Practice Exam

The TriCaster 8000 Certified Operator Exam is an 85-question, multiple choice and multiple response exam. The time limit is 60 minutes and the minimum passing score is 75%. The exam is proctored at numerous testing centers around the US. The test items are drawn randomly from a large bank of questions which are divided into ten skills and knowledge areas. For some questions, a description of the initial conditions for the question, and often an image, appears above the question. Read each question carefully, then pick the best response from those given. None of these are trick questions, but the available responses are not meant to describe the complete behavior of the TriCaster, only to test your knowledge of how the machine and a qualified operator work together to produce the best live production. To get the highest possible score, pick the best available answer.

The questions cover a wide range of skills and knowledge of TriCaster 8000 operation in many types of live events. Operators preparing for the exam should study the operation of the TriCaster 8000 with a Control Surface to achieve the highest possible score.

The ten skills and knowledge areas and the percent of questions from each are given in this table, and a more detailed description follows:

Knowledge/Skill Area
Percent of Questions
1) Physical set-up and general video knowledge
12%
2) Software set-up
6%
3) Working with sessions
12%
4) Transferring, loading, and creating media
8%
5) Networking and streaming to the Web
8%
6) Live operation
14%
7) Media players
8%
8) M/Es, virtual sets, LiveMatte, and tracking
12%
9) Working with audio
9%
10) Automation and hotspots
11%

1) Physical set-up and general video knowledge (12%, 10 questions)
  • video cabling and signal flow-path
  • proc amp adjustments and white balancing
  • media drives
  • waveform monitor and vectorscope
  • genlocking and latency
  • video sources and signal types
  • video resolution and framerate
2) Software set-up (6%, 5 questions)
  • software and hardware add-ons
  • interface preferences and configuration
  • registration
  • updating and restoring
  • getting help
  • monitor set-up
3) Working with sessions (12%, 10 questions)
  • making new, renaming, and deleting
  • back-up and restore
  • record and grab formats and setting
  • input and output configuration
  • session directory structure
  • multiviewer configuration
  • time code
4) Transferring, loading, and creating media (8%, 7 questions)
  • populating playlists with playable formats
  • importing, exporting, and storage scheme
  • using preset bins
  • editing Title template pages
  • transcoding media
  • framebuffers
5) Networking and streaming to the web (8%, 7 questions)
  • streaming settings and formats
  • networking
  • iVGA Pro set-up and use
  • bitrates and framerate
  • IP addresses
  • Apple Airplay
  • sharing machine output
6) Live operation (14%, 12 questions)
  • bus switching and transition controls
  • T-bar delegation
  • DSK controls and Fade To Black
  • transition controls
  • Control Surface operation
  • look-ahead preview
  • frame buffers
  • removing media drives
  • interpreting input monitors
7) Media players (8%, 7 questions)
  • media player operation
  • playable file formats
  • single/autoplay/looping functions
  • in/out points
  • warning colors
  • mixing 16:9 and 4:3 video clips
  • playback speed
8) M/Es, virtual sets, LiveMatte, and tracking (12%, 10 questions)
  • M/E input set-up and operation
  • using LiveMatte
  • using LiveSets
  • zooming
  • presets
  • using the overlay
  • positioners
  • tracking set-up
  • color grouping
  • effects presets
9) Working with audio (9%, 8 questions)
  • input set-up and configuration
  • signal types
  • output set-up and audio levels
  • grouping and audio follow video
  • compressor/limiter controls
  • mix-minus set-up
  • solo, mono, mute, and talk
10) Automation and hotspots (11%, 9 questions)
  • recording and naming macros
  • importing and exporting macros
  • assigning macros to hot spots
  • hot spot set-up
  • enabling and disabling hot spots and macros
  • macro playback speed
  • setting hotkeys
  • macro looping

The TriCaster 40 Certified Operator Exam is a 65-question, multiple choice and multiple response exam. The time limit is 60 minutes and the minimum passing score is 70%. The exam is proctored at numerous testing centers around the US. The test items are drawn randomly from a large bank of questions which are divided into nine skills and knowledge areas. For some questions, a description of the initial conditions for the question, and often an image, appears above the question. Read each question carefully, then pick the best response from those given. None of these are trick questions, but the available responses are not meant to describe the complete behavior of the TriCaster, only to test your knowledge of how the machine and a qualified operator work together to produce the best live production. To get the highest possible score, pick the best available answer.

