Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)

Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM)

Credential: Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM)  ICAC resource
Credentialing Agency: Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) certification is an intermediate-level technician credential for professionals who install antennae in accordance with the IEC 60237 standard. PIM technicians use testing equipment hardware, connectors, jumpers and related antenna network elements to test antennae and equipment at any frequency range. Though ETA-I does not require specific education, training, or experience for the PIM certification, candidates are strongly encouraged to have the requisite knowledge and experience necessary to challenge the exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    high

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. To view other options, see the Eligibility tab.

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

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

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

Other REQUIREMENTS

The Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) credential has the following other requirements:

  • Candidates must present documentation that he or she has completed one of the selected courses at an ETA approved training facility and has passed the Hands-On Skills Testing.

Written Exam

  • Passive Intermodulation - PIM
    • Define PIM in radio circuits
    • Discuss associated terminology and be able to define related network elements
    • Identify the Key Performance Indicators of PIM – KPI
    • Know wireless carrier and manufacturer PIM methods and procedures
    • Explain the difference between a “System Test” and a “Component Test”
  • PIM – Technology Overview
    • Identify and define dB and dBm
    • Discuss radio power levels and the difference between radiated and non-radiated power
    • Define dBc and the difference with dBm
    • Define and understand Intermodulation in radio systems
    • Identify and describe noise and spurious emissions in radio systems
    • Describe receiver Desense (loss of sensitivity)
    • Describe the difference between an antenna and a load
    • Discuss the role of antenna line sweep and the role of PIM testing
  • PIM Sources
    • Identify Internal PIM Sources
    • Identify External PIM sources
    • Describe how to identify multiple PIM sources
    • Demonstrate how to reduce external PIM sources at radio sites
    • Describe and be able to define the role of connectors, antennas, filters, combiners, and other network elements as possible sources of PIM
  • PIM Testing
    • Define and understand Static PIM Testing
    • Define and understand Dynamic PIM Testing
    • Demonstrate how to determine the correct frequencies for PIM Testing
    • Discuss the difference between swept frequency and fixed frequency PIM testing
    • Show by example how to determine the level of a 3rd order Intermodulation product
    • Demonstrate how to use a Spectrum Analyzer to find spurious emissions and intermodulation
    • Demonstrate the proper procedure for conducting a PIM test
    • Conduct a System test with an antenna attached
    • Conduct a System test with a “LOW PIM” Load attached
    • Identify and discuss the purpose of a HIGH PIM Load
    • Identify and explain the purpose of a LOW PIM Load
    • Conduct an Antenna “ONLY” test
  • RF Safety Overview
    • Conduct a tailboard conference and discuss the safety risks of conducting PIM tests
    • Demonstrate competence in the understanding of RF exposure to workers
    • Show by practical example the proper procedure for working with PIM equipment
    • Describe the importance of physical clearance from the PIM test head
    • Define how the time period of a PIM test is related RF safety awareness
    • Know and describe the process for taking a radio outage
    • Define the proper procedures for Lock-out and Tag-out of radio equipment
  • PIM Results Interpretation
    • Demonstrate the proper steps for verifying the PIM test equipment during test set-up
    • Place markers or labels within the test equipment to identify components
    • Demonstrate the power levels of two fixed carriers being generated by the PIM test equipment
    • Mathematically calculate the 3rd Order Intermodulation product and determine the level of this carrier
    • Determine the level of the thermal noise floor on the spectrum analyzer in an idle (normal state)
    • Determine the level of the noise floor with the RF-ON from the PIM tester, note the difference
    • Be able to explain the impact of full power downlink carriers on the associated up-link receivers
  • Documenting PIM Tests
    • Save PIM test equipment set-up procedures (state files)
    • Name the location and sector if applicable
    • Create and save test markers or labels for the system under test
    • Explain the typical carrier requirements for a PIM test report
    • Generate or create a report using the test equipment
    • Save the report to an external memory source (thumb drive or equivalent)
    • Open or print the report on another computer and display the results
    • Remove the equipment from the system under test and return all clearances to operators
    • Remove any Lock-out, Tag-out Orders
    • Ensure proper operation of all equipment to pre-test status

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) examination:

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 Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) 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

Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM)

Renewal Period: 4 years

The Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) credential has the following recertification information:

  • ETA-I allows certified individuals to renew either annually or every 4 years. If an individual recertifies annually, ETA-I also renews membership. If an individual recertifies every 4 years; initial membership will expire after the one-year anniversary and will not be renewed until the individual recertifies at the end of the 4-year time period.
  • Note: Marine Corps COOL will only pay recertification fees for the current year, no arrears will be paid. Voucher requests for recertification fees must be submitted with proof of the current status of the certification (for example, a screen shot of your credentialing agency dashboard or a copy of a current fee receipt).

Additional considerations for the Passive Intermodulation Testing (PIM) include:

  • ETA-I does not require any specific education or experience, however it is suggested that candidates for the PIM should be knowledgeable in the areas addressed in the certification exam.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

COOL Summary

Click to go to the COOL Summary page for this MOC.

Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

Click to go to the external ANAB web site.

ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

Click to go to the external ICAC web site.

ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

Click to go to the external ABSNC web site.

NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

Click to go to the external NCCA web site.

IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

Click to go to the external IAS web site.

Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

Army e-learning

State-of-the art Computer Based Training available for free to the Army Workforce. Click for more information.

Click here for more information.

NKO e-learning

$$ELEARN_NKO_DESC$$

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

This is an official U.S. Marine Corps website
Updated: January 29, 2021
Top