Becoming a CATV Contractor

CATV Contractor

A CATV contractor is basically described as a person (sometimes a business entity) that undertakes the job of connecting people to cable TV. Cable TV, abbreviated CATV, is a type of television service where transmission is done through optical fiber or coaxial wire medium, rather than through the air on the "free-to-air" broadcasting model used by other (traditional) television broadcasters. People opting for CATV often have to pay regular subscriptions to the CATV provider for the service in addition to paying a one-off fee to the person who connects them to the CATV service--the CATV contractor.

Role of a CATV Contractor

Apart from connecting individuals to cable TV, bigger CATV contractors also set up the CATV services with the CATV providers, maintaining the systems that make CATV possible and upgrading the systems as the need arises.

Training

Become a CATV contractor by getting the technical know-how required to undertake the job and then obtain a license to prove it. Experience in a relevant field, like electronics or telecommunications is a good first step towards becoming a CATV contractor. Even if you come from these backgrounds, however, you will need to study the exact workings of CATV and obtain in-depth knowledge . There are many formal courses, tutorials and books on CATV that can help you.

Licensing

Once coursework is completed, apply for a CATV contractor license. The application process and requirements for licensing as a CATV contractor vary from state to state, and there are actually some states that don't require a CATV contractor's license. No matter where you live, it helps to obtain licensing in the field to strengthen your credentials. To be granted a CATV contractors license, take your state's exam, which includes matters to do with business law and perhaps ethics in addition, of course, to core material on CATV and telecommunications. The exam is administered by your State Contractor Licensing Board. It is only after you pass the examination that you can apply for CATV contractor licensing.