Best Way to get Certified

I was wondering, where is the best place to get Certified to become a certified installer.  I live in Minnesota.  Where is the closest place?

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1 plus 1 equals 2

Public library. Look it up MECP.com

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Unfortunatly In my opinion, certification does not mean you know what your doing.. it says you studdied the mecp guide. though a step in the right direction does not mean didly.  Ive seen people "MECP" certified who dont know there deeriere from their elbow.  It takes day after day, month after month, year after year etc. of hands on training to be a metsa metsa or above installer. The most important aspect is to have common sense, and the proficient use of the tools required to do the job, and whenever available the schematics and or information of that vehicle. Always double check that info with A meter , digital or otherwise. There is No training better than hands on PERIOD. You can be a very good installer and make a mistake... Though in the biz for over a decade I have made a few, luckily none i couldnt fix and none costly,  and If someone tells you they never damaged anything or never made a mistake they are full of it. It is part of the job, 90% of the time(more so when you do dealer work) you are working on a car before there is information about that car at your dispose.  that increases the risk of mistakes,  It is part of the Job. If they made it a requirement (essentially a license to worrk on car electronics) to be MECP certified and had a real test like electricians or plumbers ...that would be best. AND i'D SUPPORT IT! until then its just a way for them to make $69 dollars every year.

Experience weighs more heavily than certification, unless a job requires it. If so ask your employer. MECP and experience together are much more valuable.

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Gary Kline
MECP Master Technician

I have never actually worked at a place that installs car audio, but I have installed alot of audio and things on my last three cars.  I have a general knowledge of installing.  But to get a job installing dont I need some sort of certification?

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1 plus 1 equals 2

I think most of us worked on more than just a couple of cars, the best way is to get into a shop thats willing to train or get more cars under your belt. MECP just means you know the basics, not how to use them. I don't down anyone thats MECP certified, but there are some that still don't know. Heres the perfect combination all installers exhibit, mechanical aptitude and common sense, if you have those you'll be fine.

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Gary Kline
MECP Master Technician