The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) has released three new exams in the Video Security Systems (VSS) suite.
CCTV technicians and designers who work on types A and B systems can now demonstrate their qualifications with a NICET certification. NICET’s system types (A, B, and C) were defined by a group of experts as a way of relating each level of certification to a type of CCTV system.
NICET says the matching of qualifications to system type will bring value to integrators and buyers, and will allow experienced VSS designers and technicians to advance their careers with nationally recognized credentials. VSS designers can now apply for Level I, while VSS technicians can apply for Levels I-III.
NICET’s career track philosophy provides a valuable credential for the entry-level person to the most experienced designers and technicians in the VSS industry, NICET says. Certification at particular levels is achieved by demonstrating knowledge and experience working with video security systems classified as type A, B or C. VSS Designer I designs types A and B, and Designer II designs all three. VSS Technician I represents an individual who is in training and assists on projects. VSS Technician II installs Type A, Technician III installs Type A and B, and Technician IV installs all three. (The Type C certifications, Designer II and Technician IV, are now in beta and will be available in 2007.)
Type A systems are basic systems with standard components, low bandwidth transmission and menu-driven set-up: multiplexer/VCR; quad/VCR; DVRs with time/date, play/record, and anti-tamper functions; sequential switch; single keyboard; indoor/outdoor; standard cable runs not requiring repeaters or amplifiers (less than 800 feet for coaxial; less than 1.500 feet for twisted pair).
Type B systems can include specialized components, programmable controls and high bandwidth transmission: pan/tilt/zoom; multiple keyboards; matrix interfaced with alarms, A/C, or intercom (GPI or dry contact); DVRs with programmable, alarm-based resolution and frame rate; fiber transmission systems; low light; long cable runs; covert or portable systems; RF modulators.
Type C systems can include PCs, serial communication and wireless transmission: integrated systems/serial communications/GUIs; LANs/WANs; remote systems; microwave and IR transmission; DVRs with remote interface.
