SCTE Certification Tutorial Poll attendees – needs assessment What is your involvement with SCTE certification? What did you come here to learn? Updated January 21, 2010

Presentation Goals Overview SCTE Certification Highlight Certification Program Enhancements Answer the question "why certify?" Getting Started in SCTE Certification Prepare Getting Certified Staying Certified Benefits Promoting Certification We’re providing customers with more services than ever before and facing more competition every day. SCTE certifications can help ensure that broadband engineers, technicians, and installers have the knowledge to successfully deploy and maintain the latest services and to provide the highest level of customer satisfaction in the industry. SCTE certification outlines and content are designed by the industry, for the industry, and they are recognized across North America, as well as internationally. Today, we’ll discuss some of the reasons for pursuing SCTE certification. I’ll provide an overview of SCTE certifications, as well as the current state of SCTE certification program updates. We’ll touch upon certification program enhancements. Plus, we’ll have a chance to answer the questions you might have. Let’s go ahead and look at SCTE’s certification programs. We’ll talk first about the Specialist certifications, then the Engineering Professional.  

Here are the current SCTE certifications Here are the current SCTE certifications. (This image is now on the website…hopefully, this visual will make it easier for certification candidates to learn about the SCTE certification, and select which one is best for them) Current candidates…Armstrong? …Comcast?

HFC Network Segments Premises Distribution Transport TelecomCenter Hub Most networks can be viewed as having four identifiable segments, along with their requisite technical personnel. This is how the Specialist program is structured:   (one click for animation) Customer Premises, Distribution, Fiber, and Headend. Each of these areas requires a different set of knowledge and skills to successfully execute job tasks. SCTE’s specialist certifications were designed to reflect the way networks are segmented and also mirror the greater density of equipment and technology found at each end of today’s HFC networks. Premises Distribution Transport TelecomCenter

Broadband Premises (BPI, BPT, BPE) Technology, Systems, Requirements Premises Devices Installation Troubleshooting and Maintenance Standards Safety (six clicks for bulleted list) The first of SCTE’s Specialist programs is the Broadband Premises Specialist. This certification establishes knowledge in these areas of service at customers’ premises.   Note that the BPS certification and its 3 endorsements will be replaced by three new premises certifications. (click) Broadband Premises Specialist has been phased out and is replaced by certifications that more closely reflect current MSO career paths, with all installers and techs requiring knowledge of the voice, video, and data products in the home. Three premises certifications are currently available: the Broadband Premises Installer (BPI), the Broadband Premises Technician (BPT), and the Broadband Premises Expert (BPE). The BPI certification describes the knowledge of an entry-level technician who will install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at the customer’s premises. The successful certification candidate has the knowledge to carry out a basic “triple-play” installation but is not yet proficient. This is your new-hire tech. The BPT certification describes the knowledge of an experienced field technician who will install and troubleshoot telecommunications services (video, voice, and data) at the customer’s premises. The successful certification candidate has the knowledge to install and service most “triple-play” installations. This is a solid triple-play tech. The Broadband Premises Expert or BPE is the third stand-alone Premises certification. Content includes knowledge in coaching and mentoring junior employees, dealing with difficult customers, and small advanced installations. The new BPE exam was released October 2009. These Certifications include 3 Lines of Business: Video – Voice – Data Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) and Technician (BPT) Broadband Premises Expert (BPE)

Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) System Architectures Distribution Components Signal Types Troubleshooting and Maintenance Construction Safety (six clicks for bulleted list) SCTE’s Broadband Distribution Specialist program certifies knowledge of RF distribution of signals. All aspects of the network from the optical node to the distribution tap are included in this certification curriculum.   This certification program is designed for technicians dealing with node-to-tap distribution. The revised BDS exam was released October 2009.

Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS) Fiber Optic Theory Optical Transport Systems Link Performance Troubleshooting and Maintenance Alternative Transport Systems Hub (five clicks for bulleted list) The Transport Specialist certification demonstrates competency in signal transport from the headend to the hub and from the hub to the optical node.   These competencies cover lightwave theory and other optics fundamentals…link performance…troubleshooting and maintenance…and alternative transport systems. This certification program is ideal for technicians who are handling short- and long-haul optical fiber. A revised BTS exam was released October 2009.

Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS) Facilities Baseband Signals Digital Telephony over Cable RF/Photonic Signals Tests and Measurements (five clicks for bulleted list) The Broadband TelecomCenter Specialist (BTCS) certifies knowledge in maintenance and troubleshooting of the inside plant facilities to ensure minimal system outages, maximum reliability, and standards compliance for optimal operations. This certification includes knowledge of advanced entertainment, data and voice networks within the headend.  Topic categories include Facilities…Baseband Signaling…Digital Telephony over Cable…RF/Photonic Signals…and Tests and Measurements. This program is designed for any technicians who are managing the full-range of headend technologies and services.   A revised BTCS exam was released October 2009.

