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Best cable technician certifications

The best certifications for a cable technician are Network 5 Certification, Telecommunications (TCM), and Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma).

Cable technician certifications demonstrate your competency as a cable technician to employers. However, not all cable technician certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best cable technician certifications. Obtaining a cable technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

20 best cable technician certifications

1. Network 5 Certification

Technology today is 'networked' - even in the literal sense. Networks have become an integral part of mundane existence. It is inconceivable to think of communications exclusive of networks. Network 5 serves to expose the learner to basic networking concepts.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying organization
EC-Council

2. Telecommunications (TCM)

Telecommunications technicians are expected to obtain 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.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Telecommunications
Certifying organization
ETA International

3. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)

A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying organization
ETA International

4. Security 5 Certification

The Security5 Certification is the entry level for anyone interested in learning computer networking and security basics. The Security5 program gives individuals basic networking literacy skills to begin high-end IT programs.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
EC-Council

5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Certifying organization
National Registry of Emergency...

6. BICSI Technician

BICSI ITS Technician candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
BICSI Technician

7. Cisco Optical Specialist 1

The Cisco Optical Specialist 1 focused certification validates skills and knowledge in designing, installing, operating, and maintaining optical networking systems. A Cisco Optical Specialist 1 understands the protocols and underlying technology of optical systems, such as SONET/SDH, DWDM, DPT/RPR, POS, optical cross-connects, Ethernet services, and element management. In addition, a Cisco Optical Specialist 1 is able to design, configure, build, operate, and troubleshoot Cisco optical networking products in Metro/Regional and Core environments. Because a certified Specialist understands optical networks and the relevant factors involved in high-availability solutions, the individual is uniquely positioned to address all aspects of building an optimized optical infrastructure. Cisco Optical Specialist 1 candidates require competency across multiple technology areas. They may work in organizations considering or implementing optical networks or in companies that sell, service, or support such networks.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? No
Certifying website
Cisco Optical Specialist 1
Certifying organization
Global Knowledge

8. Fiber Optics Technician (FOTC)

A Fiber Optic Technician has a full understanding of inside plant optical fiber, connector, and splice performance characteristics as described in TIA-568C and can use these performance characteristics to create a worst case power budget for a fiber optic cable plant. An FOT can proficiently perform optical loss testing as described in TIA/EIA-526-14A and perform connector endface evaluation as described in TIA-455-57B. Using an OTDR an FOT can effectively locate faults in a fiber optic cable, mated connector pair, or splice as well as evaluate optical fiber performance, mated connector pair performance, or splice performance for compliance with TIA-568C.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Fiber Optics Technician
Certifying organization
ETA International

9. Fiber Optics Installer (FOIC)

A Fiber Optic Installer has a general understanding of optical fiber installation, connectorization, splicing, and testing, is familiar with optical fiber, connector, and splice performance characteristics described in TIA/EIA-568B, ITU-T G.671, ITU-T G.652 and Telcordia GR-326 A Fiber Optic Installer can perform connector endface evaluation as described in TIA/EIA-455-57B, is proficient in optical loss testing as described in TIA/EIA-526-14A, and understands the installation requirements described in articles 770 and 250 of the National Electrical Code. A Fiber Optic Installer is proficient at the installation of connectors on various types' fiber of optic cables using various types of epoxies, and can perform mechanical and fusion splicing.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Fiber Optics Installer
Certifying organization
ETA International

10. NACSE Certified Cable Technician (NCBT)

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)

11. Data Cabling Installer (DCI)

ETA Data Cabling Installers are expected to know the basic concepts of copper cabling installation and service-which are then applicable to all the procedures required to safely and competently install communications cabling. Basic electricity and safety; data communications basics; definitions, symbols and abbreviations; cable construction and types; cable performance characteristics; cabling standards; basic network topologies; basic network architectures; National Electric Code (NEC); cabling system components; DCIC installation tools; connectors and outlets; cabling system design; cabling installation; connector installation; cabling testing and certification; cabling troubleshooting; documentation.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying website
Data Cabling Installer
Certifying organization
ETA International

12. Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT)

Certified Network Computer Technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of computer electronics basic concepts, Internet and networking technology applicable to various areas of the computer industry. Once the CNCT has acquired these skills, abilities and knowledge, he or she will be able to enter employment in any part of the computer industry. With minimal training in areas unique to the specific products, the CNCT should become a profitable and efficient part of the computer industry workforce.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
Certifying organization
ETA International

13. Electrical Technician Certification

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

14. Facilities Maintenance Technician Certificate

Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of each class. Students are required to pass 20 courses to earn a Facilities Maintenance Certificate.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? No
  • Renewal required? No

15. Certified Electronic Systems Technician (EST)

The ESPA Certified-EST® exam is based upon the best practices of the commercial and residential electronic industries. ESPA certification "sets the bar" and provides the foundational knowledge and skills required to pursue a career in many fields including commercial and residential A/V, telecom, cable, satellite, fire & security, computers, building & general trades, green technologies, and advanced manufacturing. The ESPA Certified-EST exam is becoming the recognized entry-level certification for both the residential and commercial low-voltage industries. This certification will demonstrate to employers that an individual has a solid, fundamental knowledge on which to build a career. This exam tests basic technical knowledge needed by a first year technician to work in the field, under supervision.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

16. Certified Installer (CI)

Certified Installer (CI) certification is recommended for individuals responsible for planning, installing, and/or servicing water quality improvement products.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying website
Certified Installer
Certifying organization
Water Quality Association

17. Industrial Electronics (IND)

Industrial journeyman-level electronics technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of industrial electronics basic concepts, which are then applicable to all the various specialty areas of industry. Industrial Electronics Technicians must be knowledgeable and have abilities in the following technical and human relations areas: Amplifiers, Optical Wiring, Block Diagrams-Schematics, Power Supplies, Test Equipment-Tools, Mathematics, Computers-Digital Concepts, Safety, Satellite-Wireless-Data, Communications, Cabling, Troubleshooting, Motors, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Software.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
Certifying website
Industrial Electronics
Certifying organization
ETA International

18. Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)

PTCB's pharmacy technician certification program enables technicians to work more effectively with pharmacists to offer safe and effective patient care and service. Certification is achieved by meeting specific eligibility requirements and earning a passing score on the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). The PTCB certification program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
Course that help you to prepare for certification
Become a Pharmacy Technician
udemy
4.7
(2,374)

19. Broadband Premises Installer (BPI)

The Broadband Premises Installer certification describes the knowledge of an entry-level technician who will install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at the customer's premises. The successful certification candidate has the knowledge to carry out a basic "triple-play" installation but is not yet proficient.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

20. BICSI Installer 1

BICSI ITS Installer 1 candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information. After you have acquired your Installer 1 designation, you will be able to: - Successfully terminate various types of copper connectors. - Properly explain the importance of safety and professionalism toward optimal job performance. - Discuss pathways, spaces, bonding and grounding and firestopping. - Make decisions based on applicable codes, standards, and best practices. - Choose the correct tool or methodology for specific tasks.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
BICSI Installer 1

What is the best certification for a cable technician?

The best cable technician certification is Network 5 Certification. The Network 5 Certification is awarded by the EC-Council.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this cable technician certification:

  • To become a certified Network 5 Certification, you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every year.

What are some of the most in-demand certifications for cable technicians?

The most in-demand cable technician certification is Telecommunications based on all active job postings. Having this cable technician certification will give you access to more cable technician jobs with higher salaries.

What certifications can impact a cable technician career and salary?

The Security 5 Certification certification will help you to secure a technical support specialist position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A technical support specialist's average salary is $61,966 whereas cable technicians make an average salary of $47,289.

Best certifications

The most common combination of cable technician certifications include: Network 5 Certification, Telecommunications (TCM), and Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma).

Online courses for cable technicians to earn certifications

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