Top 11 Satellite Technician Certifications

Certifications are important for a satellite technician in the job market because they provide evidence of their knowledge and skills. Certifications demonstrate that an individual has taken the time to learn the principles and techniques required to be successful in the field. They also show potential employers that they have a commitment to excellence, as well as a willingness to continue their professional development. Additionally, certifications can give a technician an edge over competitors when vying for jobs or promotions.

The purpose of the article is to review some of the top certifications for Satellite Technicians and explain how they can help advance their career.

What are Satellite Technician Certifications?

Satellite technician certification is a type of professional certification that indicates an individual has completed a specific level of training and knowledge in the installation and maintenance of satellite-based communication systems. This type of certification is offered by several organizations and is often required for individuals who wish to work as technicians in this field.

The primary benefit of having this certification is that it demonstrates to employers that the individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to install, maintain, and troubleshoot satellite systems. This can help potential employers quickly identify qualified applicants for job openings, increasing their chances of getting hired for such positions. Additionally, having this certification may allow technicians to charge higher fees for their services due to their specialised experience.

In order to obtain satellite technician certification, individuals must typically complete a comprehensive course or series of courses on the subject matter, pass an exam demonstrating proficiency with the material covered, and meet any other requirements specified by the certifying organization. The content covered in these courses usually includes topics such as communications theory, installation techniques, troubleshooting methods, safety protocols, customer service practices and more. By completing these courses and obtaining certification, technicians are able to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in satellite technology and ensure they have all the necessary skills needed to perform their jobs effectively.

Pro Tip: Make sure to stay up-to-date with the latest satellite technician certifications. Many companies require technicians to have an updated certification in order to work on their equipment, and staying current with the requirements can make it easier to find employment.

Related: What does a Satellite Technician do?

Top 11 Satellite Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Satellite Technicians today.

1. Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) Certification

The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes and validates the knowledge, skills and abilities of satellite professionals. The SSPI certification is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the satellite industry and its technologies, as well as to demonstrate mastery of the fundamentals of satellite communications.

To obtain SSPI certification, applicants must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as orbital mechanics, radio frequency propagation, satellite systems engineering, network design and operations. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. After passing the exam, applicants must submit an application for certification along with a fee of $150 USD.

Once approved by the SSPI Certification Board, applicants will receive their official SSPI certification card within four weeks. This card serves as proof of their professional qualifications in the satellite industry and can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in job interviews or other professional situations.

In addition to obtaining their official SSPI certification card, applicants may also choose to join the SSPI Professional Network – an online community for certified professionals where they can connect with peers from around the world and access exclusive resources such as webinars, research papers and job postings.

2. National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Certified Broadcast Networking Technician (CBNT)

The National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Certified Broadcast Networking Technician (CBNT) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to design, install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot broadcast networks. The CBNT certification is recognized industry-wide as a mark of excellence in broadcast network engineering.

To become certified as a CBNT, an individual must pass the NAB’s CBNT examination. This exam covers topics such as network topology, IP addressing and routing protocols, Ethernet technologies, wireless networking technologies, broadcast automation systems, video streaming technologies and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CBNT exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in broadcast networking or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their experience along with their application form.

The cost for the CBNT exam is $400 USD. Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive a certificate from NAB recognizing them as a Certified Broadcast Networking Technician (CBNT).

3. Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Certified Satellite Communications Technician (CSCT)

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) Certified Satellite Communications Technician (CSCT) certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of satellite communications. It is designed for professionals who install, maintain, and troubleshoot satellite systems. The CSCT certification provides recognition to those individuals who have the skills necessary to work with satellite systems.

The CSCT certification requires a minimum of two years of experience in the field and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as basic satellite system components, installation techniques, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting methods.

To obtain the CSCT certification, you must first become a member of SCTE. You can then register for the exam online or by mail. Once registered, you will receive information on how to prepare for the exam including study materials and practice tests.

The cost to take the CSCT certification exam is $250 USD for members and $350 USD for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with membership which vary depending on your membership type.

4. Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA-I) Certified Satellite Technician (CST)

The Electronics Technicians Association International (ETA-I) Certified Satellite Technician (CST) is a certification program that validates the knowledge and skills of technicians in the satellite communications industry. The CST certification demonstrates a technician’s ability to install, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair satellite systems. It is designed for technicians who have experience in both residential and commercial installations.

