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Best telecommunications technician certifications
The best certifications for a telecommunications technician are Telecommunications (TCM), Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), and BICSI Technician.
Telecommunications technician certifications demonstrate your competency as a telecommunications technician to employers. However, not all telecommunications technician certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best telecommunications technician certifications. Obtaining a telecommunications technician certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
17 best certifications for telecommunications technicians
| Rank | Telecommunications technician certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Telecommunications (TCM) | ETA |
| 2 | Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) | ETA |
| 3 | BICSI Technician | BICSI |
| 4 | Telecommunications Master Technician Certification | iNARTE |
| 5 | Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) | Global Knowle... |
| 6 | Network 5 Certification | EC-Council |
| 7 | Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) | ETA |
| 8 | Fiber Optics Technician (FOTC) | ETA |
| 9 | Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) | NREMT |
| 10 | Certified Network Computer Technician (CNCT) | ETA |
| 11 | Computer Service Technician (CST) | ETA |
| 12 | Data Cabling Installer (DCI) | ETA |
| 13 | Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT) | Cisco |
| 14 | Cisco Optical Specialist 1 | Global Knowle... |
| 15 | Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) | NHA |
| 16 | Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Computer (CET) | ISCET |
| 17 | Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) | Cisco |
17 best telecommunications technician certifications
1. 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.
- 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)
2. 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.
- 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)
3. BICSI Technician
BICSI ITS Technician candidates are tested on their ability to understand and apply a comprehensive collection of installation-specific information.
- 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)
4. Telecommunications Master Technician Certification
Telecommunications certification is applicable to professionals involved in the science and practice of communications by electromagnetic means. Telecommunications is defined as the science and technology of communication (as opposed to processing of information) at a distance by electronic transmission of impulses, such as by telegraph, cable, telephone, radio, or television.
- 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)
5. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
CCNA certification is the first level of Cisco Career certification and indicates a foundation in and apprentice knowledge of networking. CCNA certified professionals can install, configure, and operate LAN, WAN, and dial access services for small networks (100 nodes or fewer), including but not limited to use of these protocols: IP, IGRP, Serial, Frame Relay, IP RIP, VLANs, RIP, Ethernet, Access Lists.
- 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)
6. 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.
- 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?Â
7. Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)
Telecommunications electronics 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.
- 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)
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.
- 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)
9. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- 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)
10. 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.
- 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)
11. Computer Service Technician (CST)
The following can be expected to identify the major areas of training-study-knowledge and skills which the Computer Service Technician needs in order to perform the job of servicing the hardware and the systems software for personal computers: Computer Assembly-Disassembly; Motherboards; Buses; System Resources, Processor Characteristics; Memory Characteristics (Physical & Electronic); Secondary Storage Devices; Peripheral Devices; I/O Ports; Power Concepts and Power Supplies; Basic Networking Concepts; Portables; Digital Concepts; Troubleshooting/Preventive Maintenance; current Operating Systems; File Management; Safety Procedures/Handling; and Workplace Practices.
- 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)
12. 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.
- 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)
13. Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician (CCENT)
The Cisco CCENT (Cisco Certified Entry Networking Technician) certification validates the skills required for entry-level network support positions, the starting point for many successful careers in networking. Candidates should have the knowledge and skill to install, operate and troubleshoot a small enterprise branch network, including basic network security. CCENT certification is the first step toward achieving CCNA, which covers medium size enterprise branch networks with more complex connections.
- 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. 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.
- 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
15. Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
A Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) draws blood from patients or donors in hospitals, blood banks, or similar facilities for analysis or other medical purposes.
- 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 2 year(s)
16. Certified Electronics Technician - Journeyman-Level - Computer (CET)
- 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
17. Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP)
With a CCNP, a network professional can install, configure, and troubleshoot local and wide area networks for enterprise organizations with networks from 100 to more than 500 nodes. The content emphasizes topics such as security, converged networks, quality of service (QoS), virtual private networks (VPN) and broadband technologies.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a telecommunications technician?
The best telecommunications technician certification is Telecommunications (TCM). The Telecommunications (TCM) is awarded by the ETA International. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this telecommunications technician certification:
- To become a certified Telecommunications (TCM), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for telecommunications technicians?
The most in-demand telecommunications technician certification is Telecommunications based on all active job postings. Having this telecommunications technician certification will give you access to more telecommunications technician jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a telecommunications technician career and salary?
The Cisco Optical Specialist 1 certification will help you to secure a telecommunications manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A telecommunications manager's average salary is $108,744 whereas telecommunications technicians make an average salary of $41,935.
The most common combination of telecommunications technician certifications include: Telecommunications (TCM), Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma), and BICSI Technician.
Online courses for telecommunications technicians to earn certifications
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