SCTE Certification: overview

Agenda Where do SCTE Certifications come from? Why Certify? SCTE Certification Overview Special Certification Status Certification Update: BCSS certification Top Certification Inquiries Received by SCTE HQ Proctor Tips Who is Certified? Certification Communications & Resources SCTE Website: Certification Supporting Elements Certification Brochure Certification Poster Questions? p2

Where do SCTE Certifications come from? Industry input… BOD… Professional Development Committee… The Certification Subcommittee is made up of industry leaders… Certification Subcommittee Working Group/Industry Cross-Section …establishes working group to oversee certification development.

Certification Development Working Group Process Certification Development Create Outline Category Groups Competencies No. ques. per Category Typ 250 pool Questions Review by all Modify and finalize Approval ExamPath, Announce, and Launch

SCTE Certification Benefits… Why Certify? SCTE Certification Benefits… Individuals Our industry Cable Operators SCTE Certification provides benefits to individuals, our industry, and operators who use the certification

Why Certify? What SCTE certification does for an individual? Professional certification demonstrates solid knowledge Demonstrates drive, self-discipline, professionalism Career advancement Consistency—transportable What can certification do for the individual? (click) Professional certification is one of the best ways to demonstrate that one possesses a solid knowledge of cable telecommunications technologies.   Choosing to pursue and achieve SCTE certification also says a lot about an individual’s drive, self-discipline and overall professionalism. It says that this person can be organized enough to systematically prepare for this significant achievement. And that has the potential to lead to higher pay, promotions, and new job opportunities. Industry certification provides consistency that is transportable to other companies

Why Certify? What SCTE certification does for our industry? SCTE certifications raise the bar on technical knowledge Certification provides a competitive advantage Certification inspires the confidence of your customers What can certification do for our industry? (click) SCTE Certification enhances broadband’s image. Certification helps to raise the bar on technical knowledge and proves to everyone, customers and competitors alike, that our industry is committed to excellent service and employee proficiency. Certification provides a competitive advantage. Certified individuals stand out from the crowd and companies that support certification will rise above their competitors.   Certification inspires the confidence of your customers. Just as you may feel more comfortable using an IT professional who has achieved Microsoft certification, so will your customers more readily trust your company for sending only certified professionals to their homes.

Why Certify? What SCTE certification does for Cable Operators? Used in conjunction with a career path, Improves Performance Lowers service call rates Reduces repeat calls Reduces Customer Churn (Suddenlink example) What can certification do for Operators? In addition to benefits to individuals and industry… SCTE certification can help operators realize measureable performance improvements Less service calls Less repeat calls Reduces customer churn (For additional information please see the Broadband Library Winter 2009 issue “Making the Grade” for documentation on Suddenlink’s success in integrating SCTE certification into their career path)

SCTE Certification Overview External Certifications CCNA 1, 2, 3, 4/Security/CCNP CCENT A+ Network+ CWTS

1-Prepare for SCTE Certification Resources for each Certification Download Certification Topics and Competencies Once you’ve made the commitment to become certified and you’ve selected the certification you’re going to pursue, how do you get started? The first step is to prepare for the exam… Learn about BPI Certification Study Resources

1-Prepare for SCTE Certification SCTE Training Courses Listed per certification www.scte.org/courses Course Catalog SCTE Bookstore To pass SCTE certification exams, candidates must build a foundation of experience and knowledge that can be gained on-the-job and from SCTE education and training. SCTE Training and Knowledge Resources You can rely upon local technical sessions and certification study groups at SCTE chapters to build your knowledge. In addition, national SCTE onsite and online training courses, books and manuals as well as education at SCTE events and other technical information resources can help prepare you for certification. then take the exam…and finally, maintain the certification you’ve achieved. However…

2-Exams: become SCTE Certified For non-members, if first SCTE cert exam must create account

2-Exams: become SCTE Certified Purchase Exam Take the Exam 50 Questions Select  "Take an Exam" from personal “My Certification Homepage” Certification exams are open-book, 50-question, multiple-choice tests and candidates have two hours to complete them (DVEP, and IPEP candidates have 3 hours). Once the exam is complete and submitted, candidates are provided immediate feedback. If the exam is failed, topics for future study are provided. Time frame: 2 hours specialist; 3 hours engineering

2-Exams: become SCTE Certified Results Immediate exam results Pass or fail Pass = minimum score of 76 percent Certificate and recognition patch Name will be added to SCTE's website as a distinguished individual who has earned SCTE certification.   If Fail SCTE will email topics to study, by category Results Immediate exam results upon completion of an online exam.  All exams are graded pass or fail. To pass an exam, you must achieve a minimum score of 76 percent correct.  Your exam results will be released only to you, unless your request otherwise in writing. If You Pass SCTE will mail a certificate and recognition insignia to you. Your name will be added to SCTE's website as a distinguished individual who has earned SCTE certification.   If You Fail SCTE will let you know which topics to study via email within one business day. Equal opportunity will be provided to all certification candidates regardless of race, 

