High School

Math courses will help you prepare for the technical nature of this career, along with vo-tech, electronics, and other courses that involve hands-on experiments. Computer courses will also be valuable. Take English, speech, and other courses that will help develop communication skills.

Postsecondary Training

As telecommunications technology becomes more complex, postsecondary education in electronics and computer technology is increasingly becoming the standard requirement for employment in this field. Some employers may require an associate's or bachelor's degree in an area such as engineering. Installers may be required to take continuing education courses, either as part of in-house training or through a college program, due to the rapid advancements of telecommunications technology.

Some telephone companies may still hire applicants who have no previous experience with another telephone company and then train the beginners to work with the equipment used in their own system. Companies generally prefer applicants who are high school or vocational school graduates and who have mechanical ability and manual dexterity.

Other Education or Training

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers and Women in Cable Telecommunications provide continuing education classes and webinars. Contact these organizations for more information. 

Certification or Licensing

Certification may be required, depending on the job position and the equipment being worked on. Some certification is required to enter the occupation, while other certifications reinforce the skills and abilities of candidates for employment and enhance their opportunities for advancement within the profession.

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers offers certification for broadband installers and technicians. Certification requires completing training programs and passing competency examinations.

Previous experience with electronics and computer technology is recommended for aspiring telephone and PBX installers and repairers. Many telecom companies are increasingly hiring in-house employees for installer and repairer positions.  

Installers and repairers deal with company customers, so they should have a neat appearance and a pleasant manner. Good eyesight and color vision are needed for working with small parts and for distinguishing the color-coding of wires. Good hearing is necessary for detecting malfunctions revealed by sound.