CCT

[CalibratorJ]

I'm not up to date on this "CCT".   Matter of fact, I had never heard of it until I read the January newsletter.   A brief search of the forums pulled up some stuff from 2-3 years ago. 

Is this "CCT" necessary or even desireable? Is this piece of paper actually going to help me compete for a job? Or is it (yet another) piece of paper to be filed in the ole "I Love Me" Book for the grandkids (WAYYYYY in the future)?

Just curious as I'm almost out of the Army, and if this certification will help me, maybe I should look into it.   But, if it is indeed just another piece of paper, then why waste my time? And now that I've checked it out some more, my $105- if I can manage to take it while still on Active duty. . . . .

Thoughts?

[CalibratorJ]

Do any of you have the cert? Has it helped you?

Lots of views, but no replies. . . . . makes me wonder. . . .

[dallanta]

  If you can get it while still in the service, it might be of use in the future.  I have so many years at this it is ridiculous. 
Over the years I managed to get a degree and lots of different schooling.   But back then, none of it had much to do with metrology.  Most schools and businesses did not even know what it was.
  My opinion, training and experience are more valuable than the hyped up certificates. Unfortunately, business more and more believes you have to have a degree or certification in order to be a good hire.  That is an opinion iof people thast have no idea, but they are the ones hiring.
  So, get the ceritficate, just in case it helps.
  Oh yeah, lol, I have never heard of this one either.

[K-Rock]

I think it may increasingly be of interest to employers, certainly can't hurt your resume. Most employers seem to look for formal training from the military, and many like to see the AA as well. I agree with dallanta, that training and experience speak volumes. I think we've all know people who were great at tests, but left a lot to be desired as bench techs.

[ck454ss]

This is a great certificate to obtain.  It is distributed by ASQ and covers both Mechanical and Electrical/Electronic calibrations.  If you arent current a member I highly recommend becoming a member of the Measurement Quality Division through ASQ.  The certificate definately wont hurt the resume and the way the 17025 Guildlines are going you will have to have some sort of certification in the future in order to perform calibrations in a 17025 lab or company.

I personally am glad to finally have some sort of certification for our field.  Everyone out there is a "Cal Tech" but no one is willing to take a test produced by fellow cal techs and prove there proficiency.  I think this test adds a little respect to us in the real world who truly are Cal Techs and not just a "production worker" thrown into this position with no training.

[Bryan]

Can't speak for the industry overall but if interviewing here it would put you above someone without assuming you were otherwise relatively similar.

Ours is a commercial outfit rent, sell & leasing.

I see the savings is $200 by doing it while active vs. non member price so that's worth a look.

[USMCPMEL]

My friend at work took a similiar program for Quality Contral and he seems to think it helped his career. He said 30 people took the class and only 3 passed the test. He told me one guy had tried like 6 times to pass the test and has failed each time.

[Hawaii596]

My previous employer bought us all copies of the CCT book (a big loose leaf binder).  It has some good stuff.  My understanding is it is connected with with such certifications as CQE (Certified Quality Engineer), CQA (Certified Quality Auditor), and others which are industry recognized certifications (some required by some employers).  I haven't done it yet.  But in the full-fledged civilian world, having it along with your PMEL school certificate may give you an edge over another candidate.

It's other value I believe may be more for non-PMEL school types.  Someone with a Associates Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology (not a veteran or non-PMEL) would probably get good mileage from a CCT as a certification that they know their stuff in calibration.  For a PMEL school grad, I don't think it is too important; ;but if you have the money and time (or your company pays) it may be worth getting.

As I said, I have the book, but haven't pursued the certification.

[CalibratorJ]

Well, I guess I will give it a looksie. Might not help in this job hunt, but might somewhere in the future. Who knows, maybe I can get my next emplyer to pay for it (currently looking for jobs).

[RichMojo]

I took a CCT refresher class because our QA had the certification and HE thought is was good.   Well I think it is not that great.   It will not show if you are a good calibration tech.   Some of the math was good refresher, but the rest was not that informative.   I think my 20 plus years in the field is better than a certificate that you can get for taking a 90 minute test.

[RichieRich]

As someone who hires techs, I would give it significant weight for a more entry level person.  i.e. a tech with PMEl plus 4 years military service, or someone who doesn't have military PMEL training at all even if they have several years of bench time.   If I were hiring a high level tech like a guy with 20 years in the field and top notch credentials it would just be one item in a long list of bonafides.

[skolito]

So for those of us who did not go through PMEL but have 14 years on the bench and are looking to change jobs would the CCT help? most companies I have talked to will not hire a person unless thy went to PMEL or the company is in dire need of a tech and then all they offer is a six month contract position with no insurance and at $5.00 below the average.

[USMCPMEL]

What is a cct?

How much does it cost to take the test?

[USMCPMEL]

Hey Skilito what is $5 below average? Like $15 an hour??

[skolito]

between 15 and 17 an hour.