3-Maintain your SCTE Certification Certification Valid for Three Years To Maintain Certification Status: Retake exam Earn Recertifications Units (RUs) SCTE membership Company-sponsored technical training Technical Seminars Speaking or presenting Other activities Technological change is a continual occurrence that erodes the value of professional certification unless that certification is periodically renewed. Because technology changes so rapidly, it’s important for you to continually update your knowledge. Therefore, SCTE certification is valid for a period of three years. (Click 5x) A candidate can maintain certification status by retaking the exam or by earning recertification units (RUs) before the certification expires. RUs may be accrued through SCTE membership, company-sponsored training, seminars, speaking or presenting, and other activities that can help you an individual on top of technology and changes in the industry.

Recertification Window 3-MAINTAIN YOUR SCTE CERTIFICATION Recertification Window Apply 6 months before or 12 months after expiration date Failure to apply within time period will result in loss of current certification status RUs needed (total within 3 years) Specialist & BCT: need total 12 RUs BCE and the Engineering Professional exams: need total 21 RUs (Click 4x) The candidate needs to apply for recertification within six months before the expiration date or twelve months after the expiration date printed on the certification certificate. Failure to apply for recertification within the appropriate time period will result in the loss of current status and will require complete repetition of the certification process and related fees. SCTE attempts to send recertification reminders to its certification candidates as a courtesy. The candidate retains responsibility for ensuring all recertification requirements are fulfilled prior to expiration of the certification whether or not the candidate receives a recertification reminder from SCTE. A total of 12 Recertification Units (RUs) (21 RUs for BCE and the engineering professional exams) are required to maintain one’s certification without having to re-take the exam. If the candidate has not earned the minimum RUs, he or she may retake the exam, incurring the cost of the testing fee and the renewal application fee.

Complete SCTE Recertification Form 3-MAINTAIN YOUR SCTE CERTIFICATION Complete SCTE Recertification Form Form on www.scte.org Use “Recertification Unit” Table as a Guide Document Your RUs Keep track of all your RUs! Record your events on “Members Only Homepage – Submit Certification Units (RUs)” Since documentation of earned RUs must accompany the renewal form, the form cannot submit online. Please print out the SCTE Recertification Form and mail/fax the application, payment and required documentation to SCTE. Use the “Recertification Unit” Table at the bottom of the form as a guide. A more detailed list is also available on the SCTE website. If you have participated in events that are not listed and you feel they may qualify for RUs, please email certification@scte.org or call 800-542-5040. Please keep track of all your RUs! As a memory aid, you can record your events on “Members Only Homepage – Submit Certification Units (RUs).” However, you still need to complete the SCTE Recertification Form .

4-promote your SCTE Certification Market Your Expertise and Advance Your Career! Personal Identification Personal Communications Display Your Certification Certificate Promote Your Certification at Work Your Company Your SCTE Chapter Local Media Exposure National Media Exposure Press release templates available Once SCTE-certified, you will be able to promote your achievement using the following methods: Personal Identification: Display your credentials initials following your name and when writing your signature (e.g., John Doe, BPT, BPE, BDS). Personal Communications: Add SCTE certification logos to your email signature, business cards, folders and personal letterhead or website. Display Your Certification Certificate(s): Once you receive your certificate you can display the original or framed color copies proudly in your office, hallway, meeting area or on the bulletin board in your company break room. Promote Your Certification at Work: Show off your expertise to your colleagues and customers by adding the proper certification logos to your company ID badge, nametag and uniform, or add it to your office door, window, work truck or company vehicle. Your Company: Post or publish your accomplishment through your company. You may be honored with recognition in a company newsletter and/or advancement opportunities within your company or organization. if they don't already have a program in place, inform your employer of the benefits of SCTE certifications. Your SCTE Chapter: Local SCTE Chapters may recognize newly certified individuals on their website or publish them in member communications. Local Media Exposure: Contact your local newspaper or other news source. National Media Exposure: SCTE promotes expert industry knowledge whenever possible and has regular opportunities to provide press exposure for its members. Join SCTE and become SCTE-certified to be part of this elite group. SCTE Certification Logos As a newly SCTE-certified professional you can stand out from the crowd by identifying yourself as SCTE-certified. Displaying the logo(s) of your certification(s) on personal business materials and communications so your colleagues and customers can recognize your achievements. Download SCTE Certification Logos SCTE Certification Press Releases To help its newly certified professionals gain recognition for their achievements SCTE has created press release templates for individuals, SCTE Chapters and companies to maximize the potential for media coverage and publicity.

