Certified SATCOM Technician (CST)

WHO IS THIS FOR?

The Certified SATCOM Technician (CST) certification is designed for:

• Entry-Level SATCOM Technicians: Individuals beginning a career in SATCOM installation, maintenance, and operations.

• Military Personnel: Service members working in satellite communication roles such as Army 25S, Navy IT, Marine Corps 0627, and Space Force SATCOM specialists.

• Defense Contractors & Field Service Engineers: Professionals supporting military and commercial SATCOM networks, VSAT installations, and maintenance.

• Broadcast & Telecommunications Technicians: Individuals working with satellite uplink/downlink stations, network infrastructure, and satellite TV operations.

• Students & Early-Career Professionals: Individuals in telecommunications, electrical engineering, or RF technology seeking a foundational SATCOM certification.

ELIGIBILITY

The Tactical SATCOM Specialist (TSS) certification is designed for professionals working in tactical and secure satellite communications environments. Ideal candidates include:

• Verify you fit one of the “who is this for” persons

• Verify you meet U.S. Export Control requirements (Must be a U.S. Person)

• Ability to understand, read, and write in U.S. English without interpreters or translators

• Ability to operate a computer; email, browsing, logging in, zoom or similar, and other basic functions

• Own or have access to a desktop or tablet computer with internet access, a front facing camera, and a microphone in a quiet area for completing exams

CERTIFICATION STANDARDS

1. Electromagnetic Wave Properties

1.1. Describe the fundamental properties of electromagnetic (EM) waves, including frequency, wavelength, and amplitude.
1.2. Explain the principles of wave propagation and how they relate to SATCOM.
1.3. Identify atmospheric effects on EM waves, such as attenuation, refraction, and scattering.

2. Radio Frequency (RF) Fundamentals

2.1. Define key RF concepts, including power, gain, and noise.
2.2. Explain line-of-sight (LOS) communication and its importance in SATCOM.
2.3. Differentiate between RF bands used in SATCOM, such as C-band, Ku-band, and Ka-band.
2.4. Describe the purpose of antenna beamwidth, gain, and sidelobe control.

3. VSAT Installation and Alignment

3.1. Identify the components of a VSAT system, including the antenna, feedhorn, BUC (Block Upconverter), and LNB (Low-Noise Block).
3.2. Explain proper site selection for VSAT installations, considering line-of-sight and obstructions.
3.3. Perform antenna alignment:
3.3.1. Polarization adjustment.
3.3.2. Azimuth and elevation tuning.
3.4. Configure uplink and downlink frequencies for a satellite transponder.
3.5. Validate signal quality using tools such as spectrum analyzers and VSAT modems.

4. Interference Prevention

4.1. Identify common causes of interference in SATCOM systems:
4.1.1. Adjacent satellite interference.
4.1.2. Equipment misalignment or failure.
4.2. Explain techniques to prevent interference:
4.2.1. Spectrum monitoring and interference detection tools.
4.2.2. Proper grounding and shielding techniques.
4.3. Outline best practices for reporting and mitigating interference issues.

5. Modulation and Access Methods

5.1. Define the purpose of modulation in SATCOM and describe common techniques:
5.1.1. BPSK, QPSK, and 8PSK.
5.2. Differentiate between multiple access methods, including:
5.2.1. TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access).
5.2.2. FDMA (Frequency Division Multiple Access).
5.2.3. CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access).
5.3. Describe the relationship between modulation types and link quality.

6. Safety Standards and Best Practices

6.1. Identify RF safety hazards and explain methods to mitigate exposure risks:
6.1.1. Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) limits.
6.1.2. Safe working distances from active antennas.
6.2. Outline personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements for technicians.
6.3. Explain proper handling of SATCOM equipment to prevent damage or injury.
6.4. Describe OSHA and ANSI standards relevant to SATCOM installations.

7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance

7.1. Identify common issues in SATCOM systems, including:
7.1.1. Signal degradation.
7.1.2. Power supply failures.
7.2. Use diagnostic tools to resolve connectivity and signal issues:
7.2.1. Spectrum analyzers.
7.2.2. Multimeters and VSAT diagnostic software.
7.3. Explain the importance of regular maintenance, including cable inspections and software updates.

8. SATCOM System Overview

8.1. Describe the end-to-end operation of a satellite communication link.
8.2. Identify the roles of satellite transponders in uplink and downlink processes.
8.3. Explain the function of ground stations and network operation centers in managing SATCOM systems.

RELEVANT MILITARY JOB CODES

The Certified SATCOM Technician (CST) certification aligns with military roles focusing on satellite communication operations and maintenance. Relevant military job codes include:

• 25S – Army Satellite Communications Systems Operator-Maintainer

• 25Q – Army Multichannel Transmission Systems Operator-Maintainer

• Space Force SATCOM Operator & Maintenance Roles

• Navy IT (Information Systems Technician) – Specializing in satellite communications

• Marine Corps 0627 – Satellite Communications Operator

• Air Force 3D1X3 – RF Transmission Systems Specialist

• Defense & Aerospace Field Service Technicians

This certification is also valuable for field engineers, defense contractors, and industry professionals seeking foundational expertise in SATCOM installation and maintenance.