...We have done two jobs now that required certification Who did the certification? Apparently it was done by someone else? Unusual. If so you are ahead of the game because you did not have to buy certification equipment that runs from $6 or $7,000 on up. Consider too that as soon as a new category cable is introduced that your equipment can't handle it becomes and expensive doorstop.
Among other tests, certification equipment will run a sweep test on the pairs to the highest frequency for the particular category, measure crosstalk (NEXT, etc) and combine a TDR function that will identify and set limits for things like dings and other damage. All this information is stored and usually downloaded to a PC that will generate and print out a run by run report of what it finds to be kept on file by the owner.
Basically then, certification is to make sure that the cabling will perform to it's rated speed (even though it would be rare that this would even be an issue) and to ensure that the owner got his money's worth out of you.
After everything is terminated the only test we run is with a Seimon STM-8. (About $275.00)This will test for continuity on all pairs, proper wiring of jacks and patch panel and test for split pairs. If a cable run passes these tests we know that when a computer is connected to it it will work. We have enough confidence in our work that that's all we care about.
...Just beginners luck I suppose.Probably not. You probably were careful and did a good job, so pat yourself on the back!
As far as us avoiding jobs that have to be certified, it's only because:
1) We would have to provide the certification. (See what I said above about $$$ for equipment and obsolescence.)
2) I wish to avoid anal IT types who will nitpick everything and make your life miserable. They are the ones who usually insist on certification to begin with. (It's a great way to suck up to the boss.)
What type of training or certification would you recommend?Check out BICSI
www.bicsi.org