I just received the October summary information from SBE National.

I think I can summarize the numbers and make them easier to digest.

To date there have been 375 new certifications in 1999. Numerically,

new Television Operators are in the majority. Broadcast Technologist

is the next highest category.

Smallest number of new certifications was in the Radio Operators level.

Is this an overlooked category? It would seem to be an opportunity for

radio stations to get certified board operators. And for SBE active radio

chief engineers to get some operators started on the certification trail.

You never can tell when one of those board operators might turn out to

be a budding engineer who just needs some encouragement.

90+ exams are scheduled in the November testing cycle, so total numbers

for the year will rise.

Over 150 re-certifications so far this year. Some from each category

it seems. With hefty numbers in the Broadcast Engineers Television,

and Senior Broadcast Engineers in Radio and in Television.

Sample exam requests are heavily on the side of the computerized

version. Almost 50% more of the orders are for that type over the

paper type.

I have mentioned several times the Millennium Project. This is the program

where folks who have allowed certification to lapse, can be re-certified by

application to SBE National. Under that program, 35 applications have been

received, and 19 have been approved. More applications are coming in as

the deadline approaches at the end of this year.

Applications for the November testing cycle in Houston are closed. We have

one exam scheduled in Chapter 105. A reminder that the next cycle is in

February and that your application must be in by December 31.