ETA Communications Certifications
The 5G Technician standalone certification is aimed at cellular technicians and engineers with knowledge of the wireless industry. The certification serves as an introduction to 5th Generation (5G) communications technologies and gives cellular technicians the opportunity to earn a certification that has valuable industry application. 5G Technician competencies will give first-hand looks at industry standards, real world examples and case studies provided by a committee of subject matter experts with backgrounds in engineering, construction, cell carriers, broadcasting and entertainment.
In preparation for the ETA® International 5GT certification written examination, which covers a variety of topics, 5G Technicians are expected to learn: 5G industry terminology, uses of 5G (enterprise, consumers and government systems), 5G equipment upgrading specifications, 5G networks, 5G construction best practices, 5G Standards, 5G infrastructure design and general design thinking principles and concepts.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The exams cover a broad range of hardware and broadcast technology, but are not limited to specific brands of products. The CSI covers: satellite communications history & theory, satellite dish reflectors, cabling, amplifiers, satellite dish feed-horns—LNBs & LNBFs, Satellite System Installation-site surveys, satellite receivers-digital technology, interfacing with other consumer electronics equipment, transmission-internet systems, troubleshooting, repairs, sun outage, and safety. Four endorsements are also available. Antenna (CSI-A)—roof top antennas, towers, and rotors. C and Ku Band (CSI-C/Ku)—aiming, installation and troubleshooting of large-dish systems. Commercial (CSI-COM)—VSAT and other commercial satellite systems including internet two-way units. S-MATV (CSI-SMATV)—satellite antenna signal distribution systems for multiple unit dwellings including cable-type headends.
Available CSI Endorsements
- Antenna - $65
- C and KU Band - $65
- Commercial - $65
- SMATV - $65
The Certified Satellite Installer exam is HALF PRICE if taken with one or more endorsements at the same time!
If you hold a Standalone CSI and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician - Level 1, then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of training/experience. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $55.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) certification covers basic knowledge concepts of distributed antenna systems and antenna installation, including ERCES (Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems) public safety DAS concepts and BDAs (Bi-directional Amplifiers). The DAS also incorporates service and skills applicable to all of the functions required to safely and completely install, maintain, troubleshoot, and support in-building distributed antenna systems and communications and electronic equipment. Standards supported include, but are not limited to:
- National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
- International Fire Code (IFC) - part of the International Code Council® (ICC)
- Underwriters Laboratories® (UL)
Anyone certified and working in DAS must adhere to AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) enforcement of standards and local provisions. First responders and cellular users depend on DAS-certified personnel.
If you hold a Standalone DAS and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician - Level 1, then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of training/experience. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $55.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The General Communications Technician certification is a program that is modeled after communication systems basics and the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines covering all of the disciplines in the COMT program. The purpose of the GCT1 is to provide a study program for RF and basic electronics, along with the appropriate certification testing that covers all of the many areas a radio communications technician and engineer will encounter in the public safety communications or business/commercial radio field.
Featured Study Material
- Additional study materials are listed at the end of each ETA competency.
The General Communications Technician Study Guide - Level 1 is designed for students and beginners in the electronics communications field, those who want to learn more about the field, and as a refresher on the basics for technicians. This is the first of three books recommended as study material for the General Communication Technician (GCT) certifications, levels 1-2. Each additional level in the GCT program will build on the previous volume. The ultimate goal is to provide the electronics and communications industries with competent technicians and engineers who will be very proficient in their jobs.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- General Communications Fact Sheet
- Download the Common Formulas Sheet (Can be used during the GCT1 exam)
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The General Communications Technician Level 2 (GCT2) certification is a journeyman level program modeled after wide-ranging private wireless industry communication systems encompassing more specific detailed items along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines covering many of the disciplines in the COMT program. The GCT2 competency comprises more complex areas which a radio communications technician and/or engineer will encounter in the public safety communications or business / commercial radio fields. This GCT2 certification will involve more knowledge of intricate skills and troubleshooting. The purpose of the GCT2 is to provide a certification program and testing that expands upon the coverage included in the ETA® GCT1 competencies. The GCT2 certification technician candidate must hold the GCT1 or the Associate CETa as the minimum pre-requisite certification. Prior RF experience in industry and public safety best practices is highly suggested. The GCT program certifications are maintainable for all Levels.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- General Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
GCT2 Exam Info
The prerequisite for the GCT2 is the General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) or Associate CET (CETa) certification (must be current).
| Price: | $105 |
| Type of Certification: | |
| Maintenance Required: | |
| Certification Term: | 4 Yrs |
| Hands-On Required: | No |
| Questions on Exam: | 100 |
| Passing Score: | 75% |
| Time Allowed to Test: | 2 hours |
This frequency domain reflectometer (FDR) certification includes a hands-on testing and verification of line and antenna sweeping skills using modern FDR equipment, as well as a written exam. The LAS is a stand-alone certification, but it can be used as a Journeyman CET option when the Associate, or basic electronics, is also passed. The written exam must be passed with a score of 75% or higher.
