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ETA International Announces New DAS Master Specialty Certification: Elevating Standards in In-Building Wireless Communications

(Greencastle, Indiana) March 12, 2025: ETA^® International, the leading authority in certifying Land Mobile Radio (LMR) communications technicians, is proud to introduce the DAS Master Specialty Certification, CETms(D); a groundbreaking credential designed to validate expertise in Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS). This prestigious certification sets a new benchmark for professionals responsible for designing, installing, optimizing, and maintaining DAS solutions critical to public safety and commercial wireless communications.

To achieve the DAS Master Specialty Certification, an individual must have six or more years combined electronics training and/or work experience and successfully attain:

• Associate CET (CETa) or General Communications Technician – Level 1 (GCT1) (Foundation Level)
• Distributed Antenna Systems Installer (DASI) or NICET IB-PSC Level 1 (rollover)
• Distributed Antenna Systems Technician (DAST) or NICET IB-PSC Levels 2 & 3 (rollover)
• General Communications Technician – Level 2 (GCT2) or Wireless Communications (WCM) (Advanced RF and System Concepts)
• Line Antenna Sweep (LAS) or Antenna Systems Commissioning (ASC)
• RF Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)
• PLUS one additional certification from any ETA certification category.

The DAS Master Specialty Certification is designed to ensure that professionals possess the knowledge and hands-on expertise to mitigate the risks associated with improperly optimized DAS systems. A misconfigured DAS can severely impair radio system infrastructure, leading to critical communication failures. In addition, it is highly recommended that professionals attain the FCC General Radio Operator License (GROL) as many Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) require it in order to work with in-building wireless communications systems.

“As in-building wireless communications evolve to meet increasing demands for public safety and commercial coverage, the DAS Master Specialty Certification ensures professionals have the technical proficiency to design, install, troubleshoot, and maintain high-performance DAS solutions,” said Bryan Allen, CSM, CSS, ETA International President. “This certification establishes a rigorous standard for the public safety industry and raises the bar for DAS certification excellence.”

Recognized as a leader for certifying LMR communications technicians, ETA International sets the bar for quality and expertise in wireless communications. The DAS Master Specialty Certification is particularly relevant for professionals working on in-building Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement System (ERCES) and other mission-critical DAS applications.

Ira Wiesenfeld P.E., subject matter expert for the NFPA 1225 Public Emergency Service Communication committee, adds: “The impact of an improperly designed or installed DAS system extends beyond a single building. When BDAs oscillate between structures due to incorrect design or operational parameters, they create widespread RF interference. Without a solid foundational understanding of RF propagation and infrastructure integrity, jurisdictions risk exacerbating the problem by deploying more DAS systems instead of addressing the root cause.”

A well-executed DAS design ensures that public safety and commercial wireless networks operate reliably in all environments. The DAS Master Specialty Certification provides the comprehensive knowledge required for professionals to troubleshoot, optimize, and maintain these systems effectively. Mastery in DAS requires a deep understanding of RF engineering, regulatory compliance, interference mitigation, and real-world problem-solving. The DAS Master Specialty credential encompasses the full scope of industry standards and best practices needed to be successful in today’s in-building wireless communications profession.

About ETA: Founded in 1978 by electronics technicians, ETA^® International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association whose mission is to represent and support the technical professional. ETA offers over 80 accredited, vendor-neutral certification programs in a variety of technology fields such as fiber optics, communications, electronics, biomedical, smart home, and renewable energy.

ETA aligns with the ISO 17024 standard, vocational and education curriculums, and businesses’ resource initiatives through certification programs, conferences, and publications. Download ETA's Certification Booklet to see how ETA can help your career, business, or school. www.etai.org

Download this press release at – 2025_ETA_International_Announces_New_DAS_Master_Specialty_Certification.pdf