How to become an audio engineer

Is becoming an audio engineer right for me?

The first step to choosing a career is to make sure you are actually willing to commit to pursuing the career. You don’t want to waste your time doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re new here, you should read about:

Overview
What do audio engineers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are audio engineers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are audio engineers like?

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How to become an Audio Engineer

Becoming an audio engineer involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and networking within the industry. Here's a general guide:

  • Choose a Specialization: Determine the specific area of audio engineering you're interested in, such as studio recording, live sound, post-production for film and television, or sound design.
  • Earn a Relevant Degree or Certification: Pursue formal education in sound engineering, broadcast technology or a related field. Alternatively, you can consider vocational programs or certification courses offered by reputable institutions.
  • Build Technical Skills: Develop proficiency in using audio equipment, recording software, and industry-standard tools. Learn about signal flow, mixing techniques, microphone placement, and studio acoustics.
  • Hands-On Experience: Gain practical experience by working on projects. Internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities at recording studios, radio stations, or live venues can provide valuable hands-on experience.
  • Build a Portfolio: Document your work and create a portfolio showcasing projects you've worked on. Include recordings, mixes, or any relevant contributions to demonstrate your skills to potential employers or clients.
  • Build a Home Studio (Optional): Consider setting up a home studio to practice and experiment with your skills. Having your own space allows for continuous learning and honing of your craft.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level positions or internships in recording studios, production houses, or live sound companies. Positions like studio assistant, runner, or assistant engineer are common starting points.
  • Excel in Internships or Entry-Level Roles: Make the most of internships or entry-level positions by being proactive, showing a willingness to learn, and building positive relationships with colleagues and mentors.
  • Continue Education (Optional): Consider pursuing advanced degrees or certifications to deepen your knowledge or specialize further in a specific aspect of audio engineering (see below).
  • Build a Professional Reputation: Consistently deliver high-quality work, meet deadlines, and maintain professionalism. Positive recommendations and a strong reputation within the industry can lead to more opportunities.

Certifications
While certification is not always a strict requirement for audio engineers, obtaining certifications can enhance your skills, credibility, and employability in the field. Here are some relevant certifications for audio engineers:

  • Avid Certified Operator (Pro Tools Certification): Offered by Avid, this certification validates proficiency in using Pro Tools, a widely used digital audio workstation (DAW) in the music and post-production industries.
  • Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) - Audio: Provided by AVIXA (Audiovisual and Integrated Experience Association), the CTS certification demonstrates expertise in audio systems design and integration, which is valuable for audio engineers in various industries.
  • Dante Certification: Audinate offers Dante Certification programs for professionals working with Dante audio networking solutions. This certification is relevant for audio engineers involved in networked audio systems.
  • SynAudCon Audio Training Certification: SynAudCon offers various audio training programs and certifications covering topics such as sound system design, acoustics, and audio troubleshooting.
  • Avid Certified Live Sound Engineer: Avid offers certifications specific to live sound engineering, focusing on the use of Avid live sound consoles and systems.
  • InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) - Installation: While not specific to audio, this certification is offered by AVIXA and covers audio systems installation, making it relevant for audio engineers working in installation and integration.
  • SoundGirls Scholarships and Training: SoundGirls, an organization supporting women in audio, offers scholarships and training opportunities. While not a traditional certification, their programs can provide valuable skills and networking.
  • Music Engineering Technology Certification (METAlliance): The METAlliance offers certification programs that focus on music engineering technology, covering various aspects of recording, mixing, and mastering.
  • Recording Connection Audio Engineering Certification: Recording Connection provides hands-on audio engineering programs that culminate in a certification upon completion.
  • Shure Audio Institute (SAI) Certification: Shure offers training and certification programs covering topics related to microphones, wireless systems, and audio technology.
  • Audio Engineering Society (AES) Membership: While not a certification, becoming a member of AES provides access to valuable resources, networking opportunities, and events that contribute to ongoing professional development in audio engineering.