I was wondering if someone can tell me what the different types of car audio certifications are out there. I love car audio and do a lot of install for myself and for friends and had applied to some audio stores but was turned down because i wasn't certified. Would the certifications be different if I lived in Canada? Also, how long are these courses and how much do they usually fun for? Thanks,

Nathan

 

MECP certification is probably what they are looking for. Courses can run anywhere from 6 weeks and up depending on if you go days, nights, etc etc and what the school in your area offers. You don't necessarily have to go to school either....you should be able to go to your local library and take the MECP written test and you will be notified by mail if you passed and will receive a certificate if you did.

 

the mecp is almost an outdated certification, as they still ask you about installing mobile phones, etc...and thats not been a big issue for about 5 or 6 years now.

eric

 

not tru, the basic installer test is very specific in what they ask you. Ive seen guys that have been installing for yers fail cause they dont know some specific questions on thei test. Youll need to order one fo their study guides, it will go through new/old questions. From what i remmember there was abou 5 questions regarding mobil phones. They concentrate on Satelite radio installations and Nav system installs.

Me being an MECP "Basic" Installer only gave me an extra $2 an hour but will last for 2yrs. And im studying right now to become MECP "1st class" certified, that will give me another $2 per hour.

Ant

 

Correct but, Ive seen many guys come right outta school certified and all, not knowing their a$$ from a hole in the ground.

--Don

 

Don is right....there are so many "installers" that have no clue what they are doing....on paper it seems like they might know (if they had past the test that is), but you never really know who you are hiring without having them take some "hands on" tests, and training in the field I find is most important.

I'd personally prefer to hire someone and train them, then send them to get their certification later on because some people just like to know you are MECP certified.

 

i had forgotten about this, but you couldnt be more right...damn some guys dont know squat for being certified.

eric

 

I dont know how they lose whatever knowledge they recently gained, but its like gone in a day in some occasions. Or they are just plain SLOW as hell. Like taking 4-6hrs to do an alarm!!!

--Don

 

i dont claim to be able to install alarms...but im not mecp either

seriously tho, i know that alarms are not for amateurs, so im going to go to pennsylvania to get my alarm done (its a 6+ hr drive), cuz i want jason ewing to do it for me (he's a tweeter employee, and has had his car featured in magazines).

eric

 

I can vouch for that lol