Top 10 Broadcast Engineer Certifications

Certifications are important for broadcast engineers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise, knowledge and understanding of the technology used in broadcast engineering. Employers want to hire candidates who have the necessary skills and qualifications to do the job efficiently. Certifications also provide proof that a broadcast engineer has met certain industry standards and is up-to-date on the latest technologies. Furthermore, certifications can open up new opportunities for career advancement as employers often prefer to hire those with certifications when filling higher positions.

The article reviews some of the top certifications for Broadcast Engineers and explains how they can contribute to a broadcast engineer's career growth and development.

What are Broadcast Engineer Certifications?

Broadcast engineer certification is a type of professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and experience in the field of broadcast engineering. This certification is often obtained through various organizations, such as the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE). It is designed to provide individuals with an opportunity to prove their experience and competency in the field through a series of tests, interviews, and other assessments.

Having broadcast engineer certification can help professionals in many ways. It provides employers with assurance that the individual has sufficient knowledge and experience to work in the field, which can make them more attractive candidates for jobs. Certification also gives individuals recognition from peers and colleagues in the industry, as well as a sense of pride and accomplishment. Additionally, it allows engineers to stay up-to-date on new technologies and trends in broadcasting, which can give them an edge over those who don’t have the same level of expertise or experience. Finally, having certification can open up more opportunities for career advancement, potentially leading to higher salaries or better job positions.

Pro Tip: Before attempting a broadcast engineer certification, it is important to gain experience in the field. This will not only help you better understand the material and concepts covered on the exam, but also help prepare you for the job itself. Additionally, make sure to research what specific certifications are available and which ones are best suited for your career goals.

Related: What does a Broadcast Engineer do?

Top 10 Broadcast Engineer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Broadcast Engineers today.

1. Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the installation, maintenance, and operation of broadcast networking systems. The CBNT certification is valid for three years and renewals are available every three years.

To become certified as a CBNT, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam administered by the SBE. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as network topology, protocols, media formats, and troubleshooting. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any SBE-approved testing center or online through ProctorU.

The cost for the CBNT exam is $150 for members of the SBE and $300 for non-members. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 for both members and non-members.

2. Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Audio Engineer (CEA)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) is a certification program for broadcast engineers who work in the audio engineering field. The CEA certification is designed to recognize and validate the skills, knowledge, and experience of audio engineers in the broadcast industry.

To become a SBE Certified Audio Engineer, an individual must first meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time experience in the audio engineering field, or one year of experience plus completion of an accredited college degree program in broadcast engineering or related field.

Once these eligibility requirements have been met, individuals can then apply to take the SBE Certified Audio Engineer examination. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as sound system design and installation, signal processing, acoustics, digital audio systems, and other related topics. The exam typically takes between three and four hours to complete.

The cost for taking the SBE Certified Audio Engineer exam is $150 USD. Once an individual has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their CEA certification from the Society of Broadcast Engineers. This certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by taking a recertification exam or completing approved continuing education courses.

3. Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Video Engineer (CVE)

The Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) Certified Video Engineer (CVE) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of broadcast engineers in the field of video engineering. This certification is intended for those who have a strong foundation in the theory and practice of video engineering, as well as a comprehensive understanding of the industry standards, practices, and technologies related to video engineering.

To become an SBE Certified Video Engineer, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least four years of experience in broadcast or production engineering, or a combination of education and experience that totals four years. The applicant must also pass an examination that covers topics such as signal flow, digital video systems, analog video systems, audio systems, and other related topics.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions with a time limit of two hours. It is administered by Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States. The cost for taking the exam is $225 USD.

Once all requirements are met and the exam has been passed with a score of 70% or higher, applicants will be awarded an SBE Certified Video Engineer certificate from SBE National Headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana. The certificate is valid for five years from the date it was issued and can be renewed by retaking the exam every five years or by completing continuing education courses offered through SBE National Headquarters.

4. Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Certified Level I Technician

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Certified Level I Technician is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform technical tasks related to motion picture and television production. The certification is based on the SMPTE Standards for Motion Picture and Television Production.

