Michael Scott, Certification Chairman
We are getting really close to summer – the weather is crazy – some days 80+ and others just breaking 60 degrees. Global – crazy! We are ready to think about starting the upward latter of certification – sort of where the rubber hits the road.
The Certification Program is a service of SBE contributing to the advancement of broadcast engineering for the general benefit of the entire broadcast industry.
In 1975, SBE established a Certification Program to recognize and raise the professional status of broadcast engineers by providing standards of professional competence. Through the years, it has become recognized in the industry as the primary method of verifying the attainment of educational standards.
In 2003, SBE’s Certification Program was recognized by the National Skill Standards Board. NSSB Certification Recognition promotes quality assurance in the certification marketplace and provides national recognition for certifications that meet the quality benchmarks. With the industry constantly changing, the SBE-certified engineer must keep up with those changes. So we begin with the CBT (Certified Broadcast Technologist).
The Certified Broadcast Technologist certification can be obtained by meeting one of the following requirements:
- By achieving a passing grade on the proficiency examination. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination.
- By holding a valid General Class Radio Telephone license with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology.
- By holding a valid FCC Amateur Extra Class license or a Canadian Advanced amateur with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology.
- By holding a valid license equivalent to one of the FCC licenses listed above, who meet the service requirement. (NOTE: This provision is for those who live in areas that do not operate under the rules and regulations of the FCC.)
The Certified Broadcast Technologist Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points. The Broadcast Technologist multiple choice examination will consist of questions on:
- electronic fundamentals
- FCC rules pertaining to operating tolerances
- safety
2015-16 Exam Dates |
Location |
Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Aug. 5-15, 2016 | Local Chapters | June 3, 2016 |
| Nov. 4-20, 2016 | Local Chapters | Sept. 30, 2016 |
| TBA | Local Chapters | TBA |
CERTIFICATION OBJECTIVES
To raise the professional status of broadcast engineers by providing standards of professional competence in the practice of broadcasting engineering. To recognize those individuals who, by fulfilling the requirements of knowledge, experience, responsibility, and conduct, meet those standards of professional competence. To encourage broadcast engineers to continue their professional development.
For more information and/or application forms please feel free to contact Michael Scott, CPBE. okscott@halcyon.com
