Broadcast Technicians:

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.

Also includes




About the Job


Indiana Average Salary $33,300.00
Average Time to Fill 38 days
Typical Education Post-secondary certificate or some college courses
Typical Experience Over 10 years
10 Year Projected Openings (2016-2026) 413
10 Year Expected Percentage Change (2016-2026) -4.50 %

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Skills Profile



Essential (Soft) Skills

Essential Skills to Employers

Attention to Detail
Work Ethic
Information Gathering
Oral Communication
Creativity
Written Communication
Technology and Tool Usage
Decision-making
Professionalism

Top Job Duties and Responsibilities

Controlling Machines and Processes

Play radio or television programming according to broadcast schedule
Operate communications, transmissions, or broadcasting equipment
Operate radio transmitter, receiver, or auxiliary equipment
Operate broadcast regulating equipment
Operate recording or broadcast studio controls
Operate specialized photo equipment
Operate controls for sound, lighting or video
Create special visual effects for film or video
Operate audio recording equipment
Operate audio-visual equipment
Operate power or hand tools for installation, maintenance, or repair

Handling and Moving Objects

Solder metal parts, piping, or components
Solder electrical or electronic connections or components
Adjust electrical or electronic equipment
Adjust telecommunications equipment
Install electronic power, communication, or control equipment or systems
Install electronic equipment, components, or systems
Connect electrical components or equipment

Thinking Creatively

Edit film scenes
Achieve special camera effects
Implement special lighting or sound effects
Establish pace and sequence of program and scenes
Create computer graphics, animation, objects, or images

Getting Information

Read detailed electronic design specifications
Review installation, maintenance, or repair codes and specifications
Read operating, service, or repair manuals related to media or communications equipment
Interpret installation, maintenance, or repair information from schematics or technical drawings
Review installation, maintenance, or repair work orders


Real-Time Job Posting Statistics


Booster Skills & Certifications

Job Seekers possessing booster skills & certifications, such as those listed below, added to core skills are more marketable, harder to find and expensive to hire.

Hard to Fill: Employers find positions requiring these skills to be hard to fill. These skills and certifications make a job seeker more in demand because the skills are not widely available.

Expensive to Fill: Employers find positions requiring these skills to be expensive to fill. Job seekers with these skills and certifications are likely to earn more money.

Skill or Certification Certi - fication Hard to Fill Expensive to Fill
Quality Assurance and Control
Social Media
Audio Editing
Technical Support
Adobe Indesign
Automation Systems
Technical Training
Audio / Visual Knowledge
Routers


Related Licensing Requirements


Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE) (18-0000000243)

The candidate for Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer or Certified Broadcast Television Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in broadcast engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination.Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for concurrent years of experience and education. The Certified Broadcast Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV, covering the equivalent of five (5) years experience. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points. The Broadcast Engineer multiple choice examination will consist of questions on: safety, problems, operating practices, theory. NOTE: The Certified Broadcast Engineer certificate will carry space for a special designation in either AM/FM or TV. The candidate may take the Broadcast Engineer examination by meeting the experience requirement either in AM/FM or TV or in both fields of specialization. Satisfactory passing of one or more of these classes will permit the person to attach the respective designation(s) to the certificate. Designations will be by examination only.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Senior Broadcast Radio Engineer (CSRE) (18-0000000244)

Certified Senior Radio Engineer(CSRE) and Certified Senior Television Engineer(CSTE)The candidate for Certified Senior Radio Engineer or Certified Senior Television Engineer must have 10 years of responsible broadcast engineering or related technology experience and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made in the qualifications as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for years of experience and education which are concurrent. The Certified Senior Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV, covering the equivalent of 10 years experience at a responsible level. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each question is worth two (2) points. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points. The Senior Broadcast Engineer multiple-choice examination will consist of questions on: operating practices, safety, theory, problems, supervision and management. NOTE: The Certified Senior Engineer certificate will carry space for a special designation in either AM/FM or TV. The candidate may take the Senior Broadcast Engineer examination by meeting the experience requirement either in AM/FM or TV or in both fields of specialization.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Senior Broadcast Television Engineer (CSTE) (18-0000000245)

