Frequently Asked Questions

Q: 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. 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: How will MITC certification benefit end users?
 
A: The end user will know that the consultants, designers, installation technicians and maintenance technicians with MITC certification have “shown what they know” and, if they pass, have been rewarded with formal MITC Certification as proof of such.
 
Q: Is it likely the future Australian Media Technology Standards will specify the use of individuals with MITC Certification?
 
A: Yes. This will have to go through a standards committee process, but I would expect that individuals with MITC Certification to be specified in the Australian Media Technology Standards.
 
Q:  It appears national, not state-by-state. How important is it that these standards cross borders?
 
A: It is important that MITC Certification is available to all individuals in all States and Territories as are the Australian Media Technology Standards.
 
Q: This project currently has a local flavour – could it go international?
 
A: MITC broadcast certification project has already attracted overseas interest, particularly from one European country.
 
Q: Will MITC 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.