How to become a broadcast engineer

Is becoming a broadcast 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 broadcast engineers do?
Career Satisfaction
Are broadcast engineers happy with their careers?
Personality
What are broadcast engineers like?

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How to become a Broadcast Engineer

Becoming a broadcast engineer involves a combination of education, hands-on experience, and technical skills. Here's a general guide to help you pursue a career in this field:

  • Bachelor's Degree (Optional but Recommended): While not always mandatory, obtaining a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Broadcast Engineering, or a related field can enhance your knowledge and competitiveness in the job market.
  • Gain Technical Skills: Develop proficiency in operating and troubleshooting broadcast equipment, including cameras, audio mixers, video routers, and signal processing devices.
  • Hands-on Experience: Seek internships, co-op programs, or entry-level positions at radio or television stations, production companies, or broadcast equipment manufacturers. Practical experience is crucial in this field.
  • Certifications (Optional but Beneficial): Consider obtaining relevant certifications, such as Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE) from the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) or other certifications offered by industry organizations (see below).
  • Build a Portfolio: Showcase your projects, technical skills, and any certifications in a portfolio. Highlight hands-on experiences and successful projects you've worked on.
  • Specialize if Desired: Consider specializing in a specific area of broadcast engineering, such as audio engineering, video production, or RF transmission, based on your interests and career goals.
  • Apply for Entry-Level Positions: Look for entry-level positions such as broadcast technician, assistant engineer, or junior engineer at radio or television stations, production houses, or broadcasting facilities.
  • Excel in the Workplace: Demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability. Take initiative to learn new technologies and contribute to the efficient operation of broadcast systems.

Certifications
In the field of broadcast engineering, certifications can enhance your professional credibility and demonstrate expertise in specific areas. Here are some relevant certifications for broadcast engineers:

  • Certified Broadcast Networking Technologist (CBNT): Offered by the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE), the CBNT certification validates proficiency in the design, integration, and maintenance of broadcast networks.
  • Certified Broadcast Television Engineer (CBTE): Also provided by the SBE, the CBTE certification is designed for broadcast engineers with a focus on television. It covers various aspects of television engineering, including signal processing and transmission.
  • Certified Audio Engineer (CEA): The Audio Engineering Society (AES) offers the CEA certification, which is relevant for broadcast engineers specializing in audio production and processing.
  • Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Certifications: SMPTE provides certifications such as the SMPTE Engineering Technologist (ET) and SMPTE Broadcast Engineer, recognizing expertise in the engineering and technology aspects of motion pictures and television.
  • InfoComm Certified Technology Specialist (CTS): While not specific to broadcast, the CTS certification from InfoComm is recognized in the audiovisual industry and can be beneficial for broadcast engineers working with audio and video systems.
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA): Relevant for broadcast engineers involved in network design and maintenance, the CCNA certification from Cisco validates skills in networking technologies.
  • Avid Certified Support Representative (ACSR): For broadcast engineers working with Avid systems, the ACSR certification demonstrates proficiency in supporting and maintaining Avid products commonly used in broadcasting.
  • Adobe Certified Professional - Video Design: Ideal for broadcast engineers involved in video editing and post-production, this certification from Adobe validates proficiency in using Adobe's video design software.
  • ARRL Amateur Radio License: While not a traditional certification, obtaining an Amateur Radio License from the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) can be beneficial for broadcast engineers, especially those dealing with RF technologies.
  • RF Safety Awareness Certification: Certifications related to radiofrequency (RF) safety, such as those offered by RF Safety Solutions, can be essential for broadcast engineers working with RF transmission equipment.