Certified Senior Radio Engineer(CSRE) and Certified Senior Television Engineer(CSTE) The candidate for Certified Senior Radio Engineer or Certified Senior Television Engineer must have 10 years of responsible broadcast engineering or related technology experience and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made in the qualifications as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for years of experience and education which are concurrent. The Certified Senior Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV, covering the equivalent of 10 years experience at a responsible level. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each question is worth two (2) points. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points. The Senior Broadcast Engineer multiple-choice examination will consist of questions on: operating, practices, safety, theory, problems, supervision and management. NOTE: The Certified Senior Engineer certificate will carry space for a special designation in either AM/FM or TV. The candidate may take the Senior Broadcast Engineer examination by meeting the experience requirement either in AM/FM or TV or in both fields of specialization.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

AM Directional Specialist (AMD) (18-0000000248)

Specialist Certifications To establish a benchmark of individual strengths, the National Certification Committee created the concept of Specialist Certifications. To apply for a specialist certification, you must currently hold certification on the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification level. Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points. AM Directional Specialist (AMD) The SBE Program of Certification designed the AM Directional Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to keep facilities operating properly. AM radio stations can operate as non-directional with a single tower or directional using more than one tower. While both require knowledge and skill to maintain in proper working order, the directional antenna system involves a higher degree of skill and understanding of RF theory. The exam will cover the operation, maintenance and repair of a directional antenna system. These are the tasks common to the station engineer charged with maintaining these systems. The exam will also gauge a person's knowledge of AM radiators, understanding of the principles of phase addition and cancellation, familiarity with the various components used in a directional antenna system, and ability to correctly make necessary measurements and take proper procedures to make repairs and adjustments to the system.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CBRTE) (18-0000000251)

The following certifications, while still in active use, are no longer issued. Certified Senior Broadcast Engineer (CSBE), Certified Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CBRTE), Certified Senior Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CSRTE)

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Video Engineer (CEV) (18-0000000241)

Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) and Certified Video Engineer (CEV) The candidate for Certified Audio Engineer or Certified Video Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in audio/video engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for concurrent years of experience and education. The Certified Audio or Certified Video Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours, consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either audio or video, covering the equivalent of five (5) years experience. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Professional Broadcast Engineer (CPBE) (18-0000000246)

The candidate for Certified Professional Broadcast Engineer must have at least 20 years of professional broadcast engineering or related technologies experience in radio and/or television, exclusive of any educational credit. Because the CPBE requires twenty years of professional experience in broadcast engineering, educational credits will not be counted toward that total. CPBE candidates must verify 20 years of compensated professional experience excluding educational credits. The candidate must presently be certified on the Senior Broadcast Engineer level unless registered as a professional electrical engineer in the U.S., Canada, or any other jurisdiction with a reciprocity agreement with the U.S. Accreditation Board for Engineering Technology, Inc. (ABET). The candidate must submit evidence satisfactory to the Committee that he or she has the appropriate engineering background, experience and training. The candidate must demonstrate a degree of knowledge and participation in one or more of (but not limited to) the following: Maintenance, Systems Design, Management or Supervision, Continuing Education. A registered Professional Electrical Engineer's license (as stated above) will count as four (4) years. However, if you are a registered Professional Electrical Engineer and meet the 20 years of service in broadcast or related technology, you may obtain Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification without taking a test. The candidate must have three (3) letters of reference. Two (2) must be from Certified Professional Broadcast Engineers, Certified Senior Broadcast Engineers or Registered Professional Electrical Engineers (as stated above). At least one letter of reference must be from a person who has supervised his/her work.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB) (18-0000000249)

Specialist Certifications To establish a benchmark of individual strengths, the National Certification Committee created the concept of Specialist Certifications. To apply for a specialist certification, you must currently hold certification on the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification level. Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points. Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist (DRB) The SBE Program of Certification designed the Digital Radio Broadcast Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to build and keep facilities operating properly. It will qualify an individual's knowledge of digital radio broadcasting including audio rocessing, studio-to-transmitter links and transmission of multi-channel digital program streams. The specialist exam will include knowledge of importers, exporters, the various methods of combining analog and digital transmitters to antenna systems, delivery of digital audio signals and data to transmitter sites, transmitter emission mask measurements, AM and FM FCC rules, monitoring of digital signals and bandwidth requirements for AM antenna systems

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Broadcast Engineers (18-0000000025)

Many employers require broadcast technicians to be certified.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Senior Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CSRTE) (18-0000000252)

The following certifications, while still in active use, are no longer issued. Certified Senior Broadcast Engineer (CSBE), Certified Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CBRTE), Certified Senior Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CSRTE)

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Broadcast Technologist (CBT) (18-0000000239)

The Certified Broadcast Technologist certification can be obtained by meeting one of the following requirements: By achieving a passing grade on the proficiency examination. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination. By holding a valid General Class Radio Telephone license with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology. By holding a valid FCC Amateur Extra Class license with either two (2) years of continuous satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology prior to the date of application, or a total of three (3) out of the last five (5) years of satisfactory service in broadcast engineering or related technology. By holding a valid license equivalent to one of the FCC licenses listed above, who meet the service requirement. (NOTE: This provision is for those who live in areas that do not operate under the rules and regulations of the FCC.)

