Why do I need a CPI Certificate?
You must have a CPI Certificate if you are involved in the installation and/or administration of high-power outdoor radio transmitters.
Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) radios operating as Category B must be "professionally installed", and the CBRS community has established a credentialing requirement to satisfy FCC Part 96 Rules.
To become a CBRS Certified Professional Installer (CPI) you merely need to complete a basic training program.
Training Programs:
There are several training administrators that offer similarly structured courses covering the necessary skills and knowledge for installing high-powered, out-door CBRS transmitters.
| Program Administrator | Approx Cost | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Bridge Wireless | FREE | 5 years | Can only be used with the Key Bridge SAS |
| Google / Coursera | $500 | 5 years | Most popular paid option |
| C3Spectra | $525 | 5 years | Launched in 2024; a high quality program |
| Federated Wireless | $599 | 5 years | Re-certification is discounted to $300 |
Certification Logistics:
After completing a training program you are issued a CPI Certificate and Private Key.
Your CPI Certificate is a conventional X.509 digital document that cryptographically binds your name, contact information, training credentials and public key with a unique ID.
You then use your CPI Certificate to authentication your "professional" status with a Spectrum Access System provider.
Please note that CPI Certificates issued by the Key Bridge training program may only be used with the Key Bridge Spectrum Access System. (That's why it is free.)