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ammarsunfire

Member - Posts: 41

Joined: September 01, 2003

Location: Canada

Posted: March 25, 2004 at 6:50 PM / IP Logged

Hi guys

I was wandering if u can give me some advice. I'm not MECP certified yet, and was looking into taking the mobile dynamics course. I've installed a lot of systems though with no problems but want it to be legit. The course is gonna cost me $6500 canadian. I just wanted to know, first, are they any good and second, how much money can i expect to make.

Thanx,

auex

Platinum - Posts: 5,041

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Joined: December 23, 2002

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: March 25, 2004 at 7:33 PM / IP Logged

First and foremost, don't come into this industry thinking that you are gonna make a ton of money, I have been installing since 98 and my salary is around 36K +bonuses (I am a quality control supervisor so I don't even install anymore). Second, when you are GREEN/ beginner/FNG you are going to have to work hard and long to actually know what you are doing, and you will also be doing the grunt work. As far as mobile dynamics and schools like that, they are good at teaching the basics and theory of installations, but they offer little to no realworld experience. I would recommend going, but after you have some experience under your belt so that what they teach you sinks in better. If all you want is to get certified spend 40 bucks on the mecp study guide and 50 on the test, it will be a better investment for a newb IMO.

Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

profuse007

Gold - Posts: 2,015

Joined: October 20, 2002

Location: Texas, United States

Posted: March 25, 2004 at 8:27 PM / IP Logged

damn, i bow down to every installer out there. i know installing is tough and all, i dont know how yall guys do it every day.

peace!!!!!

Houston,TX

"The two most common elements in the universe are H+ and stupidity" (Ellison).

its_radio_shop

Copper - Posts: 76

Joined: March 16, 2004

Location: United States

Posted: March 25, 2004 at 11:00 PM / IP Logged

I agree with auex. I work for state government installing law enforcement equipment for all state agencies (highway patrol, motor vehicle enforcement, corrections,SWAT vehicles, command centers, surveilence vehicles, bait cars, etc.) Its a pretty decent job. When we post an ad to fill a spot, the ad states preference to 2 year degree graduates in electronics. The test is pretty in depth and whoever gets the highest score on the test and the interview combined, gets the job. I passed the test pretty easy between getting my HAM radio license, MECP certification and my few years of experience. As auex says, those guys out of school did not stand a chance. These were real life questions answered with what I learned out in the real world. Get your MECP and get your foot in the door in the industry with a job at a local shop. Good Luck!

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auex

Platinum - Posts: 5,041

Joined: December 23, 2002

Location: Arizona, United States

Posted: March 25, 2004 at 11:24 PM / IP Logged

Just to add one more thing that should have been in my original post. The way I started was by going to Mobile Dynamics here in Phoenix with only personal experience, radio's and a couple of amps/ no alarm. I graduated 3rd highest in the class and got a 98 on the MECP test. It was hard as hell to get my first job without any experience. This is just my opinion but it is with my personal experience.

Certified Security Specialist

Always check info with a digital multimeter.

I promise to be good.

Tell Darwin I sent you.

I've been sick lately, sorry I won't be on much.

jimmeezgolfvr6

Silver - Posts: 258

Joined: March 10, 2002

Location: Canada

Posted: March 26, 2004 at 5:25 AM / IP Logged

i agree with auex...actual hands-on experience will teach you far more than textbooks. btw, i am also MECP certified, but i did it by just simply studying the textbook and writing the exam. it's by far cheaper than $6500! if you've already done many installs as you've said, and have a solid grasp of fundamental principles of electronics, then passing that test should be fairly easy.

having a mecp license will certainly help you to get employment in this industry though, although it's usually not a mandatory requirement. expect to earn approx $30k per year (plus or minus) as a fulltime installer. your earliest work will typically not be the more glamorous jobs.

good luck!

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derek123

Copper - Posts: 163

Joined: October 09, 2003

Location: Canada

Posted: March 26, 2004 at 11:11 AM / IP Logged

That piece of paper can get your foot in the door.

When appying for a job, it gives you an edge over someone else that has the same expeirence level as you. defo worth it.

jfk51502003

Copper - Posts: 221

Joined: March 04, 2004

Location: United States

Posted: March 26, 2004 at 11:39 AM / IP Logged

THE SCHOOL IN ONTARIO USE TO HAVE THE HIGHEST PASS RATE...CHECK AND SEE NOW...THATS WHERE I WENT...!!

bmf1000d

Silver - Posts: 345

Joined: September 30, 2003

Location: United States

Posted: March 26, 2004 at 2:11 PM / IP Logged

Yeah nothing beats real world experience. Heck when i interview ask some real indepth ?'s only ones that someone that has a hands on experience would know. But i went to installer institue and work in the field for 10 years and now i have my own shop. I say any information is good no matter were you get it from. Although i dont know about the $6500...ouch thats kinda steep.

"Big" Mike

Double Take

Fremont, Ne

remember to check all your wires with a dmm not a test light!!

i take no responsibilty whatsoever for the vailidty of the info nor consequences thereof

ammarsunfire

Member - Posts: 41

Joined: September 01, 2003

Location: Canada

Posted: March 29, 2004 at 4:24 PM / IP Logged

Thanx guys.

I read a lot of your posts and u guyzs are really good, I learned my basics by reading them. My plan is to get certified, work as a installer for a year or two then open up my own shop. I guess the mobile dynamics course is too overboard when it comes to the cost. I was wandering then, does anyone know where i can get the mecp study guide and then where i can take the test. I live in Toronto, Canada.

THANX again guyzs

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