HFC Network Segments BCT/E Certification (will be retired) Hub Hub Hub Broadband Premises Installer (BPI) Broadband Premises Technician (BPT) Broadband Premises Expert (BPE) To summarize, the four Specialist certifications cover the four major areas of the network. (click) Notice there is some overlap of the certifications…there are some competencies (and therefore questions) that could be presented on more than one exam. The Broadband Communications Technician and Engineer certifications cover the entire network. However, this series of seven exams are changing… Broadband Distribution Specialist (BDS) Broadband Transport Specialist (BTS) Broadband Telecomm Center Specialist (BTCS) BCT/E Certification (will be retired)

Engineering Professional The engineering professional certifications are credentials that demonstrate their holder is proficient with a specific range of knowledge relevant to all engineering theory, design, and function associated with network operations common to the Cable Telecommunications Industry.   Two certifications are available: Digital Video Engineering Professional (DVEP) Internet Protocol Engineering Professional (IPEP) Digital Video Engineering Professional (DVEP) was established several years ago and underwent a thorough review in 2009. Many questions were updated or deleted and new questions were created to more closely align with the engineering knowledge needed by digital media systems professionals in the Cable Telecommunications Industry. Also, the DVEP exam was changed from a 100-question exam to a 50-questions exam. DVEP’s scope includes the design, analysis, testing, integration, deployment considerations, and troubleshooting of a variety of digital media systems. The new Internet Protocol Engineering Professional (IPEP) certifies knowledge in the engineering aspects of Internet Protocol systems within the Cable Telecommunications Industry and includes the design, analysis, testing, integration, deployment considerations and troubleshooting of a variety of IP systems.    What questions do you have regarding SCTE certification programs?

BCT/E BCT/E certifications will retire 12/31/10 BCT/E designation will continue to be recognized! If certified, no action required (Renew, as usual) Options for those in progress: Complete Convert BCT (see www.scte.org for details) Consider taking other SCTE certifications The BCT/E certifications will retire 12/31/2010. Please note that the BCT/E designations will continue to be recognized! A certified individual does not need to take any action (Renew certification every three years, as usual) Options for those working toward these credentials: Complete the exams by 12/31/2010 Convert BCT to specialist program certifications (see the SCTE website for details) Consider taking other SCTE certifications in the Specialist program, and / or the Engineering Professional exams

Certification Platform OLD Platform Current Platform Two-Step Process: Enroll; take the exam One-Step Process: Take the exam Two Fees: Enrollment fee; testing fee One Fee: Exam fee Multiple Logins: Login to SCTE; login to exam site One Login: Login to SCTE 48-Hour Wait: Enroll; take exam 48 hours later Internet Speed: Take exam immediately One Value: All certifications have the same value and price Tiered Value: Exams requiring advanced technical knowledge have different value and price For those of you familiar with the older SCTE exam process (pre-June 2008), in order to enhance the certification experience, SCTE has improved the certification platform to create an efficient and user-friendly experience that provides a straightforward, one-step process for taking exams, with immediate availability to the exams. Each exam requires a testing fee, as outlined in the tiered pricing structure. The tiered pricing structure serves to emphasize the added value of our more advanced certifications to the individual and the industry. (refer to chart on the slide to compare) (pricing structure – see slide “Tiered Pricing” further in this PPT)

Questions? What questions do you have about the SCTE Certification programs before we discuss the benefits of SCTE Certification?

Why Certify? SCTE Certification Benefits… Individuals Our industry 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 Operators Used in conjunction with career path, improves performance Lowers service call rates Reduces repeat calls Reduces customer churn 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)

Getting Started Preparing to Certify Getting Certified Staying Certified 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…then take the exam…and finally, maintain the certification you’ve achieved. Let’s start with preparation.

Preparing to Certify Study Guides – Exam Topics Books, Manuals, and Personalized Prep Guides Jones/NCTI Courses Corporate Universities SCTE Bookstore Study Groups Individual Mentors Preparing to be certified: SCTE certification exams, like many professional certifications, are designed to assess an individual's grasp of specific technologies and therefore are not based on a specific book, course or reference. This is very much the same as when a lawyer takes their respective certification or “bar” exam. Their exams are based on the Law, not on specific courses taken in school.  It is a significant challenge to prepare for SCTE certification exams. But that's where the value is. SCTE provides a variety of resources to help you prepare for certification exams. Detailed lists of the topics covered by each certification will help to identify the areas you need to study. The SCTE website provides a list of suggested publications and courses that relate to each certification. You can also find manuals and books related to the certification topics in the SCTE Bookstore. Some local SCTE chapters organize Study Groups to support candidates. Corporate Universities- most MSOs (and contractor companies) offer training…this training is often in alignment with the SCTE certifications, since the content is determined by industry representatives.