If you hold a Standalone LAS and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician - Level 1, then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of training/experience. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $55.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Microwave radio plays a major role in radio and data transmission systems. Wireless carriers continue to deploy microwave systems for data backhaul, and with the advancement of LTE for public safety, the need for microwave communications continues to grow. This certification includes basic knowledge concepts technicians need to know to install, align, maintain, and operate point-to-point microwave radio systems. Prior experience with radio systems and equipment is suggested. This includes core concepts of radio frequency (RF) energy, including how to identify it and safety requirements when working in an RF environment.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
This certification includes basic knowledge concepts of land mobile radio (LMR) and associated electronics equipment installation. This also incorporates required skills applicable to all of the functions required to safely and completely install mobile communications and associated electronic equipment, including removal and reinstallation.
If you hold a CSTC Mobile Electronics Certified Professional (MECP) certification, then you are eligible to rollover to an ETA Mobile Communications and Electronics Installer certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your MECP certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the online form. MCEI rollovers are $105. The certification you are rolling over must be current.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Mobile Communications and Electronics Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The ETA PIM certification assures site managers that quality antenna installation has taken place and meets the desired engineering and propagation standard for that site, the PIM test set operator knows how to use the testing equipment hardware, and can do so in a safe and harmless manner. Additionally, the ETA certification is based on the IEC 60237 standard covering the installation of antennas, connectors, jumpers and related antenna network elements, allowing the holder of that certification to use any manufacturer’s test set at any frequency range. An ETA-certified technician has a clear understanding of antenna theory and interference testing and will be well positioned to help resolve site PIM issues, so resolving these interference issues will be easier for the ETA-certified technician.
If you hold an Anritsu PIM certification, then you are eligible to rollover to an ETA Passive Intermodulation Testing certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your Anritsu PIM certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the rollover form. PIM rollovers are $130. The certification you are rolling over must be current.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Passive Intermodulation Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
This certification includes the fundamental principles of basic antenna theory, including basic electromagnetic wave propagation with sound practical comprehension of antenna operational characteristics and common configurations found in modern RF communication systems. The PAB covers the basic areas in which an RF propagation specialist will encounter in the critical role an antenna has in wireless communications systems, radio fields and other applications.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
RF interference mitigation technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of radio frequencies, how they interact in the environment and within equipment, how to identify and to correct interference problems. Prior experience with radio systems and equipment is strongly suggested (or taking a RF Interference hunting course) before taking this certification exam.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Advanced RF Interference Mitigation technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of radio frequencies, how they interact in the environment and within equipment, how to identify and to correct complex interference problems using advanced troubleshooting procedures and technology. Prior advanced RF experience with radio systems and equipment, such as spectrum analyzer utilization and techniques, is strongly suggested or taking the available two-day Advanced RF Interference Mitigation course with Hands-On before comprehending the RFIM/AIM competencies and sitting for this certification examination.
If you hold a Standalone AIM and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician - Level 1, then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of training/experience. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $55.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Radar electronics technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of radar basics and concepts, which are then applicable to all the various types of avionics, maritime and land radar systems. Radar Electronics Technicians must be knowledgeable and have abilities in the following technical and human relations areas: block diagrams and schematics, components, cabling and antennas, hand tools & soldering, mathematics, amplifiers, radar transceivers, interfacing, satellite, wireless, and data communications, computers and digital concepts, software-programming, troubleshooting, and people relations.
If you hold a valid FCC Element 8, and either the ETA Associate CET (CETa), General Communications Technician - Level 1, or a Journeyman (CET) certification, then you are eligible for a rollover to an ETA RADAR certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your Element 8 certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the online form. RAD rollovers are $80.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Telecommunications technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of wired and wireline communications basic concepts, which are then applicable to various types of voice, data and video communications 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 over the “last mile” of wired and wireline connections.
