News Item

(published in SE&N.  Download original article here)

In this Q&A, SE&N editor John Adams asks Les Simmonds about the proposed CCTV Certification that will encourage professional standards and give real competitive benefits to quality integrators and installers.

Q: I understand that you and other CCTV industry experts and industry professional groups are in discussion about CCTV personnel certification. When did the idea of CCTV certification come about?

A: The idea of developing Broadcast (Television and Radio) Technologist certification was announced by John Maizels (the then Chair) of the Australia Section of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) at the 2005 SMPTE Christmas function. After the announcement I went to John and said, what about CCTV? That’s when it started for me. Then in July 2007 during the Standards Australia CCTV Awareness Seminars Vlado Damjanovski and I had many discussions about CCTV certification/accreditation and that is when the idea started to really develop for both of us.

Q. Who and what is SMPTE?
 
A: The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) was founded in 1916 and is the Motion Imaging Industry’s oldest and premier standards setting and professional support organisation. The T for Television was added to SMPE in the 1950’s. The Australia Section of SMPTE, formed in 1984, is the largest Section outside the US, and is the professional association most active with Film and Broadcast (Radio and Television) Engineers, Technicians, and Creatives in Australasia.
 
Q: Earlier today you mentioned MITC. Who is MITC?
 
A: Based on broadcast industry input and cooperation, the Australia Section of SMPTE proposed a voluntary Certification scheme which provides recognition of skill attainment by existing practitioners and gives incentive for interested persons to enter the industry and grow through the industry. The vehicle for the Certification scheme is the Media Industry Technologist Certification (MITC) which has a representative steering committee drawn very broadly from the media and education industry sectors. The resulting certification levels would provide meaningful and transportable recognition and would be seen as goals against which all parties involved may measure training effectiveness and industry participation in a practical way.
 
Q: How does MITC fit with the CCTV industry?
 
A: The aims and processes of MITC and CCTV Certification are similar, they are just different industries. The existing solid, credible and professional MITC framework is a perfect fit for CCTV and certification in other industries. The only difference I see at the moment is that the MITC/ CCTV steering committee would be CCTV orientated and that the certificates might include MITC and a CCTV/Security association logo. It is too early at this time to include too many details as we have only had one meeting.
 
Q: When was this meeting and who was present?

A: The historic date was 10 April 2008 and the following were present: John Maizels, Chair MITC, Bryan de Caires, CEO ASIAL, Graeme Polley, Chair ASIS NSW (representing all Australian ASIS Chapters), Vlado Damjanovski (currently writing the CCTV certification process for the Security Industry of America) and I.
 
Q: What was the outcome of the meeting?
 
A: All parties are interested in proceeding towards CCTV Certification. It is not possible to make definitive statements yet as some who attended need to put the ideas discussed to their board and/or committee and/or members. All I can say at this time is that Vlado and I were excited!
 
Q: Who do you think should be certified in the CCTV industry?
 
A: CCTV installation technicians, maintenance technicians, system designers and consultants, it should also include IT personnel involved in the above areas of CCTV. There may be different levels of each but it is best that CCTV Certification is kept as simple and as understandable as possible.
 
Q: What will the process of certification be?
 
A: It is proposed that a syllabus will be issued along with directions to suitable face to face training, online training and appropriate books. This means the proponents can study at their own pace and then sit for the theory and practical exams appropriate to their area of interest.
 
Q: Have you spoken to any of the industry people who would be likely to seek CCTV Certification?
 
A: Yes, and in all cases they have been positive. Young installation and maintenance technicians complain that they can only formally train in electronics, not CCTV and currently have no real career path in the CCTV industry. This program will give them a career path, CCTV Certification, industry recognition and appropriate letters after their name. Security consultants are interested as they are usually risk analysis orientated with little or no formal training in CCTV technology (there are a few exceptions) and they see this program as an incentive to learn more about CCTV and have suitable and recognised letters after their name.
 
Q: How will CCTV certification benefit end users?
 
A: The end user will know that the consultants, designers, installation technicians and maintenance technicians with CCTV certification have “shown what they know” and, if they pass, have been rewarded with formal CCTV Certification as proof of such.
 
Q: What benefits will installation and integration companies get from CCTV certification?

A: They will know that the consultants, designers, installation technicians and maintenance technicians they employ who are CCTV certified have “shown what they know” and, if they pass, have been rewarded with formal CCTV Certification as proof of such.
 
Q: As a consultant would you recommend CCTV Certified installers to end users?
 
A: Most definitely YES, and as more individuals achieve CCTV Certification I would specify that all individuals involved in a CCTV project should be CCTV Certified. I have no doubt that many other consultants would also do the same. This is a positive way to improve the quality of the Australian CCTV industry at all levels.
 
Q: Is it likely the future Australian CCTV Standards will specify the use of individuals with CCTV Certification?
 
A: Yes. This will have to go through a standards committee process, but I would expect that individuals with CCTV Certification to be specified in the Australian CCTV Standards.
 
Q:  It appears national, not state-by-state. How important is it that these standards cross borders?
 
A: It is important that CCTV Certification is available to all individuals in all States and Territories as are the Australian CCTV Standards.
 
Q: This project currently has a local flavour – could it go international?
 
A: We are not sure at this time, but would hope so as the MITC broadcast certification project has already attracted overseas interest, particularly from one European country.
 
Q: Will CCTV Certification be time consuming and will there be a cost associated with it?
 
A: The time taken will depend on the level required by the candidate and their own learning ability. We expect the assessment to be pitched at a level which is easily affordable. It should be noted that MITC is a not for profit organisation and the assessment process is being developed by the industry for the industry.
 
Q: You’re pushing CCTV Certification as entirely bi-partisan – how important is it that  traditional licensing groups aren’t able to get involved in the management of the project?
 
A: No traditional licensing group is banned from involvement. However, it’s important to understand that certification is recognition of skills and professional ability, not a licensing process.
 
Q: How can individuals and organisations support this initiative?

A: By specifying that individuals who work on their CCTV projects or for their CCTV sections or organisations have CCTV Certification relevant to the position the individual is contracted, engaged or employed.
 
They can also make any suggestions they wish regarding CCTV Certification to us at
info@cctvconsultants.com.au.
 
Q: This is arguably one of the most important certification programs introduced into the Australian security industry – it’s based on something much bigger than empire building
- how do you rate its chances of success?
 
A: Given the commitment and determination of those involved and the huge value to the
Australian CCTV industry. An excellent chance of success!