Matt Nimmons, managing director at CEDIA EMEA, discusses the importance and value of CEDIA certifications.
CEDIA certifications are designed and built by integrators to recognise technicians with proven competence and a commitment to professionalism. CEDIA's globally accredited certifications: Cabling & Infrastructure Technician (CIT) and Integrated Systems Technician (IST) provide members with the opportunity to showcase credibility, development, and differentiation.
In CEDIA’s 2023 UK Smart Home Recruitment & Salary Survey, over 60% of surveyed participants state that they are more likely to hire a person if they have earned Cabling Infrastructure Technician (CIT) or Integrated Systems Technician (IST). Meanwhile 44% state that they will be willing to pay more if their employees have earned any industry certification.
Let’s look into a few more benefits of CEDIA certification and what it means for you.
Build Your Reputation
Certification carries a lot of weight with allied trades who have a strong tradition of certification, licensing, and continuing education. Electricians, architects, and engineers recognise the meaning of ANSI/ISO accreditation, and are far more likely to seek to engage with partners who can verify their expertise to an accepted standard, but they want to know how they can tell whether an integrator is qualified.
CEDIA’s globally-accredited certifications are the answer to that question. When subcontracting to an allied trade, having multiple certified staff members gives you a crucial competitive edge. As part of the bigger picture, a critical mass of certified integrators will prove to allied trade groups, government agencies, and lawmakers that this industry holds itself to rigorous, defined standards.
Be in it for the Long Haul
Certification is a journey that doesn’t end with passing the test. CIT and IST holders must renew every three years by refreshing their knowledge with any new material that’s been added to the exam content outline. Maintaining a certification demonstrates your determination to stay on the industry’s leading edge.
Make the Right Decisions
Training your staff does not cost nearly as much time as not training your staff. You may arrive at a project with a clear plan and explicit instructions for inexperienced staff members, but things can change quickly on site. When the drawing doesn’t match the build, can your technicians make the right call?
CIT helps define what decisions a technician is qualified to make, and what decisions require approval or oversight from an ISE-certified staff member. Often, time spent in training is repaid with onsite effectiveness.
Feedback from the Industry
Owen Maddock, IST, ESC-D, ESC-N, ESC-T: “I’m CEDIA certified because I want to do my job well and fill gaps in my knowledge. I’ve found that being certified adds weight and authority to what I’m saying when working with other qualified professionals on a build project – they’re often more likely to see it my way. Finally, it’s a point of difference between me and most of my competitors.”
Mike Ranpura, CIT-SME, IST-SME, ESC-N: “One of the biggest benefits to CEDIA certification is professional development. Technology is ever evolving, and it’s important to know that you’re staying on top of changes in the market. Certification also proves to your clients that you’re fully capable of carrying out work at their property and are competent in what you say you can do. Perhaps the best part about CEDIA certification, though, is that it’s available to everyone, not just CEDIA members. Our line of work is becoming very popular, and these certifications ensure anyone wishing to work in this industry learns how to do things the correct way.”
Be a Catalyst for Change
Certification is the future of the industry and your business. If you want an edge against competitors in your marketplace, you need to get certified. If the industry wants recognition as a profession, its members must demonstrate their commitment to professional accreditation and standards.
cedia.net/certification
