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• I’m just getting started in the industry, what training do I need? We get this question all the time (at least 2 times a week!) and it’s always a difficult question given the wide variety of knowledge and experience people have. The answer, of course, depends on what you want to do in this industry. Assuming you don’t have much experience, and are looking for entry level installation job, we recommend you begin by working for someone already in the custom electronics installation business. They can provide apprentice training as well as send you to more formal training. Note: we recommend going to the CEDIA web site www.cedia.net/homeowners/finder.php and get a list of CEDIA member companies in your area. Basically you need to be proficient in the following areas as an entry level installer:
If you already have many of these skills and want to advance, you need additional knowledge and skills depending on your chosen career path such as
• Do I need to have some kind of license? Many states and city governments require you to have a license to perform low-voltage residential installation. This requires that you to pass a written test. The information required on the test varies depending on the state/city. Some states separate security system installation testing from other low-voltage testing, and some combine the two. Some only require security system related testing. To find our what your state requires (and other legislative issues in your state) go to the CEDIA web site at cedia.net/public_policy This is an EXCELLENT source of information! • Do I need to be “certified”? The second most common question concerns “certification” and the need for certification. The short answer is “no, you don’t have to have it”. While many states and city governments require a license, certification is not required, but it is highly recommended for several reasons. Certification usually implies that you have taken a course of training (or have gained sufficient practical experience) and passed a test on that training. Therefore, certification only covers a specific area of training. Certification is provided by trade associations, such as CEDIA, BICSI, NSCA, etc., trade schools, training related organizations such as Comptia, and even manufacturers (on their product line). Don’t confuse getting a “certificate” for completing a training course, and certification. Certification is the result of completing an industry recognized training/experience program and passing an exam. The best certification available in the residential custom electronics installation industry is that provided by CEDIA. They offer both installer and designer level certification. For more information, go to www.cedia.net/education/cert_overview.php One of the biggest benefits to certification is the advantage it provides you when looking for employment. It shows to a perspective employer that you can be an immediate benefit to his/her company and you are already trained (in the area of the certification). This will also influence your starting salary. • Do I need CEDIA certification CEDIA currently provides four types of certification:
This certification covers the most common areas of knowledge and skill required to perform residential low voltage design and installation. It is highly audio/video system oriented with an emphasis on custom high-end installations, although it is applicable to almost all low voltage product areas. As per the previous question, you are not required to have any type of certification, but in our opinion, the CEDIA certification is the best overall to have. • Do I need HTI+ certification CompTIA HTI+ (HTI1 and HTI2) certification was developed out of a need primarily from the home network and computer industry to certify high-tech installers and technicians. The exams cover a wide range product categories including security, home automation (lighting control, HVAC, etc.), and home networks with less emphasis on A/V products and systems. To quote from the CompTIA web site: Again, you are not required to have any type of certification, but the HTI+ certification will be a big help if securing a job, especially in the retail consumer electronics industry. Companies such as Sears and Circuit City rely on the HTI+ certification for their technicians/installers. More information is available at www.comptia.org/certification/hti/default.aspx |
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• Where can I get the training I need? This is the third most commonly asked question. Training in the residential custom electronics industry was hard to come by in the past, but the past 4-5 years has seen a dramatic increase in the quantity and quality of training available. Training is now available from several sources to meet different training needs: The Training Dept. - we provide both video based training courses as well as classroom courses. Our business developed from the need to provide training to the individual, at his or her location (your living room, office desk, or company conference room). The best media to do this is video since the subject is process rather than knowledge oriented. While you need to know now a technology works, you need to see how it is actually installed and tested in the field. Video is by-far the best way to do that. It only lacks “hands-on” experience which you can get either on the job or at training classes such as CEDIA’s boot-camp courses. Trade Associations - CEDIA provides a wide range of classroom courses in everything from installation practices to business practices. Their annual trade event, CEDIA EXPO in September, provides 150+ courses organized in several categories (Technician, Designer, Management, Sales, etc.). They also provide a formal curriculum under the CEDIA University program taught at their Indianapolis headquarters training center and at various locations around the country with the CEDIA University On-the-road events, and at several major distributor locations. Check out there training at www.cedia.org/education Trade Schools and Community Colleges - Many schools throughout the country provide some form of residential and commercial low-voltage installation training. Check out www.utexas.edu/world/comcol/state/ to see what schools are available in your area. Manufacturers - almost all manufacturers of products in the industry provide some sort of training, either at their facility or at trade shows or distributors. Check with individual manufacturers and distributors in your area. Training varies from several hours to several days depending on the complexity of the product. |
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What course or courses do you recommend I purchase? This depends directly on your previous experience and goals. The chart below should give you a good idea of the best match for your situation. If in doubt, just give us a call.