If you hold a Standalone TCM and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician - Level 1, then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of training/experience. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $55.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
The following is a listing of each topic considered necessary to be included in a course of study directed towards the education of workers performing installation, maintenance and repair of mobile and fixed radio communications systems: radio theory, components, terminology and symbols, basic analog circuits, transmission lines, antennas and towers, cabling and connectors, block diagrams, schematics, flow charts, hand tools and soldering, grounding-lightning protection, radio mathematics and formulas, interfacing, computer and digital circuits, computer applications, internet applications, mobile systems, satellite-data-telecommunications, radio environment workplace safety and business practices, frequency bands for mobile communications, test equipment and measurements, troubleshooting, commercial radio networks, modulations schemes, control systems, rf interference and rf coverage analysis, testing and diagnosis.
If you hold a valid FCC GROL, and either the ETA Associate CET (CETa), General Communications Technician - Level 1, or a Journeyman (CET) certification, then you are eligible for a rollover to an ETA Wireless Communications (WCM) certification! To apply, you will need to send a copy of your GROL certificate to ETA via fax (765) 653-4287 or email. You may also attach when filling out the online form. WCM rollovers are $80. NOTE: This rollover only applies to the new FCC question pools that went into effect December 26, 2009. No earlier licenses will be accepted.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period.*
- Communications Fact Sheet
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)
*Does not apply to FCC exams. Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
Taking an ETA Certification Exam
Why Choose ETA® International?
Founded in 1978, ETA represents many different technical areas, from the technician and educator to the corporate institution.
Widely known for our vendor-neutral programs, and accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), ETA helps you validate your knowledge and excel in your field.
ETA has issued over 200,000 technical certifications covering more than 90 certification programs in a variety of technology fields. You can find ETA-certified professionals working for many well-known companies such as Motorola, Google, ESPN, and the United States Armed Forces.
ACCREDITED.
Don't get your certification from a business that is run out of a basement. ETA technical certifications are accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC).
Prepare For An Exam
Certification competencies are a well-ordered categorized structural listing of knowledge, standards reference, industry best practices, testing, and troubleshooting subject items necessary to be proficient in a given technology. You can find the corresponding competency to each ETA certification in their respective information box, located to the right of the certification description. Certification examination questions are derived from their respective competencies. ETA subject matter experts (SMEs) are vital proponents developing and improving each competency.
ETA offers many of the suggested study materials (listed at the end of each of our competencies) in the ETA online store. If you don't see the specific book you are looking for, then please check online or at your local bookstore.
ETA understands each individual is different in regards to their experiences, education, and skill sets. That's why ETA does not require examinees to purchase study materials. By knowing the topics listed on the corresponding competency, an examinee can feel confident that they will succeed on the exam.
ETA publishes two books in-house for the popular Associate CET (CETa) basic electronics and Customer Service Specialist (CSS) workforce readiness certifications. Each of these study guides are written by industry professionals, and feature chapter quizzes and practice exams (actual certification examination questions are derived from their respective competencies). ETA members receive a discount on the ETA study guides. Bulk discounts are also available.
Take An Exam
Once you have decided which ETA certification exam(s) you need to take, you will need to find an ETA test site near you to take the exam by using the ETA CA Locator.
Decide whether to take the exam online with Trapeza, ETA's online testing site, or on paper. A Certification Administrator must be present no matter which method of testing you select. You will then need to schedule a time to take the exam with your chosen Certification Administrator.
As provided for under the ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act), if you require special accommodations in order to complete the certification process, then please notify your Certification Administrator when scheduling your exam.
Maintaining Your Certification
Rapid changes in technology and products have also changed the methods used in servicing them. ETA supports certification maintenance and aligns to the ISO 17024 standard. Certification maintenance is also required by ETA's accrediting body, the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC).
By maintaining your ETA certification, you provide verification that as a certified technician, you are keeping up with current technology and enhancing your abilities and knowledge.
About ETA
Founded in 1978 by electronics technicians, ETA® International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association whose mission is to represent and support the technical professional. ETA offers over 80 accredited, vendor-neutral certification programs in a variety of technology fields such as fiber optics, communications, electronics, biomedical, smart home, and renewable energy.
ETA aligns with the ISO 17024 standard, vocational and education curriculums, and businesses’ resource initiatives through certification programs, conferences, and publications. Download ETA's Certification Booklet to see how ETA can help your career, business, or school.
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