Cedia, always was a bunch of hype. I agree that because of all of the trunkslammers in the field there needs to be some accounting of education and experience but cedia is not filling the bill. First of all, cedia says that it is a non-profit organization, ya right. Second, being cedia certified in any respect does not mean that you know a hill of beans about the Custom AV Industry. I have seen a lot of work of cedia certified installers that is totally repulsive. I was looking at some advertising for AV work today from a cedia certified (6 years) company, and the pictures posted were trunkslammer material. What is upsetting to me is how cedia is trying to take every dime from those who don't know any better, for cedia to tell them that they know what they are doing. I had an idiot today try to guage my know-how on whether or not I am cedia certified. I laughed in his face. I have done installations that ticketed over 1 million. I didn't need cedia to tell me that I knew what I was doing then and I don't need them now. In fact, I am seriously thinking about opening a real (non-profit) organization that could provide realistic testing to determine ones knowledge base. Once passed, the installer would never have to take the test again, but could evolve and pass other exams that would determine his level of education and experience. Finished installation pictures and referrals would have to be given at some point. Testing in many of the different realms of AV would be essential to really determine ones own ability, aptitude, and experience. A low voltage test does not determine ones ability to troubleshoot or install quality home theater. One other problem that i have is all of the cedia certified technicians charging clients as if they had the experience of a professional. I have been doing this for 18 years and have learned a great wealth of information that I could never have learned unless I was in the field. Cedia makes me sick, and at some point a lawsuit may be in order to keep them from suggesting that individuals that do not want their (help) are not educated in the industry. I am not saying that all cedia certified installers don't know what they are doing. I am sure that a good percentage are very educated but cedia does not care whether or not you are a thief, are really educated, or experienced, their concern is recurring revenue. I have heard about enough of cedia certification. I have never to this point been asked by a potential client if I was cedia certified and to be honest, my work and my success speaks for itself. Pictures that I see posted on the internet of complete home theater systems and the like by cedia certified installers are all I need to see to know that cedia certification means nothing.

This is a great point. Our industry standards change constantly which is one of the reasons we like this industry, it keeps us challenged. For any sort of certification to be of any significance, it would require at least annual testing for newly developed standards. CA's C7 is a good example of how some areas are trying to create this, but the test is not exactly appropriate for our industry.

I would endorse a certification which requires perhaps an annual renewal that incorporates new standards, but the fees to maintain this certification should not extort its subscribers. IMO Cedia is a joke and they have not done anything to help its members, so for them to announce this is ridiculous. JMHO

Hey, did you notice that you replied to a thread that has been dead for 18 months now?

I blame my half empty first cup of coffee for that oversight

whoops

You may have received the same LEGISLATIVE ALERT I received this morning from CEDIA regarding Chicago's electrician's exam. This smoking hot bit of news is years old. I replied to the person that sent out this missive telling them they were pretty late, and call us when they found a way to let CEDIA members take that test without having to A) work as an electrician for two years and B) get an endorsement from an electrician. I'll be holding my breath on that one...

Outside of most big union city's this is easy, hire an electrician.

Gary, what Owen is talking about is that in Chicago, you must be a licensed electrician to do any LV work. Why do we need to be an electrician to pull speaker wire?

I understand that, even here with us hicks you need to apprentice for two years to take the test to be an electrician.

I you want or need someone with an electrical license just hire them, work "under" them for two years and take the test.