Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)
Credential: Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)
Credentialing Agency: Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I)
Renewal Period: 4 years
The Electronics Technicians Association, International (ETA-I), Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) is an intermediate-level technician credential for professionals who work in the telecommunications field. TCMs demonstate knowledge of wired and wireless communications basic concepts, applicable to various types of voice, data and video systems. TCM must have knowledge in Cables and Cabling, Analog Telephony, Equipment, Telecom Safety and Mathematics, Transmission Service Providers and Protocols, Distribution Methods, Computer, Digital Telephony, Interfacing, Internet, Network Infrastructures and Topologies, Office Wiring, Wireless Telephony, Test Equipment, Optical Wiring, and Troubleshooting. Candidates must pass a written exam. Candidates that hold a Standalone TCM and later complete the Associate CET (CETa), are eligible to upgrade to a Journeyman CET.
More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.
Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)
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. 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
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
Education/Training and/or Experience REQUIREMENTS
Though ETA-I does not require any specific education, training, or experience to take the TCM exam, it is expected that a candidate has the appropriate preparation to successfully pass the certification test.
Written Exam
- Cables and Cabling
- Analog Telephony
- Equipment
- Telecom Safety
- Transmission Service Providers
- Distribution Methods
- Computer
- Digital Telephony
- Interfacing
- Internet
- Network Infrastructures and Topologies
- Office Wiring
- Test Equipment
- Troubleshooting
- Transmission Protocols
- Telecom Mathematics
- Optical Wiring
- Wireless Telephony
Exam Preparation Resources
There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) 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
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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 Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) 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.
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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
Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)
Renewal Period: 4 years
Additional considerations for the Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM) include:
- A standalone TCM certification can be upgraded to a Journeyman CET. To qualify, certification holders must have at least two years of combined work experience and electronics training and pass the Associate Electronics Technician (CETa) exam.