J Patrick + Associates Blog

Crestron Training and Certifications for AV Professionals

Posted by Daniel Lehman on Wed, Sep 25, 2019 @ 09:49 AM

Crestron Training for AV Professionals

 

Crestron is one of the most important and well-known vendors in the AV industry. In terms of the Pro AV market, Crestron’s solutions are the automation and control systems of choice.

What is the Crestron Technical Institute?

The Crestron Technical Institute (CTI) offers training and certifications for AV Installers, Design Engineers, and Programmers alike. CTI offers a convenient blend of face-to-face training with industry pros,  in addition to online training courses. Training facilities are located worldwide and provide courses for those interested in Digital Media, NVX, or AV installing and programming.


What is the difference between Crestron DigitalMedia and NVX?

The general trend of the AV industry has been leaning more and more towards IP. Engineers and programmers need to familiarize themselves with hardware products that deal with signal routing, presentation control, and audio conferencing.

Over a decade ago, Crestron launched a complete suite of products under the DigitalMedia series that integrates many of these functions into one convenient solution.

“Today, DM integrates all digital and analog signals together with streaming in one platform, ensuring organizations can send video across their estates regardless of network infrastructure or AV technologies in place.” - Cinos

A global tsunami of cutting-edge VTC technologies such as WebEx and Zoom has hit the market. As a result, the demand for higher-quality audio and video has risen. Companies have also had an increased need for security, as they are often dealing with sensitive information delivered over their networks.

Crestron DigitalMedia NVX is the next generation of products that address this issue directly, by delivering a networked AV solution. In fact, DM NVX is the only secure network AV solution:

“It is infinitely scalable and delivers the best image quality with no latency across a standard 1 Gigabyte network...It has been well documented that networked AV is a much more cost-effective option than traditional matrix switches.” - Cinos

Whether installing, programming, or designing, professionals of ProAV will encounter Crestron gear in both product lines. Crestron offers certifications specific to their product lines, as well as relevant job functions in the AV Industry:

What Crestron Certifications are Important for A Career in ProAV?

Here’s some Crestron Certifications that stand out, and the positions they are most applicable to in ProAV:

Crestron Digital Media Certifications:

  • Crestron DMC-E-4K - The Crestron Digital Certified Engineer has a working knowledge of installing, configuring and commissioning Crestron products and systems.
    • Hiring Managers at AV Integrators will often look for Field Engineers and/or Lead AV Technicians with this training.
  • Crestron DM-NVX-N - The Crestron Digital Media Networking Certification has become much more valuable recently. Engineers are often required to understand how to sign onto and troubleshoot secure networks at client locations.
    • This training is important for Field Engineers loading and troubleshooting code from Crestron Toolbox.
  • Crestron DMC-D-4K - Crestron Digital Media Designer designation means the engineer possesses the skills necessary to design Crestron Digital Media Systems.
    • AV Design Engineers and/or Crestron Programmers will better understand how to tailor solutions to the clients’ specific needs.

Crestron Programmer Certifications:

  • Crestron Certified Programmer - The Crestron Certified Programmer can configure and commission a Crestron fusion deployment. They can use smart graphics to create personal graphic user interfaces (GUI). They also show proficiency in the Crestron programming language (Crestron SIMPL).
    • AV integrators hiring for a Crestron Programmers will typically require this certification. Having a Certified Programmer on staff allows them to bid on certain projects. As such, this programmer certification is highly sought after, and the examination is very comprehensive and difficult.
  • Crestron Silver Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended three annual Master Level classes and passed the Silver exam
  • Crestron Gold Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended six annual Master Level classes and passed the Gold exam.

What is a Certified Masters Programmer?

These individuals hold the highest respect in the AV industry. One major perk of being a Certified Masters programmer is that you receive an exclusive invitation to masters classes. These classes allow an opportunity to get hands-on experience and training on Crestron’s latest technologies.

Crestron has become (without a question) the world’s leading manufacturer of advanced control and automated systems. For this reason, all AV professionals (AV Engineers, Installers, Programmers) should consider Crestron training as a sound investment in your career.

 

Available Crestron Jobs

Tags: AV/VTC/UC, crestron

How To Become A Crestron Programmer In The AV Industry

Posted by Daniel Lehman on Fri, Sep 20, 2019 @ 03:39 PM

What Is A Crestron Programmer?