To become a SMPTE Certified Level I Technician, applicants must pass an exam administered by SMPTE. The exam covers topics such as basic electrical principles, digital video systems, audio systems, camera operations, lighting design, and post-production processes. Applicants must also demonstrate proficiency in at least one of the following areas: cinematography, sound recording/mixing/editing, or video editing/compositing.

The exam typically takes about two hours to complete and can be taken at any SMPTE-approved testing center. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD. Once applicants pass the exam they will receive their official SMPTE Certified Level I Technician certificate.

5. Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Certified Level II Technician

The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Certified Level II Technician is a certification program that recognizes the expertise of individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and skills in the areas of motion picture and television engineering. The SMPTE Certified Level II Technician credential is designed to demonstrate an individual’s ability to perform tasks related to the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, calibration, and troubleshooting of motion picture and television equipment.

To become a SMPTE Certified Level II Technician, you must first complete an approved training program or course. The training program must be offered by an accredited institution or organization that is recognized by SMPTE. Once you have completed the required training program or course, you can then apply for certification.

The application process requires you to submit a portfolio of your work that demonstrates your technical proficiency in the areas covered by the certification program. This portfolio should include evidence of your experience in motion picture and television engineering as well as any relevant certifications or degrees you may have earned. Once your portfolio has been reviewed and accepted by SMPTE, you will be eligible to take the certification exam.

The cost of becoming a SMPTE Certified Level II Technician varies depending on where you take the training program or course. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for tuition fees alone. Additionally, there may also be other costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees and materials fees.

Once all requirements are met and you pass the exam, you will receive your official SMPTE Certified Level II Technician certificate which is valid for three years from date of issue.

6. Avid Technology Pro Tools Certification Program

Avid Technology Pro Tools Certification Program is a certification program for audio professionals who use Avid Pro Tools software. The certification program offers three levels of certification: Pro Tools 101, Pro Tools 110 and Pro Tools 210.

Pro Tools 101 is an introductory level course that covers the basics of recording, editing, mixing and mastering with Avid Pro Tools. This course takes approximately 8 to 10 hours to complete and costs around $150.

Pro Tools 110 is an intermediate level course that covers advanced topics such as automation, signal processing and working with virtual instruments. This course takes approximately 16 to 18 hours to complete and costs around $250.

Pro Tools 210 is an advanced level course that covers topics such as advanced editing techniques, mixing strategies and working with surround sound formats. This course takes approximately 24 to 26 hours to complete and costs around $350.

In order to get certified in any of the three levels of the Avid Technology Pro Tools Certification Program, you must first purchase the appropriate course materials from Avid's website or an authorized training center. After completing the course material, you must then pass a final exam in order to receive your certification.

7. Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X

Apple Certified Pro – Final Cut Pro X is a certification program for professionals who use Final Cut Pro X, Apple's professional video editing software. The certification is designed to demonstrate expertise in the use of the application and its related technologies.

To get certified, candidates must pass two exams: one focused on the fundamentals of using Final Cut Pro X and another that covers advanced topics. The exams are administered by Apple-authorized testing centers around the world and typically take about two hours to complete.

The cost of the certification varies depending on where you take the exam, but it typically ranges from $150 to $200 USD.

To prepare for the exams, Apple offers an online training course called “Final Cut Pro X 10.4: Professional Post-Production” as well as an official study guide.

8. Adobe Certified Expert – Premiere Pro

Adobe Certified Expert – Premiere Pro is a certification program offered by Adobe that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in using the Premiere Pro video editing software. To become an Adobe Certified Expert, you must pass a series of exams and demonstrate your skills in working with the software.

The certification process typically takes about three months to complete. You will need to register for the program and then take two exams: one on the fundamentals of Premiere Pro and another on advanced topics. Once you have passed both tests, you will be awarded an Adobe Certified Expert – Premiere Pro certificate.

To get started, you will need to purchase a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes access to all of Adobe’s creative applications including Premiere Pro. The cost of this subscription varies depending on the plan you choose. After signing up for Creative Cloud, you can register for the certification program and purchase exam vouchers from Adobe’s website. Each voucher costs $180 USD and covers both exams required for certification.

Once you have completed the exams, your results will be sent to Adobe for review and validation. If successful, your name will be added to the list of certified experts on Adobe’s website and your certificate will be mailed to you within 4-6 weeks after passing both exams.

