Become a Home Systems Expert
The trend is clear — companies specializing in security and alarm systems are expanding their offerings to include home theater, distributed audio, control systems and more. In the realm of security systems, the Electronic Security Association’s NTS training and certification are widely recognized. Their professional credentials require vigorous training and continuing education.
But when it comes to installing other systems in the home, how do you know if you are designing and installing these other residential systems according to industry standards and best practices? The best investment you can make in ensuring high quality is the investment you make in training.
Manufacturer training is extremely valuable, and specific to the products you sell and install, like cameras, surround receivers and control systems; but that is not the only place where you can learn about new types of installations.
Training offered by industry associations provides general knowledge which applies to all products, and has the additional benefit of supporting another whole array of recognized professional certifications.
CEDIA Training Opportunities
Whether your employees are seeking specific certifications, or just want to expand their knowledge in a particular area, CEDIA training is a great way to learn. CEDIA offers instructor-led “boot camps” which focus on entry-level technician skills, home theater installation and advanced networking and control. Hundreds of classes are available at EXPO every fall.
There are also a variety of CEDIA classes offered at various locations across the country throughout the year. If instructor-led training is not convenient, there is a full catalog of online eCourses available, from basic terminology and math to audio, video, networking, and advanced home theater acoustics. You can see the entire training line up at www.cedia.net/training.
Getting Certified
Once you have taken the time to get some training under your belt, you may want gauge the effectiveness of training while proving this competence to your clientele — which you can do that through industry certification.
Certifications prove that your team members have mastered a specific body of knowledge, and in most cases have kept their certification active through continuing education. A survey conducted by the National Association of Home Builders found that 74 percent of homeowners say they are willing to pay a little more to have certified professionals to work in their home.
Here’s a look at the most widely held certifications which apply to electronic systems in the home:
The Basics: For entry-level Electronic System Technicians, look to the EST certification offered by the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) — a collaborative effort of CEDIA, NSCA and CEA that is also supported by ESA. This credential is perfect for anyone getting started in any of the low voltage trades. It can be earned through self-study, but most people get this certification as part of a training program at a high school career center or post-secondary tech school. It is already offered in several major markets by schools such as Lincoln Tech, Madison Media Institute and Fortis College. New schools are being added all the time, and ESPA is eager to reach out to any school with an electronics program which might be a good fit. The ESPA EST certification qualifies for GI Bill reimbursement, and is a great credential to look for when hiring, as well as a training tool for new hires. Additional info on ESPA can be found at www.espa.org.
Intro to Residential Systems: If your company, like so many, wishes to expand into new subsystems in the home, the single best resource is CEDIA’s Fundamentals of Residential Electronic Systems book, and the Gateway certification it supports. This program covers the entire residential systems industry at a solid introductory level, and is pretty much a “must have” for any person or company that needs to know the key points related to technologies in the home. It supports the CEDIA Gateway certification, which is the foundation for all of CEDIA’s higher professional certifications.
Professional Certifications: For those who have some field experience and wish to prove a higher level of expertise, there are several professional certifications, which indicate mastery in specific technical areas, including:
- Electronic Systems Technician II (ESTII) for technicians with a few years of field experience, who want to prove their level of expertise in all skills related to installation, configuration, and calibration of residential systems.
- Electronic Systems Designer (ESD) for industry professionals who specialize in system design, engineering, and implementation.
- Residential Networking Specialist for those who specialize in the home network and the special considerations needed to support high end entertainment and control systems.
These professional certifications are renewed every three years through continuing education credits (CEUs) which can be earned by taking CEDIA classes or manufacturer training. This CEU requirement is what demonstrates that the holder has kept current on technologies an continued to learn every year.
For more info on CEDIA certifications: http://www.cedia.net/train/cedia-certification
Even more specialized training and certification is available through groups like Imaging Science Foundation (ISF), Home Acoustics Alliance (HAA) and THX. Their training focuses on home theater audio and video setup and calibration. It is important to understand that in order for a home theater system to perform correctly, and deliver a true cinema experience, it must be properly designed, configured and calibrated.
Exam Prep and Leveraging Certifications
Once you have selected the appropriate certification, you need a clear plan to earn it. ESPA and CEDIA certifications have easy-to-follow pathways order to prepare for the exam:
- Review the Job Task Analysis (JTA). This exam blueprint shows exactly what the exam covers.
- Take advantage of various resources to make sure you are prepared. These could include books and online eCourses.
- Take the Pre-Test Assessment. This “practice test” will give you instant feedback regarding where any remaining weaknesses might be.
- Do your final exam preparation by focusing on any areas you have not mastered.
- Register to take the exam at a testing center. You will be informed immediately of your pass/fail status.
It is easy to see how training and certification will raise the bar on your project quality. Technicians and designers have an improved perspective on industry standards and best practices. And their manufacturer training helps them understand the specifics related to the components they are installing. But how do you leverage these certifications in the eyes of your customers and other stakeholders? If you are a CEDIA member, the CEDIA certifications automatically appear on your company profile when consumers use the CEDIA Finders Service. Individuals can show their certifications on their business card, and many companies display all of their staff credentials, from all associations and manufacturers, framed and in clear view in their lobby — for all to see.
We recommend including some mention of manufacturer and association certifications in all proposals. The overview of your company philosophy should include the fact that you have multiple team members who hold multiple credentials, demonstrating their knowledge of the technology, as well as their commitment to continuing education.
Industry certifications are more than just a way to prove expertise in the field. They are also a great way to structure a training program, as well as a compensation strategy. Many companies stipulate that certain certifications are required for pay increases. By requiring proof of mastery, you will improve the quality of your company’s work, elevate your image in the eyes of customers, and ultimately enhance your bottom line.
Jeff Gardner is Director of Certification and Workforce Development for CEDIA (www.cedia.net).