Hometheater Designer/Installer......

[only126db]

Hey all my first post HURRAY!!! I am a Finish Carpenter and love audio whether 2ch. or multi channel, now here is my situation, the housing boom is coming to an end, I am looking to change careers and am thinking of Hometheater Design/Installation. My question is what sort of degree or certifications would get me into this field, so far all I've come up with is audio engineer, but the college near me has a class called Advanced Audio Technology were I can get an AA, is this the same? Both seem to have to do with live audio repro., and studio type work, is there anything else more directly related to Hometheater that wont take over 2yrs to finish?

[edtyct]

You should talk to someone at CEDIA. Take a look at http://www.cedia.net/certification/

[AVMASTER]

there are CEDIA bootcamps available for those looking to get into this industry, however this industry utilizes several disciplines and a experienced carpenter could be very usefull.
The best approach is to actually do the work along side an experienced tech;I would check with custom shops in your area for an entry -level installer position; make sure they provide on-going training

[only126db]

You should talk to someone at CEDIA. Take a look at http://www.cedia.net/certification/
Well I had looked at CEDIA the other day, I just looked at it a little more in depth. How will their certification actually help since they state you should have 1 yr experience in the field before being certified as a level 1 installer, thats kind of like me being on the job for a 1yr doing carpentry but not being able to call myself an apprentice carpenter. Same with all their other certifications....I imagine after being with a company for 1-5 yrs doing installs the certification would be a moot point. I am more looking for an edge getting into a company rather than getting certified after the fact. Or maybe I am getting too deep, should I just pick up some books and sell myself rather than worry about actual schooling?

[edtyct]

I was thinking that you could talk to a specialist dealer in your area with a CEDIA connection and offer your services. AVMASTER's answer was more to the point; a local company might be able to get you in the door. I would think that it would be hard to go it alone from the outset. On the job training would be invaluable.