It typically takes about six weeks to complete the CST certification program. The program consists of four online courses: Introduction to Satellite Communications; Installation & Maintenance of Satellite Systems; Troubleshooting & Repairing Satellite Systems; and Advanced Topics in Satellite Communications. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time.

To get certified as a CST, you must pass all four courses with a score of 80% or better. You must also pass an online proctored exam with a score of 75% or higher. The cost for the entire program is $1,495 USD.

5. Comptia A+ Certification

Comptia A+ certification is a globally recognized credential that validates the skills of IT professionals. It is a vendor-neutral certification that covers a wide range of topics, including hardware, software, networking, security and troubleshooting. The exam tests your knowledge of computer components, operating systems and other technologies.

It typically takes around 60 hours to prepare for the Comptia A+ exam. This includes studying for the exam itself as well as hands-on experience with computers. You can find study materials online or purchase them from Comptia directly.

To get the Comptia A+ certification you must pass two exams: 220-901 and 220-902. Both exams are multiple choice and performance based. The 220-901 exam covers hardware and networking while the 220-902 covers operating systems, security and software troubleshooting.

The cost of taking the Comptia A+ exam varies depending on where you take it but generally costs around $200 USD per exam or $400 USD for both exams combined.

6. CompTIA Network+ Certification

CompTIA Network+ is a globally recognized certification that validates the knowledge and skills of IT professionals in networking technologies. It is designed to ensure that network professionals have the necessary skills to design, configure, manage and troubleshoot wired and wireless networks. The CompTIA Network+ certification covers topics such as network architecture, network operations, network security, troubleshooting, industry standards and best practices.

It typically takes about three months to prepare for the CompTIA Network+ exam. To get certified, you must pass the CompTIA Network+ exam (N10-007). The exam consists of 90 multiple-choice questions and takes up to 90 minutes to complete. The cost of the exam varies by region but generally ranges from $300-$400 USD.

To become certified, you must meet certain prerequisites such as having at least nine months of experience in networking or completing an equivalent course in networking technology before taking the exam. You should also be familiar with basic computer hardware components and concepts such as IP addressing schemes, subnetting and routing protocols. Additionally, it is recommended that candidates have hands-on experience with routers and switches prior to taking the exam.

7. Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching

Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) Routing and Switching is a certification program offered by Cisco Systems to validate the knowledge and skills of network professionals in implementing, operating, configuring, and troubleshooting routed and switched networks. This certification is designed for entry-level to mid-level network engineers who need to understand how to install, configure, manage, and troubleshoot networks.

The CCNA Routing and Switching certification typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on the individual's experience level. To obtain the CCNA Routing and Switching certification, individuals must pass two exams: ICND1 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 1) and ICND2 (Interconnecting Cisco Network Devices 2). The cost of each exam varies depending on the country but typically ranges from $150-$300 USD per exam.

8. Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA): Networking Fundamentals

Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals is a certification program designed to provide IT professionals with the fundamental networking skills needed to work in today’s technology-driven world. MTA Networking Fundamentals provides an introduction to networking concepts and technologies, including network topologies, protocols, components, and architectures. It covers topics such as IP addressing and subnetting, network security, routing and switching fundamentals, wireless networking basics, and more.

The MTA Networking Fundamentals certification requires successful completion of one exam (98-366), which typically takes two hours to complete. The exam covers a wide range of topics related to networking fundamentals and is designed to test your knowledge of the material covered in the Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals course.

You can take the exam at any authorized testing center or online through Pearson VUE or Prometric. The cost of the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $100-$150 USD.

Once you have successfully completed the exam, you will receive an official Microsoft Technology Associate (MTA) Networking Fundamentals certification that is valid for three years from the date of passing.

9. Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional – Service Provider Routing and Switching (JNCIP-SP)

The Juniper Networks Certified Internet Professional – Service Provider Routing and Switching (JNCIP-SP) is a certification program designed to validate the skills and knowledge of networking professionals who work with Juniper products in service provider environments. This certification is intended for those who design, configure, implement, and troubleshoot Juniper networks in service provider environments.

To obtain the JNCIP-SP certification, individuals must first pass two exams: JN0-361 (Service Provider Routing and Switching) and JN0-662 (Service Provider Routing and Switching Troubleshooting). The exams are available through Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide.

The cost of the exam depends on your location but generally ranges from $200 - $250 USD per exam. The total cost of obtaining the JNCIP-SP certification is therefore around $400 - $500 USD.

