The Public Radio Engineering Training Program aims to help improve and maintain skills needed for public radio station operations. NPR Distribution offers a three-level program for those working in public radio or television and anyone interested in learning the latest skills required to operate a station, while ensuring safety and FCC compliance and developing necessary critical skills. The program has been developed with the assistance of the Society of Broadcast Engineers (SBE) and the Global V-Sat Forum.
Those successfully completing the requirements will be awarded a certificate as demonstrating proficiencies in either a public radio operator, public radio technologies or public radio engineer. These certifications distinguish those working in or seeking a tech career in public media.
For more details about requirements, costs and scheduling, check out the Help Center.
If you have any problems completing the application form, please contact Becki Spiering: rspiering@npr.org
The Public Radio Operator certificate is evidence of an individual’s qualifications to serve as an operator at a radio broadcast station. This entry-level certificate indicates that the holder has acquired the basic knowledge to operate a radio station and comply with FCC rules and regulations.
For more details about requirements, costs and scheduling, check out the Help Center.
The Public Radio Technologist certificate is evidence of an individual’s qualifications to set up, operate, and maintain radio station equipment, such as transmitters, terrestrial and satellite antenna systems, studio consoles, microphones, audio codecs and test equipment. This mid-level certificate also indicates that the holder has a working knowledge of FCC rules and regulations.
*Prerequisite: Public Radio Operator Certificate or the applicant must meet all of the requirements of the Public Radio Operator Certificate
For more details about requirements, costs and scheduling, check out the Help Center.
The Public Radio Engineer Certificate is an advanced-level credential and evidence of an individual’s qualifications to set up, operate, and maintain radio station equipment, such as FM and AM transmitters, terrestrial and satellite antenna systems, as well as studio and test equipment. Specialized knowledge is also needed to ensure that the station is in compliance with FCC rules and regulations.
*Prerequisites: Public Radio Technologist Certificate AND five years RF engineering experience, or the applicant must meet all of the requirements of the Public Radio Operator Certificate and the Public Radio Technologist Certificate AND have five years RF engineering experience.
For more details about requirements, costs and scheduling, check out the Help Center.