The questions cover a wide range of skills and knowledge of TriCaster 40 operation in many types of live events. The nine skills and knowledge areas and the percent of questions from each are given in this table, and a more detailed description follows:

Knowledge/Skill Area
Percent of Questions
Physical set-up and general video knowledge
11%
Registration and the Admin page
5%
Understanding sessions
14%
Media players
15%
LiveMatte, Virtual Inputs, and virtual sets
14%
Working with audio
11%
Networking
6%
Streaming
8%
Live operation
17%

1) Physical set-up and general video knowledge (11%, 7 questions)
  • video cabling and signal flow-path
  • genlocking and latency
  • video sources and signal types
  • video resolution and framerate
  • input and output connections
  • HD versus SD issues
2) Registration and the Admin page (5%, 3 questions)
  • registration
  • updating and restoring
  • getting help
  • monitor set-up
3) Understanding sessions (14%, 9 questions)
  • making new, renaming, and deleting
  • back-up and restore
  • record formats and setting
  • session directory structure
  • framegrabbing
  • input and output configuration
  • auxiliary output
4) Media players (15%, 10 questions)
  • media player operation
  • populating playlists with playable formats
  • importing and the file storage scheme
  • editing Title template pages
  • transcoding media
  • DDR and Graphics player operation
  • single/loop/autoplay functions
  • setting in/out points
  • playable file types
  • warning colors
5) LiveMatte, Virtual Inputs, and virtual sets (14%, 9 questions)
  • input set-up and operation
  • using LiveMatte
  • using LiveSets
  • zooming
  • using the overlay
  • matching a camera to a LiveSet
  • keying techniques
6) Working with audio (11%, 7 questions)
  • input set-up and configuration
  • signal types
  • output set-up and audio levels
  • audio follow video
  • stream audio
  • solo, mono, mute, and talk
  • setting up a mix-minus
  • audio channels accepted
  • clipping
7) Networking (6%, 4 questions)
  • networking issues
  • iVGA set-up and use
  • IP addresses
  • Apple Airplay
8) Streaming (8%, 5 questions)
  • streaming connection set up
  • streaming formats
  • stream recording
  • bitrates and framerate
  • CDNs
9) Live operation (17%, 11 questions)
  • bus switching
  • Fade To Black
  • DSK controls
  • interpreting input monitors
  • transition controls
  • the postitioners
  • keyboard shortcuts
  • the FX bus
  • transfering recorded files
  • adding media while in live mode

1. How can I prepare to take an exam?

Visit the Learning Resources page which has links to numerous materials to help you prepare for an exam.

2. What should I bring to the exam?

You'll need to bring a government or school-issued photo ID and an acceptable form of payment to the testing center. You'll also need an email account that you can check from a Web browser.

3. Can I use study materials or a calculator during the exam?

No study materials are permitted during the exam. You will be required to leave your cell phone, laptops, backpacks, etc. outside the testing room during the exam. You may not talk with anyone or get any help with the exam during testing. No questions require calculation.

4. What is the exam like?

The exams are multiple choice and multiple response. The time limit is 60 minutes and the passing score for most exams is 70% (the TriCaster 8000 is 75%). The test items are drawn randomly from a large bank of questions which are divided into skills and knowledge areas. For some questions, a description of the initial conditions for the question, and often an image, appears above the question. Read each question carefully, then pick the best response from among those given. None of them are trick questions, but the available responses are not meant to describe the complete behavior of the product, only to test your knowledge of how the machine and a qualified operator work together to produce the best live production. To get the highest possible score, pick the best available answer.

To find out what the full exam is like, take the Practice Exam.

5. What happens if I pass?

If you pass, you join the ranks of the elite force of live event producers. Within a few days, you'll receive an email with an official, personalized, printable certificate as a PDF attachment. This certificate is suitable to display proudly, and attests to your knowledge of product operation. Additionally, if you choose, your name and contact information will be added to the searchable Certified Operator Directory on the NewTek website, so potential employers and customers can easily find you and verify your certification.

