The SBE Program of Certification, adopted in 1975, continues to evolve and grow. While the Core Four (CBT, CBRE/CBTE, CSRE/CSTE, CPBE) levels are the foundation of the program, advances in technology have spurred the need for other relevant skills to be evaluated. Examples of this include the Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (2001) and Certified Broadcast Networking Engineer (2012), the specialist certifications (8-VSB, AMD, ATSC3 and DRB), and the Certified Audio Engineer and Certified Video Engineer.
The CEA and CEV were created for those people who perform the same functions as a CBRE or CBTE, but don’t work with the RF or regulatory issues. This includes radio and TV broadcast facility production personnel, but also those working in production houses and live venues. This now includes those who work for streaming services. The candidate for Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) or Certified Video Engineer (CEV) must have five years of suitable experience in audio/video engineering or related technology. The Audio/Video Engineer multiple choice examination consists of questions on operating practices, problems, theory, safety, and basic electronics.
On the announcement, SBE Certification Committee Chair Ralph Hogan, CPBE, ATSC3, DRB, CBNE, said, “While the CEA/CEV are established in the industry, being created more than 20 years ago, it was realized that an entry-level certification covering the same skills, but without the career service requirement, was needed, especially with the proliferation of streaming services and increase in media facilities not directly involved in broadcast distribution. Like the CEA and CEV, there are no RF or FCC questions on the exam.”
The Certified Broadcast Technologist (CBT) is actually two separate certifications that use the same name. The CBT exam can focus on radio or television. The Certified Production Technologist (CPT) does the same. It will be identified with one name, but it has two tracks: audio or video. Again, no experience is required as it is an entry-level certification.
The CPT exam is administered like other SBE Certification exams. The exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. It will be open-book, with personal notes and internet access allowed. It’s important to know the technology, but just as important to know where to find a solution when it’s needed. To pass the exam, an individual must correctly answer at least 70% (35 total) of the questions.
The exam question pool is being finalized, and in time, a CertPreview sample test will be available. Apply to take the CPT through the SBE website. Find the applications under the Certification tab.