Do you have something I can show potential customers or builders that explains what I do? Yes, our Wiring Your Home for the Future video was specifically designed for viewing by your potential customer, whether that is the homeowner, builder, architect, or developer. It explains, in an easy to understand format, what you do, what services you typically provide, and the benefits of technology you sell and install. If I watch your Residential Installation Basics course, can I pass the CEDIA Installer Level 1 exam? Our Residential Installation Basics course was designed to teach you what you need to know to perform on the job. While it was not specifically designed as a test aid, it does provide most the information you will need to pass the CEDIA Installer level 1 exam, but covers a lot more. You should also review the material suggested by CEDIA on their web site to pass the exam. Do you have a course that will help me pass the CEDIA Installer Level 2 Exam or the Designer 1 Exam? Both our Residential Networks: System Design and Installation course and our Broadband RF System Design and Installation course cover a lot of the material on the Installer Level 2 and Designer 1 exam, but not everything. You should also be familiar with the suggested reading material on CEDIA’s web site regarding the exams. Will your Residential Retrofit Installation course teach me how to retrofit in ___________ (concrete block, apartment, new, commercial) construction? Our Residential Retrofit course covers retrofit techniques in homes using typical wood construction in the U.S. from after WW1 through the present, as well as concrete block on slab construction. It covers three actual field installations of houses that include balloon construction, platform construction, concrete block on slab. While it does not specifically address commercial construction, most of the retrofit techniques taught should be directly application to commercial construction (dropped ceilings, metal stud walls, etc.) |
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• What __________(tool, test equipment, cable, etc.) do you recommend? We get a lot of questions about specific tools, test equipment, and hardware. We do not specifically recommend any particular manufacturer and our courses try to be as unbiased and “generic” as possible. The good news is that almost all the products available in this industry are good and most if the time, the selection of a particular product depends on your personal preference. We suggest you attend as many trade shows as possible, visit manufacturers booths, try out the products, and make the choice based on what you like, the price you can afford, and how well you feel the manufacturer will support you. But, buy the best tools you can. Don't shop for tools at Wall Mart. Buy from companies that specialize in tools for electronic technicians such as Ideal Industries and Klein Tools. The same goes for test equipment. Any of the companies you see in our videos make excellent test gear! • Where can I get the _____________ (tool, test equipment, cable, etc.) I saw in your video course? We usually state the manufacturer of all the products we use and often the model name or number during the course. All the video sponsors have a short segment at the end of our courses indicating how to contact the company. Since products and even companies change rapidly in this industry, we suggest you use the manufacturers web site for a list of current distributors. Some of the companies will sell direct. If you are having a problem locating a specific product, give us a call or e-mail. • I see you used the XYZ company product in your course. Do you recommend it? Again, while we try to be as unbiased and “generic” as possible in our courses, we have to use actual products. We always use products we know by experience to be good and we don’t hesitate to recommend them. However, there are lots of good products in this industry in each product category, so don’t let our recommendation prevent you from doing your homework and picking the product that's right for you! • I see in your courses that you use the T568A jack wiring configuration. My company always uses the T568B wiring. What gives? The T568A configuration is what is recommended in the TIA-570 Residential Wiring Standard. The standard recommends the use of the 8-pin modular jack for all voice and data outlets, wired to the T568A configuration. Technically, it really doesn't matter which configuration you use as long as you are consistent in ALL your jobs, otherwise someone is going to get confused. But if you have a choice, use T568A. |
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If you didn't see it above, feel free to ask your question directly. We'll try to respond to all questions as soon as possible. If we get a few more common questions, we'll post them to the FAQ list! Just email your question to: Grayson Evans |
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