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Broadcast Radio Engineer (CBRE) (18-0000000242)

The candidate for Certified Broadcast Radio Engineer or Certified Broadcast Television Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in broadcast engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for concurrent years of experience and education.The Certified Broadcast Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either AM/FM or TV, covering the equivalent of five (5) years experience. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points. The Broadcast Engineer multiple choice examination will consist of questions on: safety, problems, operating practices, theory. NOTE: The Certified Broadcast Engineer certificate will carry space for a special designation in either AM/FM or TV. The candidate may take the Broadcast Engineer examination by meeting the experience requirement either in AM/FM or TV or in both fields of specialization. Satisfactory passing of one or more of these classes will permit the person to attach the respective designation(s) to the certificate. Designations will be by examination only.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

8-VSB Specialist (8-VSB) (18-0000000247)

Specialist Certifications To establish a benchmark of individual strengths, the National Certification Committee created the concept of Specialist Certifications. To apply for a specialist certification, you must currently hold certification on the Broadcast Engineer, Senior Broadcast Engineer or Professional Broadcast Engineer Certification level. Exams are three hours and consist of 50 multiple-choice questions. One essay-type question will be selected for each designation. Each essay question is worth 20 points. 8-VSB Specialist (8-VSB) The SBE Program of Certification designed the 8-VSB Specialist Certification to help evaluate an individual's ability to perform the necessary tasks to keep facilities operating properly. The exam will cover these areas of competency: transport stream, audio (AC-3), video (MPEG-2), PSIP, DTV standards documents and transmission systems.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Senior Broadcast Engineer (CSBE) (18-0000000250)

The following certifications, while still in active use, are no longer issued. Certified Senior Broadcast Engineer (CSBE), Certified Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CBRTE), Certified Senior Radio and Television Broadcast Engineer (CSRTE)

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Audio Engineer (CEA) (18-0000000240)

Certified Audio Engineer (CEA) and Certified Video Engineer (CEV) The candidate for Certified Audio Engineer or Certified Video Engineer must have five (5) years of suitable experience in audio/video engineering or related technology and must achieve a passing grade on the proficiency examination. Substitution of broadcast engineering, or education in related technologies, for experience may be made as follows: A state registered Professional Engineer's license will count as four (4) years experience for all levels of certification. A Bachelor Degree will count as four (4) years experience. An Associate Degree will count as two (2) years experience. Years of related accredited education, i.e., military, correspondence, etc. can be substituted, year for year, up to four (4) years. Applicant will not receive dual credit for concurrent years of experience and education. The Certified Audio or Certified Video Engineer Exam: Exams are three hours, consist of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to either audio or video, covering the equivalent of five (5) years experience. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT) (18-0000000238)

This certification is designed for persons who wish to demonstrate a basic familiarity with networking hardware as utilized in business and audio/video applications in broadcast facilities. The Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist certification can be obtained by meeting one of the following requirements: By achieving a passing grade on the proficiency examination. There is no experience requirement to be eligible for the examination other than current employment in broadcast engineering or related technology. The Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist Exam: The exam is three hours and consists of 50 multiple-choice questions relating to radio and television broadcast station internal network installation and operation. The examination is not software-specific and is designed to place an emphasis on the hardware and installation issues common to all platforms. Each exam is computer-selected from a pool of questions, and every exam is unique. Each correct answer will be worth two (2) points. The Broadcast Networking Technologist exam will consist of questions on: Network topologies and layouts, Common network protocols, Wiring standards and practices, maintenance, troubleshooting and connectivity issues

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org

Radio Operator (CRO) (18-0000000236)

Years ago, the FCC required all announcers to hold a Third-class License and later a Restricted Operator's Permit. The SBE now offers a radio operator certification examination that covers much of the same information that the Third-class License covered and provides a benchmark standard to gauge an individual's proficiency in station operations. The handbook helps operators learn more about the broadcasting business from the technical and business side. While it is designed for individuals just getting started in radio, the information is useful to anyone who pulls a shift behind the console.

- The Society of Broadcast Engineers, Inc. (3178469000)
- http://www.SBE.org


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