Core Competency is a knowledge-based certification program. Certification is based on the knowledge an individual has, not on the years of experience. Core Competency Certification (C3) does not have any prerequisites or experience requirements.

As an employee, C3 can serve as a proof of your technical competency in different low voltage system areas.

You are encouraged to use any books that you prefer. Online searches for information is permitted. There are several different questions relating to products in the industry. Where a specific product is part of the question, the PDF installation manual for that product is available in the test for you to review.

The exams are not intended to evaluate a person’s ability to do field work. Certification is based on the knowledge an individual has, not the years of experience. The knowledge to successfully pass each level may have obtained by study, experience, on the job training, classes, or any number of ways.

NTC’s C3 certification exams can be taken in any order. It’s not necessary to take each level. If you have the knowledge appropriate for Level 3, you should take the Level 3 exam without needing to take Levels 1 or 2. Click here for a full description of each level to best determine where to start.

After deciding what level you can accomplish based on your low voltage knowledge, select that level and add to your cart for purchase.

Once you have purchased the exam, it will be available in My Training when you are logged into the NTC website. The exam must be taken within 7 days of purchase.