Special Certification Status Emeritus Certification Status Continuously certification for 21 years SCTE Retired Certification Status Retired SCTE Member There are a few special SCTE certification designations that may be of interest to you… Emeritus Certification Status Emeritus Certification Status is open to individuals who have maintained active SCTE Certification by meeting SCTE recertification criteria continuously for a period of 21 years, without lapse.  Achieving this status will eliminate the need to document and submit recertification units for the SCTE Certifications for which Emeritus status is sought. SCTE Retired Certification Status SCTE Retired Certification Status recognizes those members who have been active in the industry and may no longer be able to participate in the activities that usually earn Recertification Units (RUs).  Any SCTE member who qualifies for Retired SCTE Membership may apply for retired status for his or her SCTE certification.  If approved, the individual must still renew the certification every three years and pay the recertification fee as usual, but will be released from the requirement of submitting Recertification Units as described in the “Maintaining Certification” portion of the SCTE Certification Rules. If you question, please email certification@scte.org or call 800-542-5040.

Business class services Business Class Services Specialist (BCSS) Certification New certification and training materials Primary audience: broadband premises professional installer/technician and the commercial installer/technician Topics of the course include: Enterprise Voice Ethernet Services Performance Verification Fault Management Customer Service Foundation topics are also included: HFC Networks Launch: 4Q12! p20

Business class services specialist

Business class services New certification for Business Class Services Specialist (BCSS) Phase out of Broadband Premises Expert (BPE) cert over 2-3 years Review BPE for potential last update Migrate content to other certs (BPT, BCSS) and to Supervisor 101 course Training Status Onsite Book e-Course Notes BPx (BPI and BPT) Now Now Now 4Q13 update BCSS Now TBD Now BDS Now TBD 1Q13 BTS Now TBD 1Q13 BPI: Broadband Premises Installer BCSS: Business Class Services Specialist BTCS: Broadband Telecom Center Specialist BPT: Broadband Premises Technician BDS: Broadband Distribution Specialist DVEP: Digital Video Engineering Professional BPE: Broadband Premises Expert BTS: Broadband Transport Specialist IPEP: Internet Protocol Engineering Professional

Ask “What is your job?” Inquiry 1 Which certification is right for me? (or employees or chapter members) Review Certification Graphic. Review the Position Description. Most candidates start with the Broadband Premises Installation (BPI). Ask “What is your job?”

Inquiry 2 Broadband Premises Installer Certification Study Resources How do I prepare to earn an SCTE certification? Download Certification Topics and Competencies Learn about BPI Certification Study Resources Broadband Premises Installer Certification Study Resources SCTE Broadband Installation and Service Guidebook. Publication Broadband Installation and Service Guidebook Course Broadband Installation and Service Course  Online Instructor-Led On demand

Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook Introduction to Cable Mod 1–Safe Work Practices Mod 2–Customer Service Mod 3–Signaling and Transmission in Cable Networks Mod 4–Installation Preparation Mod 5–Aerial Installation Mod 6–Underground Installation Mod 7–Bonding and Grounding Mod 8–Premises Wiring Mod 9–Equipment in the Home Mod 10–Test Equipment and Common Measurements Mod 11–Equipment Installation (Video) Mod 12–Equipment Installation (HSD) Mod 13–Equipment Installation (Voice) Mod 14–Troubleshooting and Repair Mod 15–Premises Signal Configuration Appendix Glossary The manual provides in-depth instruction on the technical competencies needed by field-level in-house or contract installation professionals 550-page+ comprehensive printed guidebook w/ over 300 graphics

SCTE Certification Resource Series: Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook Available on-demand through the SCTE MarketPlace The Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook is available for on-demand purchase through the SCTE Bookstore. What questions or comments do you have regarding the Broadband Premises Installation and Service Guidebook?

Inquiry 3 How do I find a proctor if there’s not a proctor in my area? See if a qualified person within the company can become a proctor. Ask SCTE HQ to distribute an email to inquire.

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Inquiry 5 Who is certified? Search Certified Professionals

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SCTE Cable Technology Career Path Program On the Horizon SCTE Cable Technology Career Path Program IPEP DOCSIS, IP, Advanced Routing Construction (TBD) p33

Certification Communications & Resources SCTE Website: Certification Supporting Elements Certification Brochure Certification Poster

Questions? For Questions and Assistance please contact certification@scte.org or 1-800-542-5040 What questions do you have about the SCTE Certification programs before we discuss the benefits of SCTE Certification?