General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)
Credential: General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)
Credentialing Agency: Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), General Communications Technician Level 1 (GCT1) certification is an entry-level credential designed to cover the many areas encountered by radio communications technicians or engineers in the public safety communications or business/commercial radio field. The GCT1 certification is modeled after wide-ranging industry communication systems encompassing more specific detailed items along with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines covering all disciplines in the COMT program. Candidates must pass a written exam.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Attainability:
Eligibility Requirements (View Details)
- Credential Prerequisite
- Experience
- Education
- Training
- Membership
- Other
- Fee
Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.
Exam Requirements (View Details)
- Exam
- Written Exam
- Oral Exam
- Practical Exam
- Performance Assessment
Exam Administration (View Details)
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY
Renewal Period: 4 years
AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION
Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: (800) 288-3824
Fax: (765) 653-4287
Email: eta@eta-i.org
Written Exam
- Safety
- Electronic and Electrical Theory
- Tools and Components
- Connectorization
- Power Systems
- Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals
- Radio Types and Systems
- Antennas
- Transmission Lines
- Interference
- Data Networks
- Fiber Optic Systems
- Test Equipment and Methods
- Telephony Communications
- Satellite Communications
- Environmental Systems
- Physical Plant/Head End and Security Systems
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) examination:
- Best Sources
- General References
- Related Courses
An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.
Testing Information
-
Exam Administration
Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) credential where checked:
- In-person exam
- Remote proctored on-line exam
- Third-party test vendor
For more information on the Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I) testing process, visit the agency website.
-
Third-Party Test Vendor Information
Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:
ExamRoom.AI
The test centers are located in the U.S.
To find out more, use the following links on the ExamRoom.AI website:
RECERTIFICATION
General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1)
Renewal Period: 4 years
Additional considerations for the General Communications Technician - Level 1 (GCT1) include:
- ETA-I does not require specific education, experience, and training, but the U.S. Department of Homeland Security may require non-specific field-related experience and training.