with Megan Clappe, SBE Certification Director of The Society of Broadcast Engineers
Virtual Zoom Meeting - Register Here
Our meeting will be held virtually. Please Register Here in advance for this meeting. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing instructions for joining the meeting. To learn about Zoom, please see this tutorial.
- We typically open the meeting at 6pm to give everyone time to mingle and visit, begin Chapter 37 business at 6:45pm, and introduce our guest speakers at 7pm to start their presentation thereafter.
- To save valuable time when we have large attendance, we have omitted the opportunity for attendees to introduce themselves. (Sorry, it just takes too long.) Instead, please feel free to add your affiliation to your name in Zoom and say "Hello" via Zoom's chat function.
- Please note that Chapter 37 meetings are recorded. If you prefer not being recorded, please disable your camera and mute your audio.
- Please Register Here!
From: The Society of Broadcast Engineers
What: CertConnect: 50 Years of SBE Certification
When: July 14, 2026 at 6:30 PM
Where: Virtual Zoom Meeting - Register Here
Sponsors: Sublight Engineering PLLC and Vertical Technology Services
The SBE Program of Certification was created in November 1975, so 2025 marked the 50th anniversary of the Program. To mark the event, the SBE is encouraging chapters to present a meeting all about SBE Certification to mark the milestone. SBE is calling this CertConnect.
The SBE has prepared a video for Chapters to show at a chapter meeting, which covers the basics of SBE Certification: the various levels, requirements (if any) to apply, how to maintain Certification, and more.
SBE Certification Director Megan Clappe will also be present to answer any questions you might have regarding certification. Ms. Clappe started working for the SBE in September 2003. She was originally hired as the certification assistant and receptionist where she worked with previous Certification Director (and SBE Fellow) Linda Baun. In June 2006, Linda left the SBE for a position with the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, and Megan was promoted to SBE certification director.
Megan’s daily duties include working with the SBE Certification Committee to operate and grow the SBE Certification Program, which includes implementing and maintaining certifications to match those needs. She coordinates testing with proctors, and follows up after exams are administered. In all, she is tasked with keeping track of more than 5,000 certifications and recertifications. In addition to her certification duties, Megan also provides SBE member and chapter certification support, manages the SBE Awards Program; manages the SBE convention and expo presence; and oversees the SBE Store.
During her employment as certification director, the SBE Certification Committee has introduced several levels of certification, including CBNE, DRB and ATSC3. The SBE Certification Handbook for Radio Operators has been updated at least twice, and The SBE Television Operator’s Certification Handbook has been updated once. The CertPreview practice test software has been redeveloped once and is slated for a second later this year during her time as director.
As a further incentive to encourage new certifications, the SBE is holding a contest. Anyone applying to take an SBE Certification exam, applying for CBT by license or upgrading to CPBE from Nov. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2026, will be entered into a drawing. This is called CertChallenge. Each application will count for one entry. If you apply to take three SBE Certification exams, you’ll be entered three times. Exam retake applications do not qualify. The random drawing will be held by December 15, 2026. The winner will be notified by December 18, 2026.
One winner will receive:
• An Upgrade to SBE MemberPlus
• Registration to the SBE Ennes Workshop at the 2027 NAB Show
• $100 Amazon gift card
• An SBE certification pin
• An SBE membership pin
Anyone who attends a CertConnect chapter meeting will also receive a coupon for $5 off of the purchase of one level of SBE CertPreview.
Contest void where prohibited by law. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.
To learn about the different kinds of certification, go to the Certification Levels section. You may also download a printable overview of SBE certification and membership here (PDF).
As is typical, the Zoom meeting will be opened early for casual conversation and socializing, with chapter business commencing at 6:50, and the presentation at 7:00, with time for questions afterwards.
SBE Chapter 37 would like to thank Vertical Technology Services and Sublight Engineering PLLC for their generous sponsorship of the technical costs to keep the chapter running for 2026.