Telecommunications tower owners know how important it is for personnel to follow proper safety procedures and precautions when working on a job site. One way to ensure that your tower workers are equipped with the proper safety knowledge to minimize the risk exposures on job sites is to encourage National Wireless Safety Alliance (NWSA) certification.

Traditionally, NWSA certification required a somewhat lengthy paper application process for candidates to schedule an exam date and location. Effective March 1, 2022, however, the NWSA transitioned its practical exam application process to an online format.

Updated NWSA Certification Exam Application

By visiting the NWSA website, candidates can complete an online application and pay their associated exam fees. Once the application and payment have been processed, they will receive an email with their practical exam authorization code—within just minutes.

The new automated process allows candidates to complete the required application and payment on the same date as the exam. They also can reapply and retest on the same day, if necessary. Candidates have up to 180 days to complete the exam, but no extensions are granted after that time.

NWSA Certification Programs, Exams, and Fees

If your tower climbers currently are not NWSA certified, consider informing them about the multiple certification programs offered, how they can register and test, and the fees associated with each exam.

• Telecommunications Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1)
  Telecommunication Tower Technician certification is recommended for those who are responsible for general construction activities, though there is a strong emphasis on tower system installation. The first level of certification is for workers who want to be able to safely conduct tower work under direct supervision. This certification consists of a written exam costing $174 and a practical exam costing $100. The written exam is most commonly administered through computer-based testing sites, which can be found here. Testing sites for the practical exam are located here.
• Telecommunication Tower Technician 2 (TTT-2)
  The second type of Telecommunication Tower Technician certification is for workers who want to both perform and supervise tower work. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have attained the TTT-1 certification. Costs and exam types are the same as the Telecommunication Tower Technician 1 (TTT-1) exam. Written exam sites can be found here. Practical examination sites are listed here.
• Antenna & Line Specialty
  This specialty certification focuses on facilitating the skills needed to install, maintain, and repair antennas and transmission lines. To be eligible for this certification, candidates must have attained the TTT-2 certification. This certification consists only of a written exam costing $274. Written exam testing sites can be found here.
• Foreman
  This specialty certification is for workers who have already attained TTT-2 certification and are looking to gain the skills needed to supervise various types of crews on telecommunication job sites. Similar to the Antenna & Line Specialty certification, this certification consists only of a written exam costing $274. Written exam sites are listed here.

Telecommunications tower owners who are aware of the risks associated with tower climbing often incentivize their workers to pursue NSWA certification by offering to cover exam costs. After all, a telecom tower crew educated in workplace safety best practices is more cost-effective in the long run.

Premium Telecommunications Industry Coverage Plans

To guard your tower company and personnel, be sure to find a provider that offers premium coverage plans designed specifically for those in the telecommunications industry. At USA Telecom Insurance Services, we offer insurance options that will work for you and the needs of your tower company. Our customized programs include general liability, workers compensation, commercial automobile, property, umbrella, and drone coverage options.

For more information about our insurance options or to select a plan to protect your tower company and personnel, contact our team today.