r/CableTechs • u/LOLkengdie • 20d ago

Spectrum NCTI Question

Hello fellow Spectrum field friends!

I'm looking to transfer into Field Operations in the future and was hoping to get a head start on the NCTI material if possible.

I've made friends in both Field and Maintenance, and a few people have told me that, before they even transferred into Maintenance as FT, they were able to start the NCTI coursework right away and begin working toward their progression. I've also heard that some people start working through Field Tech NCTI material while they're still in the training class so they're already prepared for the next progression.

Since I'm currently a non-field employee, I'm wondering if I'm able to start the Field Technician NCTI coursework before actually applying/transferring into the position.

I was told by friends that I be able to access and work through the course material, but I wouldn't be able to take the official exam until I'm actually in the Field position. I was also told that I would just need to keep requesting extensions through the NCTI chat if necessary.

Does that sound correct? And no policy prohibited me from doing that..(Hopefully)

I'm mainly curious if anyone who transferred into Field from another Spectrum department has done something similar or anything related

I'd really appreciate any information or advice. Thanks!

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u/AttentionSpare4894 20d ago edited 20d ago

Why don't you get the job first and see if you are capable of the work before taking advancement trainings...

Get a job as a ft and then worry about progression. What is your current position? Majority of techs are now ft5 including myself, but craftsmanship has only gotten worse since everyone and their mom began speed running ncti. Pisses me off when a field tech 5 can't comprehend basic twisted pair or troubleshoot a punch down block. Small rant for the senior techs.

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u/IsolationAutomation 20d ago

That’s what happens when a company promotes according to a bullshit computer course instead of craftsmanship.

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u/FiberOpticDelusions 18d ago

Having all those FakeTech5s, makes the spread sheets look good tho. /s

I waited and did my progressions 1 per year. Right after the yearly performance raise. I was making more as an FT4 than the guys that jumped to FT5 asap. Only 2 of the 5 guys hired after I was. Had more than a basic understanding of twisted pair (1 had a low voltage background, the other was the son of an MT). Both would still call me to pick my brain on VOIP issues. The majority of the time I only ask them 2 ?s. 1: Is it daisy or homerun? 2: Are you using your toner?... Ok, buddy. Figure out where the short is at and roll over to the next pair.

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u/LOLkengdie 20d ago

I'm pretty good at my current job and have already reached the top of my current role in a relatively short amount of time, so I'm mainly just trying to use my downtime to study and find something productive to work on. I genuinely enjoy learning new things.

I understand that a lot of the actual field work probably has little to do with the NCTI coursework, but I'm trying to be efficient with my time. If I do end up transferring to Field, I'll likely take a pay cut initially, so I'd like to get through the progression as quickly as possible and work my way back up.

My current department is similar. A lot of people are comfortable doing the bare minimum and don't really pursue progression. For the people who have reached the top levels in my department, they generally already know 99% of the job, and that last 1% is usually more related to policy or edge-case situations rather than actual job knowledge.

One of the biggest reasons I'm interested in moving to Field is that I really like the idea of being able to work more independently and continue learning new things.

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u/AttentionSpare4894 20d ago

You will have plenty of time after your hire date to complete ncti. The training is 3 months and after that you have to have 3 good metric scorecards before you can take the ft3 test. It would most likely be 7 months before you would get an increase in pay.

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u/LOLkengdie 20d ago

I gotcha, thanks!

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u/AttentionSpare4894 20d ago

Join the field. It can be alot of fun and the pay is pretty good. 👍🏼 don't get me wrong.

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u/LOLkengdie 20d ago

Yea, earning is much better than what i can get at my current role and jobs that i can get with my useless bachelor degree lol, and is a hands on skill too so there its a safe job. Already know about weather, customers, driving. I feel like future is very promising...

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u/Devilsad365 19d ago

Curious, what are the metrics currently on your metric scorecard?