Certification Blueprint for the Frontline and Beyond

Pam Nobles, SCTE

Director, Education and Certification

Presentation Goals

• Overview SCTE Certification• Answer the question "why certify?"• Getting Started in SCTE Certification• Certification Benefits• The NEW Certification Resource Series:

Broadband Premises Installer and

Technician Guidebook• Promoting Certification in the Chapter

HFC Network Segments

Hub

HubHub

Premises Distribution Transport TelecomCenter

Broadband Premises(BPI, BPT, BPE)

• Technology, Systems, Requirements

• Premises Devices• Installation• Troubleshooting and Maintenance• Standards• Safety

These Certifications include 3 Lines of Business:Video – Voice – Data

Broadband Premises Installer (BPI), Technician (BPT), & Expert (BPE)

Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS)

• System Architectures• Distribution Components• Signal Types• Troubleshooting and

Maintenance• Construction• Safety

Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS)

• Fiber Optic Theory• Optical Transport

Systems• Link Performance• Troubleshooting and

Maintenance• Alternative Transport

Systems

Hub

Hub

Hub

Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS)

• Facilities• Baseband Signals• Digital Telephony over

Cable• RF/Photonic Signals• Tests and

Measurements

HFC Network Segments

Hub

HubHub

Broadband Premises Installer (BPI)Broadband Premises Technician (BPT)Broadband Premises Expert (BPE)

Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) Broadband Transport

Specialist (BTS) Broadband Telecomm Center Specialist (BTCS)

Engineering Professional

Questions?

Why Certify?

SCTE Certification Benefits…• Individuals• Our industry• Operators

Why Certify?

What SCTE certification does for an individual?• Professional certification demonstrates

solid knowledge• Demonstrates drive, self-discipline,

professionalism• Career advancement• Consistency - transportable

Why Certify?

What SCTE certification does for our industry?• SCTE certifications raise the bar on

technical knowledge• Certification provides a competitive

advantage• Certification inspires the confidence of

your customers

Why Certify?

What SCTE certification does for Operators?• Used in conjunction with a career path,

Improves Performance• Lowers service call rates• Reduces repeat calls

• Reduces Customer Churn

Getting Started

• Preparing to Certify• Getting Certified• Staying Certified

Getting Certified

• Online• 50 question multiple-choice exams• Immediate feedback• Fee per exam, beginning at member fee of

$45 for BPI

Staying Certified

• Certification Valid for Three Years• To Maintain Certification Status:

• Retake exam• Earn Recertifications Units (RUs)

• SCTE membership• Company-sponsored training• Seminars• Speaking or presenting• Other activities

Staying Certified, continued

• Recertification Window– Apply 6 months before or 12 months after

expiration date– Failure to apply within time period will result in

loss of current certification status

• RUs needed (total within 3 years)– Specialist & BCT: need total 12 RUs– BCE and the Engineering Professional

exams: need total 21 RUs

Staying Certified, continued

• Complete SCTE Recertification Form– Form on www.scte.org– Use “Recertification Unit” Table as a Guide

• Document Your RUs– Keep track of all your RUs!– Record your events on “Members Only

Homepage – Submit Certification Units (RUs)”

Special Certification Status

• Emeritus Certification Status• Continuously certification for 21 years

• SCTE Retired Certification Status• Retired SCTE Member

Preparing to Certify

• Books, Manuals, andGuidebooks

• Corporate Universities• SCTE Bookstore• Study Groups• Individual Mentors

SCTE Certification Resource Series:Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook

• Designed for new and seasoned Installers and Technicians

• Core instruction to prepare for BPI and BPT certification

• Install and troubleshoot triple play services

• Focus on Customer Service and Safety

• Review fundamentals

• Build upon Existing Knowledge

SCTE Certification Resource Series:Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook

• Participant guide in an instructor-facilitated class• SCTE will offer classes• Leader’s Guide

• Installation contractors• Operators without a corporate university• College and trade school instructors offering

courses in cable telecommunications

SCTE Certification Resource SeriesGuidebook topics include:

• Technology, Systems and Requirements

• Customer Service• Planning the Installation• Aerial Installation• Underground Installation• Bonding and Grounding • Cable Entrance to the Home • Equipment in the Home• Connecting the Customer

Equipment (Video)

• Connecting the Customer Equipment (High-Speed Data)

• Connecting the Customer Equipment (Voice)

• Test Equipment• Troubleshooting & Repair

Process• Reducing Signal Impairments• Safe Work Practices

SCTE Certification Resource Series:Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook • Available on-demand through the SCTE MarketPlace

How to Promote SCTECertification? Whether supporting SCTE or company certifications, continue to prepare candidates:

• Partner with local operators and contractors• Provide mentoring and study groups• Maintain the “link” to SCTE certification• Provide technical training prep sessions• Encourage chapter members to certify

Learn From other Chapters!

Incentive / Scholarship Programs• Southern California Chapter:

http://telecomlawfirm.com/scte/challenge.php

Chapter Leader’s Role

Communication - Share the News! • Certification News:

– Go to www.scte.org > Certification > Certification News

• Questions???