The exams are practical and cover a broad range of hardware and broadcast technology, but are not limited to specific brands of products. The CSI covers: satellite communications history & theory, satellite dish reflectors, cabling, amplifiers, satellite dish feed-horns—LNBs & LNBFs, Satellite System Installation-site surveys, satellite receivers-digital technology, interfacing with other consumer electronics equipment, transmission-internet systems, troubleshooting, repairs, sun outage, and safety. Four endorsements are also available. Antenna (CSI-A)—roof top antennas, towers, and rotors. C and Ku Band (CSI-C/Ku)—aiming, installation and troubleshooting of large-dish systems. Commercial (CSI-COM)—VSAT and other commercial satellite systems including internet two-way units. S-MATV (CSI-SMATV)—satellite antenna signal distribution systems for multiple unit dwellings including cable-type headends.
Available CSI Endorsements
- Antenna
- C and KU Band
- Commercial
- S-MATV
Each of the four endorsements (Antenna, C and Ku Band, Commercial, and SMATV), if taken at separate times, is $60 per endorsement; if the CSI and all four endorsements are taken at the same time, it is $240 – a price break of $75; if you already have your CSI and later take all four of the endorsements at the same time the price is $180 – a $60 price break.
If you hold a Standalone CSI and later complete the Associate CET (CETa) or the General Communications Technician – Level 1 (GCT1), then you are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET! To apply for the Journeyman CET, you must have two or more years of combined work and electronics training. To upgrade, please fill out the Journeyman CET upgrade form. Journeyman upgrades are $50.
Additional Information
- FREE retake! ETA allows one free retake with all ETA certification exams after a 30-day waiting period. (This does not apply to FCC exams.) Retakes must be completed within one year of the first exam session.
- ACCREDITED by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC)