledge to perform routine installations, disconnects, pre-wires, change of service, and multiple dwelling unit (MDU) wiring for cable television (video, voice, and data) residential customers. The BPT certification is a foundation certification as well as one of three stand-alone Broadband Premises certifications. BPT candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Broadband Premises Expert (BPE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 3 years

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE), Broadband Premises Expert (BPE) certification is designed for experienced field technicians who can install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at customers’ premises. Candidates should be able to install and troubleshoot a variety of triple-play installations, from easy to complex, as well as mentor and coach junior employees. The BPE certification is one of three stand-alone premises certifications. BPE candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Radio Frequency Identification Technical Specialist (RFID) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-1), Radio Frequency Identification Technical Specialist (RFID) certification is an intermediate-level credential for electronics technicians. RFIDs specialize in radio frequency identification and the related electronic tools. RFID candidates understand electronics communication principles and conduct site surveys and analysis, tagging, reader selection, and installation, configuration and maintenance of RFID hardware and software. Candidates must pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) COOL Snapshot page.

Renewal Period: 2 years

Cisco Systems, Inc., Cisco Certified Design Expert (CCDE) is for expert-level network design engineers, expert-level network leads of IT infrastructure teams, and expert-level network leads of architecture teams working in job roles that require them to translate business needs, budget, and operational constraints into the design of a converged solution. There are no formal prerequisites for CCDE certification. Candidates are recommended to have at least 7 years of experience in Network Engineering or Advanced Network Design. Candidates must pass a 2-hour written qualification exam and an 8-hour practical exam. The written exam covers the topics of network design in the areas of routing, tunneling, Quality of Service (QoS), management cost, capacity, and security. The practical exam tests the candidate's ability to perform design analysis, justify design requirements, and develop a design implementation based on best practices. Only candidates that have a passing score on the CCDE Written Exam may register for the CCDE Practical Exam.

Click here to go to Fiber Optics Technician (Outside Plant) (FOT-OSP) COOL Snapshot page.

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Fiber Optics Technician (Outside Plant) (FOT-OSP) is an intermediate-level certification for professionals who terminate, test and troubleshoot single-mode fiber optic communication systems. FOT-OSPs understand optical loss budgets, not to exceed loss budgets and has the knowledge and skills required for troubleshooting single-mode OSP fiber optic communications systems addressing the roles of attenuation, dispersion and refection and how to identify and troubleshoot each. Though ETA-I does not require any specific education, training, or experience for the standalone FOT-OSP, candidates are strongly encouraged to have the requisite knowledge and experience necessary to challenge the exam.

Click here to go to Residential Electronics Systems Integrator (RESI) COOL Snapshot page.

The Residential Electronics Systems Integrator (RESI) is a professional certification for those who design and oversee the installation and integration of electronics systems in residences and light commercial buildings. The objective of the Integrator is to produce a residential or light commercial electronics systems package that will allow all data, control, and communication signals to be integrated at the premise controller and converged into one secure cohesive communication stream, to either be used within the premise or to be passed back and forth through the gateway. The Integrator should be proficient in the many protocols used over diverse media to communicate with and control residential and light commercial electronics systems.

Click here to go to Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) COOL Snapshot page.

The BICSI, Data Center Design Consultant (DCDC) certification is for information and communications technology (ICT) professionals who understand the integration of the documentation, plans, specifications, construction and ongoing operational management activities of a data center facility while meeting applicable codes, standards and industry best practices. DCDC candidates must meet a credential, work experience, or a combination of credential/degree and work experience requirement. Candidates must also pass a written exam.

Click here to go to Internet Protocol Engineering Professional (IPEP) COOL Snapshot page.

The Internet Protocol Engineer (IPE) is an advanced-level credential for engineers who assess network structure, scalability, security, reliability, and capacity planning. This engineer may have responsibility for the design, expansion, testing, and migration onto IP networks for access in metropolitan and regional networks. This individual may provide expert technical advice and support for real time analysis, control, and operation of the IP services and systems. Operational support includes hardware and software changes, data collection for troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, performing complex network level fault isolation, HFC/DOCSIS network design, IP routing architecture design, traffic analysis, and future network enhancement planning and design.

Click here to go to Cisco Video Network Specialist COOL Snapshot page.