MECP installer certification worth it?

[Sanchito]

This started because i was looking into going to one of the big installer schools during the summer to learn a few things. Problem for me is, they are all very cost prohibitive. I was also reading that they dont mean much to shop owners looking to hire. But, the books for the MECP certification arent very expensive, and i figured, why not grab the masters book (though i will NOT be attempting the masters exam) and reading through it and studying it, then take the Advanced exam. the exam is free, the book is pretty cheap, and i would definitely learn some things, so why not right?

how recognized is the MECP advanced certification?

Is it worth messing with?

[Worlddre]

exams are not free in the least and you need 1 year of experience to be granted the advanced certification.

if you plan to work in this field it is a good way to keep customers in your store as opposed to them going to see someone elese. Recognition is based on where you intend to work...Any decent shop will not take you in just because you are certified. The certification is designed only to help when applied with personal experience. However many employers will look at the cert as dedication to the industry which should be valuable to anyone looking to hire.

[infamous_e46]

hmmmm

[SoundConnection]

Having worked in shops for the last ten years and working with some install school graduates I can tell you employers do not like install school graduates. Most come out thinking because they spent two weeks in class learning how to fiberglass they can do it all. Aside from if you get a job you will be on the bottom rung and not get to do glass projects for years anyways because the experienced installers get those jobs, most graduates come out very cocky and think they know everything because they went to school but can't take a stock radio out or remove a door panel.

As for the MECP, unless you already know the basics stay away from the masters book. Way different world than the rest of the tests. The advanced book is the best for learning what you will need to know to pass the basic test and really getting into how and why things work in mobile electronics.

[Sanchito]

As for the MECP, unless you already know the basics stay away from the masters book. Way different world than the rest of the tests. The advanced book is the best for learning what you will need to know to pass the basic test and really getting into how and why things work in mobile electronics.

i do know the basics, and some theory, but i have a alot to learn. reading the masters book was a recommendation from a website i was reading. i was actually going to just go with advanced, since its all im gonna need.

how much are the tests? the website implied that they were free.

and i wasnt expecting to walk into a shop and be guaranteed a job just because of the installer school OR the certification. i know it takes years of experience and learning and hands on work. from the book and course, im honestly just trying to learn, and the certification was just going to be a plus, since i might as well get it.

[cj407]

wel what ever website you were reading is wrong....your best bet is to get the basic book then take the basic test.....$80 for the test....$80 for the book....total of 160....and dont worry about getting a job...Best Buy only hires specific people and shops are hesitant to hire anyone right now with the recession...so i would wait unless you plan on doing installs on your own.

[fearof85]

If you have been installing and have basic knowledge then do not go to a school, you will learn much more by reading and installing. I went to the Installer Institute and it was the biggest mistake of my life thus far. Don't get me wrong I met some cool cats there but didn't learn anything that I couldn't have learned on my own. It was such a joke that me and about 4 other experienced installers left the last week and they had to refund our money, they were pissed. Was the worst $6500 I have ever spent in 4 weeks period.

Drew

[Sanchito]

wel what ever website you were reading is wrong....your best bet is to get the basic book then take the basic test.....$80 for the test....$80 for the book....total of 160....and dont worry about getting a job...Best Buy only hires specific people and shops are hesitant to hire anyone right now with the recession...so i would wait unless you plan on doing installs on your own.

where is yeur information coming from about shops and bestbuy? a buddy of mine works in a shop nearby my house. another one at bestbuy. sources of this info?

the basic book is not 80 dollars. the basic is 30, the advanced is 50, the master is 70.

If you have been installing and have basic knowledge then do not go to a school, you will learn much more by reading and installing. I went to the Installer Institute and it was the biggest mistake of my life thus far. Don't get me wrong I met some cool cats there but didn't learn anything that I couldn't have learned on my own. It was such a joke that me and about 4 other experienced installers left the last week and they had to refund our money, they were pissed. Was the worst $6500 I have ever spent in 4 weeks period.

Drew

same thing for me. not only do i not have 6500 dollars t spend on installer school, i already know alot of what they seem to be teaching. the only reason i was looking at going, was the hands on labs and building sections.

[cj407]

ok 60 for the test and 30 for the book....thats basic...i've applied at bestbuys in the central florida area after passing my basic installation test and repeatedly got denied...even though i could provide proof that my work was quality and that they said they had a test i could take if i wasnt mecp certified....

Exam Experience Level Certification Length
Basic Installation Technician less than 1 year 2 years
Advanced Installation Technician 1 year 4 years
Master Installation Technician 3 years & Adv. Cert. 4 years
Mobile Product Specialist none 4 years

[Sanchito]

yeah i saw that chart on the mecp website.

if i do the test, im going for advanced.

should i do it or not? is the book a good resource for learning a thing or two about installation?

[Sanchito]

need more opinions.

[quest51210]

ok 60 for the test and 30 for the book....thats basic...i've applied at bestbuys in the central florida area after passing my basic installation test and repeatedly got denied...even though i could provide proof that my work was quality and that they said they had a test i could take if i wasnt mecp certified....

Exam Experience Level Certification Length
Basic Installation Technician less than 1 year 2 years
Advanced Installation Technician 1 year 4 years
Master Installation Technician 3 years & Adv. Cert. 4 years
Mobile Product Specialist none 4 years

mayb they think you are an idiot

[Sanchito]

mayb they think you are an idiot

same thing i thought, i just didnt wanna say it.

buddy of mine that landed a job there isnt too bright, and hes been there around 3 years now.

[dropped_mazda]

mecp is a good thing but now days the shop can have you certified in the areas they feel important.. i got hired on with a short interveiw and showing the small box build in my truck and just the knowledge i have so its really not needed to aquire a job but at sametime doesnt hurt either

[Sanchito]

mecp is a good thing but now days the shop can have you certified in the areas they feel important.. i got hired on with a short interveiw and showing the small box build in my truck and just the knowledge i have so its really not needed to aquire a job but at sametime doesnt hurt either

exactly what i wanted.

it cant hurt me to have it.

it will not however, guarantee me a job.

exactly what i thought