9. CompTIA A+ Certification

CompTIA A+ is an industry-recognized certification for IT professionals. It is used to demonstrate competency in computer hardware and software, as well as basic networking and security skills. The certification is offered by the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA).

The CompTIA A+ certification consists of two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. To earn the CompTIA A+ certification, you must pass both exams. Each exam takes around 90 minutes to complete and costs $226 USD each.

In order to prepare for the exams, it is recommended that you take a training course or use self-study materials such as books or online tutorials. There are also practice tests available to help you get ready for the real thing.

Once you have passed both exams, your name will be added to the official CompTIA A+ registry and you will receive your certificate in the mail within 6 weeks. The total cost of obtaining the CompTIA A+ certification is around $452 USD (including exam fees).

10. Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching Certification

Cisco CCNA Routing & Switching Certification is a professional-level certification that validates the skills and knowledge necessary for configuring, managing, and troubleshooting routed and switched networks. It is an entry-level certification for network engineers, administrators, and support personnel who work with Cisco networking technologies.

It typically takes around 6 to 12 months to prepare for the CCNA Routing & Switching certification exam. The preparation process includes studying the official course material from Cisco as well as hands-on practice in a lab environment. Additionally, there are many online resources available to help you prepare for the exam such as study guides, practice tests, and video tutorials.

To get your CCNA Routing & Switching certification you must pass two exams: ICND1 (100-105) and ICND2 (200-105). Both exams must be taken at a Pearson VUE or Prometric testing center. The cost of each exam is $165 USD.

The total cost of the CCNA Routing & Switching certification can range from $330-$500 USD depending on whether you take the two exams separately or together in one package.

Do You Really Need a Broadcast Engineer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a broadcast engineer certificate depends on the type of work you plan to do in the broadcasting field. If you are interested in technical roles such as operating, maintaining and repairing broadcast equipment, then obtaining a broadcast engineer certificate is likely an important step for your career.

Broadcast engineering certificates are offered by many universities and technical schools, and they provide students with an in-depth understanding of the technology used in broadcasting. With this knowledge, individuals can become proficient at troubleshooting, operating and maintaining various types of broadcast equipment. They may also learn how to install new systems, configure settings and optimize performance.

In addition to technical skills, having a broadcast engineer certificate can also demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and qualifications to work in the field. This can be beneficial when applying for jobs or seeking promotions within your current organization. It also shows potential employers that you are committed to staying up-to-date with industry trends and technologies.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a broadcast engineer certificate depends on your own career goals and what type of role you wish to pursue in the broadcasting field. If it is something that would help advance your career goals then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Broadcast Engineer Resume Examples

FAQs About Broadcast Engineer Certifications

Q1. What is a Broadcast Engineer Certification?

A1. A Broadcast Engineer Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of broadcast engineering. It typically involves a combination of classroom training and hands-on experience.

Q2. What are the benefits of having a Broadcast Engineer Certification?

A2. Having a Broadcast Engineer Certification can help you stand out from other applicants for jobs in the broadcasting industry, as well as give you an edge when it comes to salary negotiation and promotions within your current role. Additionally, certifications can help verify your technical expertise, which may be beneficial for consulting or freelance work.

Q3. How do I get a Broadcast Engineer Certification?

A3. To become certified, you must complete an approved course or program that covers topics such as audio engineering, television production, radio production, digital media production, and more. You will also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and mastery of the material covered in the course or program.

Q4. How much does it cost to get a Broadcast Engineer Certification?

A4 The cost of obtaining a Broadcast Engineer Certification will vary depending on the institution offering the certification and any additional fees associated with taking the exam or completing additional courses or programs required for certification. Generally speaking, expect to pay anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for all necessary materials and testing fees associated with obtaining your certification.

Q5 How long does it take to get a Broadcast Engineer Certification?

A5 Typically it takes about two years to complete all requirements for a Broadcast Engineer Certification; however this timeline can vary depending on how quickly you are able to complete coursework and exams needed for certification. Additionally, some institutions may offer accelerated programs where you are able to obtain your certification in less time than usual (e.g., 6 months instead of 2 years).