Equipment Installer

Install, set-up, rearrange, or remove switching, distribution, routing, and dialing equipment used in central offices or headends. Service or repair telephone, cable television, Internet, and other communications equipment on customers’ property. May install communications equipment or communications wiring in buildings.

Educational Requirements

for Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers
The typical entry level education for this occupation is a postsecondary training (non-degree).

Knowledge

Examples of the knowledge needed for success in this occupation is listed below, in order of importance. This information comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
  • Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
  • Telecommunications: Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
  • Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
  • English Language: Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
  • Mathematics: Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Skills

Examples of the skills needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance. This information comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
  • Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the right tools.
  • Troubleshooting: Figuring out what is causing equipment, machines, wiring, or computer programs to not work.
  • Quality Control Analysis: Testing how well a product or service works.
  • Critical Thinking: Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.
  • Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or display screens to make sure a machine is working.

Abilities

Examples of the abilities needed for success in this occupation are listed below, in order of importance. This information comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
  • Visual Color Discrimination: Noticing the difference between colors, including shades and brightness.
  • Problem Sensitivity: Noticing when problems happen.
  • Near Vision: Seeing details up close.
  • Oral Comprehension: Listening and understanding what people say.
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness: Keeping your arm or hand steady.

Detailed Work Activities

Examples of the detailed work activities involved with this occupation are listed below, in order of importance. This information comes from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET).
  • Explain use of products or services.
  • Test electrical circuits or components for proper functioning.
  • Test communications equipment to ensure proper functioning.
  • Climb equipment or structures to access work areas.
  • Run wiring to connect equipment.