6. What happens if I don't pass?

Often, this indicates a need for further study and practice with product operation in order to attain a level of proficiency required to pass the exam. Don't be discouraged; some operators do not pass the test the first time. Instead, use this as motivation for further study and practice. Refer to the Learning Resources page for study materials.

You must wait one week before attempting a retest. The retest is the same price as taking the exam the first time.

7. How do I sign up to take the exam?

Contact one of our many testing centers.

8. Where can I find a testing center?

Visit the list of testing centers.


 

The TriCaster 855 Certified Operator Exam is a 75-question, multiple choice and multiple response exam. The time limit is 60 minutes and the minimum passing score is 70%. The exam is proctored at numerous testing centers around the US. The test items are drawn randomly from a large bank of questions which are divided into nine skills and knowledge areas. For some questions, a description of the initial conditions for the question, and often an image, appears above the question. Read each question carefully, then pick the best response from those given. None of these are trick questions, but the available responses are not meant to describe the complete behavior of the TriCaster, only to test your knowledge of how the machine and a qualified operator work together to produce the best live production. To get the highest possible score, pick the best available answer.

The questions cover a wide range of skills and knowledge of TriCaster 855 and 455 operation in many types of live events. Being a "NewTek Certified Operator" means being ready to take on challenging productions; therefore, the exam is aimed at the TriCaster 855. While many of the skills tested are applicable to all TriCaster models, the exam is primarily focused on the TriCaster 855 using a Control Surface. Where there are differences between the TriCaster 855 and other TriCaster models, the question specifies which model is referenced. Operators preparing for the exam should study the operation of TriCaster 855 with the Control Surface to achieve the highest possible score.

The nine skills and knowledge areas and the percent of questions from each are given in this table, and a more detailed description follows:

Knowledge/Skill Area
Percent of Questions
Physical set-up and general video knowledge
13%
Software set-up
7%
Working with sessions
11%
Transferring, loading, and creating media
11%
Networking and streaming to the Web
9%
Live operation
16%
Media players
9%
Virtual inputs, virtual sets, LiveMatte
13%
Working with audio
11%

1) Physical set-up and general video knowledge (13%, 10 questions)
  • video cabling and signal flow-path
  • proc amp adjustments and white balancing
  • media drives
  • waveform monitor and vectorscope
  • genlocking and latency
  • video sources and signal types
  • video resolution and framerate
2) Software set-up (7%, 5 questions)
  • software and hardware add-ons
  • interface preferences and configuration
  • registration
  • updating and restoring
  • getting help
  • monitor set-up
3) Working with sessions (11%, 8 questions)
  • making new, renaming, and deleting
  • back-up and restore
  • record formats and setting
  • session directory structure
  • framegrabbing
  • time code
4) Transferring, loading, and creating media (11%, 8 questions)
  • populating playlists with playable formats
  • importing, exporting, and storage scheme
  • using preset bins
  • editing Title template pages
  • transcoding media
5) Networking and streaming to the web (9%, 7 questions)
  • streaming settings and formats
  • networking
  • iVGA set-up and use
  • bitrates and framerate
  • IP addresses
  • Apple Airplay
6) Live operation (16%, 12 questions)
  • bus switching and transition controls
  • Utility and T-bar delegation
  • DSK controls and Fade To Black
  • Control Surface operation
  • frame buffers
  • interpreting input monitors
7) Media players (9%, 7 questions)
  • media player operation
  • playable file formats
  • single/autoplay/looping functions
  • in/out points
  • warning colors
8) Virtual inputs, virtual sets, LiveMatte (13%, 10 questions)
  • input set-up and operation
  • using LiveMatte
  • using LiveSets
  • zooming
  • using the overlay
  • matching a camera to a LiveSet
9) Working with audio (11%, 8 questions)
  • input set-up and configuration
  • signal types
  • output set-up and audio levels
  • grouping and audio follow video
  • compressor/limiter controls
  • solo, mono, mute, and talk

TriCaster 8000

TriCaster 855/850

TriCaster 455/450

TriCaster 40

3Play

Videos

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850 EXTREME

450 EXTREME

Videos

820 Videos

425 Videos

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