CBNT study guide
CBNT · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The CBNT (Certified Broadband Network Technician) is a broadband technician credential associated with SCTE, the cable telecommunications standards and education body. Candidates typically encounter it as an entry-to-journey-level certification for field technicians, headend and hub personnel, and installers who need to demonstrate competence across the physical and operational sides of a broadband access network. Because the official SCTE certification page for the CBNT currently returns a 404 error, the exam blueprint, item count, time limit, passing score, fee, retake rules, and validity period cannot be confirmed from the source. The domain weighting used on this page is therefore a study framework, not a published official blueprint: broadband network fundamentals and architecture (25%), coaxial and fiber cable installation and testing (25%), RF signal measurement, leakage and signal quality (25%), and safety, standards, and customer service practices (25%). The CBNT study guide has 5 sections and about 1,598 words.
01Broadband Network Fundamentals and Architecture
This domain tests how an HFC broadband network is organized and how RF and data signals move from the headend to the subscriber. Expect questions on headend/hub/node roles, DOCSIS transport, coaxial and fiber segments, amplifiers, taps, splitters, and capacity concepts such as service groups, node splits, and fiber deep.
331 words, about 2 min02Coaxial and Fiber Cable Installation and Testing
This domain tests hands-on installation quality and proof-of-performance testing for coax and fiber. Expect connector preparation, bend radius, grounding, coax sweep/TDR, fiber cleaning, splice loss, power-meter testing, OTDR traces, and loss budgets.
330 words, about 2 min03RF Signal Measurement
This domain tests correct measurement of RF levels and quality in a 75-ohm broadband plant. Expect dBmV, dBµV, dBm conversions, signal-level meter setup, digital channel power, MER, BER, constellation, spectrum-analyzer RBW, and test-point correction.
314 words, about 2 min04Leakage and Signal Quality
This domain tests signal containment and the quality metrics that reveal plant problems. Expect FCC leakage limits, CLI, leakage logging and repair, ingress/egress, shielding integrity, MER/BER, tilt, ripple, and common-path distortion.
301 words, about 2 min05Safety, Standards, and Customer Service Practices
This domain tests safe field work, code and standard awareness, and professional customer interaction. Expect PPE, ladder and bucket-truck safety, electrical and grounding rules, laser/fiber hazards, FCC and NEC references, and in-home conduct.
322 words, about 2 min