A Crestron programmer is a specific type of control systems programmer. They develop programs for video conferencing rooms, and spaces that enable seamless integration with the audiovisual equipment in that space. What makes Crestron programmers unique is that they specialize in the coding language specific to Crestron, known as Crestron SIMPL.

What is Crestron?

Crestron Electronics is a privately held company based out of Rockleigh, NJ dealing in home and commercial automation. The average person is probably completely unaware of the ubiquity of this company’s products and solutions.

Crestron’s control systems, hardware, and software solutions are everywhere:

“automated light, sound and temperature controls for luxury homes; digital screens and speakers for conference rooms; surgical camera controls and displays; classroom projectors; digital signs and retail displays; and even remote controls for hot tubs aboard luxury yachts.” -Forbes

This electronics distributor (often mistaken as a regional player) pulls down $500 million in revenue annually and carries no debt!

Entire careers in the audiovisual industry are built around Crestron’s products. With a multi-galaxy of different programmers out there that specialize in different programming languages, it’s easy to get confused.

How Much Does a Crestron Programmer Make?

As of July of 2022, the average salary for a Crestron Programmer was around 80k a year. The bottom of the pay scale was around 65k a year. The top salary was as high as 110k a year.

According to indeed.com, hourly rates for a Crestron Programmer currently range from $28.72- $61.46 per hour.

Why so much variation in the compensation range?

Variations in compensation are due to factors such as project size and complexity, vendor certifications, and the experience level of the programmer.

 How to Become a Crestron Programmer:

In the AV industry, there is no standard, discernible path to success.

In the case of becoming a Crestron Programmer, a few different roads can spill out to the same destination. That being said, there are definite career experiences and vendor-specific certifications that are highly sought after by potential employers.

Many Crestron programmers have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Engineering. However, few transition into a role at a commercial AV Integrator right out of college. Often, Crestron programmers make their bones learning how to install and commission AV equipment in the field first. This way future programmers learn the basics of AV control systems like Crestron, AMX, and Control4 (to a lesser extent).

 What does a Crestron Programmer resume look like?

Here’s what employers are looking for on a resume:

  • High School degree is usually necessary, BS/BA may be required but not always seen as vital
  • Ability to install, troubleshoot and maintain Crestron Control Systems
  • Create, load & modify Crestron Code (SIMPL)
  • Ability to design Crestron and/or AMX control systems, and Graphical User Interfaces (GUI)
  • At least two Crestron Certifications (Crestron DMC-E-4K, Crestron DMC-D-4K, CSP, CSP Silver, CSP Gold)

What Crestron Certifications Are Available

Training for these certifications are offered at Crestron Technical Institute (CTI). Here are some certifications that a programmer will gain along the way in his or her career:

  • Crestron DMC-E-4K - The Crestron Digital Certified Engineer has a working knowledge of installing, configuring and commissioning Crestron hardware products to industry standards.
  • Crestron DMC-D-4K - The Crestron Digital Media Designer Designation can design and tailor Crestron Digital Media Systems to a client’s specific needs.
  • Crestron Certified Programmer - The Crestron Certified Programmer can configure and commission a Crestron fusion deployment, and shows proficiency in Crestron SIMPL.
  • Crestron Silver Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended three annual Master Level classes and passed the Silver exam
  • Crestron Gold Certified Programmer - This Certified Programmer has attended six annual Master Level classes and passed the Gold exam.

 

 What Is A Typical Crestron Programmer Job Description

The job duties and specific Crestron certifications that the employer is looking for may vary. Generally speaking, the job requirement will deal with designing, installing, troubleshooting and/or Crestron programming.

Sometimes AV Integrators will deal with other control systems such as AMX, or Control4 (if they deal with Residential AV Integration). In this case, the programmer may need experience in these languages as well.

  • Create, load & modify Crestron Code (SIMPL)
  • Program Devices with Crestron SIMPL
  • Perform commissioning and acceptance testing of Code
  • Develop and maintain Graphical User Interfaces (GUI) for Crestron touch panels
  • Develop system recovery protocols in the event of the destruction of all or part of the system or components
  • DMC-E required
  • Crestron Master level Programmer Preferred

Whether you are an AV professional looking for new opportunities or an AV Hiring Manager looking for the Perfect AV Candidate...

Available Crestron Jobs

  

Tags: AV/VTC/UC, crestron