The time required to obtain the JNCIP-SP certification depends on an individual’s experience level and study habits. Generally speaking, it takes around 6 months to 1 year to complete both exams if you are studying full time.

10. Eutelsat Professional Certification Program

The Eutelsat Professional Certification Program is a comprehensive training program designed to equip satellite professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain Eutelsat’s satellite systems. The program consists of four modules: Introduction to Satellite Communications, Satellite Network Planning, Satellite System Design and Operation, and Advanced Topics in Satellite Communications. Each module is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the topics covered.

The program takes approximately three months to complete, depending on the individual’s availability and commitment level. Participants can choose to take all four modules at once or spread them out over several months. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive an official Eutelsat Professional Certification diploma.

To get certified, participants must register for the program through the Eutelsat website or contact their local Eutelsat representative for more information. Once registered, participants will be provided with access to course materials and resources that they can use to study for the certification exam.

The cost of the certification program depends on which modules are taken and how many modules are taken at once. Generally speaking, each module costs between €300-€400 (approximate).

11. Intelsat General Corporation’s SatProf Certification Program

Intelsat General Corporation’s SatProf Certification Program is a comprehensive training program designed to help professionals in the satellite industry gain the knowledge and skills they need to become proficient in the use of Intelsat’s satellite products and services. The program consists of three levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

The Basic level is designed for those with little or no prior experience in satellite communications. It provides an introduction to the fundamentals of satellite technology, including orbital mechanics, frequency bands, modulation techniques, network architecture, and more. The Intermediate level covers topics such as link budgeting, system design and optimization, troubleshooting techniques, and advanced operations. The Advanced level covers topics such as advanced networking concepts, application development using Intelsat’s APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), and system integration.

The SatProf Certification Program takes approximately six months to complete depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. To get certified at each level requires passing an online exam that tests the individual's understanding of the material covered in each course. In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also complete a series of practical exercises that demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios.

The cost of the SatProf Certification Program varies depending on which courses are taken. For example, the Basic Level costs $2,000 while the Intermediate Level costs $3,500 and the Advanced Level costs $5,000.

Do You Really Need a Satellite Technician Certificate?

When it comes to the decision of whether or not to pursue a satellite technician certificate, there are many factors to consider. The most important factor is what kind of career you hope to pursue in the satellite industry. If you plan on working as a technician installing and maintaining satellite systems, then obtaining a certificate is definitely recommended.

Having a certificate will give you an edge over other applicants for jobs in the field, and it can open up more opportunities for advancement within the industry. A satellite technician certificate shows that you have taken the time and effort to gain the necessary knowledge and skills required for this type of work. It also demonstrates that you are committed to continuing your education in this field in order to stay up-to-date with new technologies and trends.

In addition to giving you an advantage when seeking employment, having a certificate can also make it easier for employers to trust that you are qualified for the position. Many employers prefer candidates who have obtained certification because they know that these individuals have received formal training and are knowledgeable about their chosen field. This makes them more likely to be successful on the job than those without certification.

Overall, if you plan on working as a satellite technician, then obtaining a certificate is highly beneficial and worth considering. It will give you an edge over other applicants, demonstrate your commitment to continuing your education, and help employers trust that you are well-qualified for the position.

Related: Satellite Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Satellite Technician Certifications

Q1. What is a satellite technician certification?

A1. A satellite technician certification is a credential that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to install, maintain, and troubleshoot satellite systems and equipment. This includes understanding the fundamentals of satellite technology, such as signal transmission, dish alignment and installation, and troubleshooting techniques.

Q2. How do I become certified as a satellite technician?

A2. To become certified as a satellite technician, you must complete an approved training program and pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying organization such as CompTIA or the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE). Many community colleges offer courses related to satellite technology that can be used towards obtaining your certification.

Q3. What are some common certifications for satellite technicians?

A3. Common certifications for satellite technicians include CompTIA’s Satellite Technician Certification (STC), SCTE’s Certified Satellite Technician (CST) designation, and the National Systems Contractors Association’s (NSCA) Certified Satellite Installation Professional (CSIP).

Q4. How long does it take to become certified?

A4. The amount of time required to become certified varies depending on the type of certification you pursue, but typically requires at least 40 hours of study time in addition to passing an exam administered by the certifying organization.

Q5. Is there ongoing education required after becoming certified?

A5. Yes, most certifying organizations require that their certificants stay up-to-date on changes in technology through continuing education credits or recertification exams in order to maintain their credentials over time.