What About Jones/NCTI? Jones/NCTI SCTE Certification Programs Helps prepare individuals for certification SCTE Certification Programs Industry-recognized Criteria are established by industry members Recertification component A question sometimes asked is “should I take SCTE Certification, or a Jones/NCTI training course?” Courses taken through Jones/NCTI help prepare individuals for certification. Certification is designed to assess an individual's knowledge of specific technologies. SCTE certification programs are industry-recognized, and the criteria are established by members of the industry. SCTE Certification Programs also have a recertification component (every three years).

Getting Certified Online 50 question multiple-choice exams Immediate feedback Fee per exam Example Exam Page (next slide) Certification exams are open-book, 50-question, multiple-choice tests and candidates have two hours to complete them (BCE, 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. The next page provides an example of an exam page

Example exam screen shot

Tiered Pricing Pricing Exam Member Rate Non-Member Rate BPI $ 45 $ 75 BPT BPE BPS  BDS  BTS  $ 50 $ 80 BTCS  $ 60 $100 BCT  BCE  $120 DVEP  $125 $165 IPEP $ 125 $ 165 Recertification $ 25 Candidates pay a testing fee each time they take an exam. (see schedule on slide)

Staying Certified Certification Valid for Three Years To Maintain Certification Status: Retake exam Earn Recertifications Units (RUs) SCTE membership Company-sponsored training 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) You can maintain your certification status by retaking the exam or by earning recertification units (RUs) before your certification expires. RUs may be accrued through SCTE membership, company-sponsored training, seminars, speaking or presenting, and other activities that can help you stay on top of technology and changes in the industry.

Staying Certified, continued 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) You’ll need to apply for recertification within six months before the expiration date or twelve months after the expiration date printed on your certification certificate. Failure to apply for recertification within the appropriate time period will result in the loss of your 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 you have not earned the minimum RUs, you may retake the exam, incurring the cost of the testing fee and the renewal application fee.

Staying Certified, continued 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, you cannot submit this form 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

Special Certification Status Emeritus Certification Status Continuously certification 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.

How do we promote? Whether supporting SCTE or company certifications, continue to prepare candidates: Partner with local operators and contractors Provide mentoring and study groups Maintain the “link” to SCTE certification Provide technical training prep sessions Encourage chapter members to certify For a Chapter Leaders Presentation (Unique to your chapter area…please customize!) Address MSOs who have internal certification Whether supporting SCTE or company certifications, continue to prepare candidates: Partner with local operators and contractors – build relationships with those companies within your chapter location Provide mentoring and study groups Maintain the “link” to SCTE certification, even if a company has its own internal certification Provide technical training sessions that will help someone prepare to take a certification test Encourage your chapter membership to certify by reviewing why they should certify

Learn From other Chapters! Incentive / Scholarship Programs Southern California Chapter: http://telecomlawfirm.com/scte/challenge.php Central California Chapter: http://home.comcast.net/~centralcalscte/certifications/certifications_page.htm For a Chapter Leaders Presentation

Learn From other Chapters! Incentive / Scholarship Programs Rocky Mountain Chapter http://chapters.scte.org/rockymtn/RMCScholarship.htm Gateway Chapter http://www.gatewayscte.org/certification.html Study Groups – Red Rocks Chapter For a Chapter Leaders Presentation

Communication - Share the News! Chapter Leader’s Role Communication - Share the News! Certification News: Go to www.scte.org > Certification > Certification News Questions??? (For a Chapter Leaders Presentation – please customize for your chapter!) Achieving SCTE certification tells everyone that an individual cares enough about his or her professional development to invest what it takes to be counted among the best in the industry. It's good for battling your competition, it's good for the industry, and it's good for the individuals. What additional questions do you have about SCTE certifications?

The Value of SCTE: Professional Development New & Improved Benefits: SCTE Live Learning Tech Tips Implication Papers Virtual Classroom On Demand Courses Topic examples: CCNA Channel Bonding in DOCSIS® 3.0 IPv6 Member Discounts Apply on all SCTE Pd Programs

The Value of SCTE Over 13,000 members throughout North America 40 year history of technical leadership Increase your Technical Proficiency Take advantage of SCTE membership! Certifications Grants and Scholarships SCTE Cable College @ RIT InfoScope® SCTE Professional Development SCTE Penn-Ohio Chapter