Recording Technician Requirements
Recording technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining and operating equipment such as speakers, microphones and recording equipment. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that some technicians also work in program production. Formal post-secondary training is required for a career as a recording technician. Although this requirement does not necessarily include a college degree, the bureau notes that more technicians are enrolling in degree programs.
Other People Are Reading
-
Requirements
-
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the amount of education needed by a recording technician can vary and ranges from several months of training in a vocational program to a bachelor’s degree. Aspiring recording technicians are encouraged to participate in an audiovisual club while in high school or college. Working as an assistant technician or completing an internship can also help aspiring recording technicians prepare for a career in the industry.
Training
-
In a training program for recording technicians, such as a bachelor’s degree program in audio production, students learn techniques for editing, mixing and recording audio. For example, at the Art Institute of Philadelphia, audio production majors learn in a hands-on setting and are trained in the latest recording technology. They take courses in electronics and music theory and learn how audio production skills can lead to a career in the music, film or Internet industries.
-
Certification
-
Earning a professional credential -- such as Certified Audio Engineer -- from an organization such as the Society of Broadcast Engineers is a way for a recording technician to demonstrate his proficiency. To be eligible for certification as an audio engineer, a candidate must have at least five years of experience in audio engineering or an equivalent combination of education and experience. For example, a bachelor’s degree counts as four years of experience, and an associate’s degree counts as two years of experience. Candidates who meet the experience requirement then take an exam that consists of 50 multiple-choice questions related to audio engineering practices, problems and operating practices.
Career Outlook
-
The bureau estimates that employment for recording technicians will grow by 6 percent through the year 2018. This slower-than-average growth forecast is attributed to the fact that technological improvements will likely make technicians more efficient, thereby reducing the number of recording technicians needed. Job growth may also be hampered by the consolidation of radio stations and the advent of computer-controlled programming. Employment opportunities for recording technicians will be best in the cable and mobile broadcasting opportunities, according to the bureau. There will be keen competition for entry-level jobs, but prospects will be better in smaller towns.
-
References
- Photo Credit Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images
