Are You Interested In a Job As a Cell Tower Technician?
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to climb a cell tower? We’re not talking about a dare between friends but climbing a cell tower as a paying job. As a cell tower technician, you’re tasked with installing, repairing, and maintaining the towers, which means you also get to climb the towers.
However, cell tower installation requires a specific skill set—this isn’t a job you can land without the proper training. So, what requirements do you need to meet to become a professional cell tower technician?
What Is a Tower Technician?
Also known as tower climbers, the technicians are responsible for a variety of tasks, which includes:
Installing and aligning cables, antennas, and other communication equipment on the cell towers
Handling routine maintenance like cleaning equipment and replacing broken or damaged components
Troubleshooting and resolving any issues discovered during routine inspections
Documenting your work activities and making reports of any necessary repairs
Your role as a cell tower technician also means ensuring you’re following all industry safety regulations set down by OSHA and other regulators.
Where Will You Work as a Cell Tower Technician?
While you will be working on cell towers, you’re probably wondering who is going to employ you. While climbing cell towers may be fun, you also need to earn a paycheck. You should have plenty of employment options that typically include wireless carriers and other types of telecommunication companies. Tower service providers also hire skilled technicians.
You can even land a job working for a contractor specializing in cell tower repairs, installation, and maintenance. As wireless communication technology continues to grow, you shouldn’t have to worry about finding a job in your field.
How Do You Become a Cell Tower Technician?
You will need to meet certain requirements to become a cell tower technician. These requirements vary by state but all require you to have at least a GED or high school diploma. Most states don’t require any additional vocational or technical training, you will need to take some classes and pass a certification exam. You’ll also need to meet some legal requirements, but these can also vary by state.
For example, some states require all cell tower technicians to have a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL). This isn’t a requirement for all states and may only be necessary if you’re planning on working with specialized telecommunications equipment. If you’re driving to various job sites, all states will require you to carry insurance and hold a valid driver's license.
After researching your state’s requirements, you’re probably going to need to complete the following steps:
Go through the required training programs. Remember every state is different so it’s best to check with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA). These programs are designed to ensure you have the knowledge and skills necessary for working on cell towers safely and effectively. A good tip to follow is to only take classes recommended by the TIA. Check to see if the classes are recognized by the TIA. If the classes aren't recognized by the TIA, the coursework may not count towards your certification.
You’ve made it through the coursework, you’re a step closer to becoming a certified cell tower technician. Now it’s time to get ready for the certification exams. The exams typically cover a broad range of topics. If you covered it in class, there’s a good chance it’s going to be on the exam. Some topics you can expect to see on the exam include installation techniques, work safety protocols, and electrical systems. Take some time to study for the exam after finishing the classes. You can schedule the exam when you feel confident in your ability to earn a passing grade.
Congratulations, you passed the exam and are ready to start looking for a job as a cell tower technician. However, your time in the classroom isn’t done. You need to take continuing classes to keep your certification current.
In other words, you can’t stop learning if you want to continue a career as a cell tower technician. Why do you need to keep taking classes? The answer is to ensure you’re keeping up with technology. The telecommunications industry is advancing at a rapid pace and you need to stay current with the latest changes.
If this sounds like the perfect career for you, start doing your research and find out what the requirements are in your area. Within a few months, you can be getting paid to climb cell towers and take in views you’ve never imagined before.