This issue's column on testing is going to take a slightlyl different approach. Rather than discussing measurement of various parameters on a cable TV system or on individual components, it will cover testing the individual on his technical knowledge.
      When I started in cable TV, way back in the Stone Age when we used dinosaurs for bucket trucks, one measure of what you knew was the U.S. Federal Communications Commission's First or Second Class Radiotelephone license. It was designed to cover a vast array of RF-centric industries utilizing spectrum from DC to light. By issuing the license, the FCC could threaten to revoke it for any rule violations and keep all of us engineers compliant.
      Eventually, the FCC either realized that the test was outdated or decided they didn't want to administrate it any longer and decided to phase out the license. To replace the license as a knowledge measurement, various professional societies stepped up to create their own certifications. Here in the United States, the Society of Broadcast Engineers created certifications in radio and TV broadcasting and the Society of Cable Television Engineers (as it was known then) created the Broadband Communications Technician and Engineering (BCT/E) certification series.
      The original BCT/E certifications required testing in the following seven categories:
     1) Signal Processing Centers — covering antenna installations and associated processing electronics.
     2) Video and Audio Signals and Systems — baseband inputs from various sources.
     3) Transportation Systems — satellite, microwave and fiber optics.
     4) Distribution Systems — the coaxial and hybrid fiber/coax distribution networks.
     5) Data Networking and Architecture — covering the newly developing cable modem services.
     6) Terminal Devices — set-top boxes and the installation from tap to TV set.
     7) Engineering Management — an essay question on ethics and management approaches.
     The U.S. SCTE member volunteers who created the certification program were determined to keep the program updated and relevant. Over the years, these two all-encompassing certification programs evolved into more specific programs customized to fit particular job requirements. By subdividing the certification program, it could be tailored to an individual’s job function rather than being so generic. These certifications have now been divided into areas of expertise to better customize the certification program to the needs of the members. These new certifications are available in the following categories:
     · Broadband Premises Installer (BPI)
     · Broadband Premises Technician (BPT)
     · Broadband Premises Specialist (BPS)
     · Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS)
     · Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS)
     · Broadband Telecom Center Specialist (BTCS)
     · Digital Video Engineering Professional (DVEP)
     Plus, don't forget to look in your own back yard, so to speak. For example, our brethren at the SCTE in the United Kingdom also have training courses that lead to certifications at several levels. Also, there are private companies offering industry-recognized training courses and certifications.
     Why should one go to the trouble to test and certify? Certification provides an excellent indicator of your level of expertise. Because of that, it can be used to substantiate raises or promotions. It looks good on a resume and should impress potential employers.
      Certification is your chance to shine! Show your colleagues and supervisors what you know. Challenge your co-workers. Your knowledge base increases, you make yourself more marketable and you do your job more effectively. Everyone benefits, including your customers.