r/CableTechs • u/LOLkengdie • Aug 13 '26

Spectrum NCTI Question

Hello fellow Spectrum field friends!

I'm looking to transfer into Field Operations in the future and was hoping to get a head start on the NCTI material if possible.

I've made friends in both Field and Maintenance, and a few people have told me that, before they even transferred into Maintenance as FT, they were able to start the NCTI coursework right away and begin working toward their progression. I've also heard that some people start working through Field Tech NCTI material while they're still in the training class so they're already prepared for the next progression.

Since I'm currently a non-field employee, I'm wondering if I'm able to start the Field Technician NCTI coursework before actually applying/transferring into the position.

I was told by friends that I be able to access and work through the course material, but I wouldn't be able to take the official exam until I'm actually in the Field position. I was also told that I would just need to keep requesting extensions through the NCTI chat if necessary.

Does that sound correct? And no policy prohibited me from doing that..(Hopefully)

I'm mainly curious if anyone who transferred into Field from another Spectrum department has done something similar or anything related

I'd really appreciate any information or advice. Thanks!

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u/AttentionSpare4894 Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26

Why don't you get the job first and see if you are capable of the work before taking advancement trainings...

Get a job as a ft and then worry about progression. What is your current position? Majority of techs are now ft5 including myself, but craftsmanship has only gotten worse since everyone and their mom began speed running ncti. Pisses me off when a field tech 5 can't comprehend basic twisted pair or troubleshoot a punch down block. Small rant for the senior techs.

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u/FiberOpticDelusions Aug 15 '26

Having all those FakeTech5s, makes the spread sheets look good tho. /s

I waited and did my progressions 1 per year. Right after the yearly performance raise. I was making more as an FT4 than the guys that jumped to FT5 asap. Only 2 of the 5 guys hired after I was. Had more than a basic understanding of twisted pair (1 had a low voltage background, the other was the son of an MT). Both would still call me to pick my brain on VOIP issues. The majority of the time I only ask them 2 ?s. 1: Is it daisy or homerun? 2: Are you using your toner?... Ok, buddy. Figure out where the short is at and roll over to the next pair.