Stay Tuned for 2024 Education Forum Information!
What is Education Forum?
The ETA Education Forum event offers individuals the opportunity to network, collaborate and train. Event participants are given an opportunity to discuss training demands, recent developments in emerging technologies and industry trends. Those attending the available training sessions will have the opportunity to become certified as part of the class. Certification is important in this competitive job market, and remains a vital part of electronics-related industries.
Co-Hosted with
Who attends Education Forum?
Attendees at the ETA Education Forum include: faculty in technology programs who want to gain knowledge about new technologies, and how to expand existing programs; college representatives, program development specialists, and counselors who are interested in creating and maintaining electronics programs and in developing strategies for recruiting students; industry trainers and managers who want to gain insight from educators; workforce development personnel from government, labor, business, and education who are involved in shaping electronics programs; individuals concerned with current industry trends, emerging technologies and educational programs.
Why attend the Education Forum at IWCE?
Need a justification letter to convince your boss? Try this one!
March 25-28, 2024
Orange County Convention Center
Orlando, FL
2023 Technical Training
ETA International is proud to provide training through outside vendors in popular technology areas leading to ETA certification. ETA will provide opportunities to test in each area during Education Forum/IWCE, and will also offer a series of Short Courses. Training courses must be purchased separately and are not part of any IWCE conference package. Please check back often for updates. Map of North Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center (Level 2).
Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)
Date: Wednesday, 3/29 & Thursday, 3/30
Time: 8:00am–5:30pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday with a 2.5 hour lunch break to allow time to visit the IWCE exhibit hall.
The Associate certification is designed for technicians who have less than two years of experience or trade school training for electronics technicians. Topics covered include: DC Electronics, AC Electronics, Components & Semiconductors, Analog Circuits, Re-cabling & Telecommunications, Digital Circuits & Microprocessors, Troubleshooting, Test Equipment & Repair, Shop & Service Management. Every Certified Electronics Technician (CET) candidate must pass the Associate exam before they can qualify to sit for the full Journeyman certification. Once a technician has completed the four-year term, they should specialize and take a Journeyman option. It is strongly encouraged to have CETa study guide for this training. A CETa study guide can be purchased at www.etai.org. |
CETa |
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Course Cost: $630 or $730 onsite | Test only option $65 Certification: ETA's Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Cybersecurity and Information Technology Security Training (ITS)
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. STUDENTS MUST BRING A LAPTOP OR TABLET TO THE CLASS. This course that will give you all of the necessary skills in order to be successful in today's CYBERSECURITY industry. After completing this course, attendees will: Have an in-depth understanding of all ITS domains; Achieve the comprehension of hardware and software of network security; Have a clear awareness of security in relation to wireless networks; Gain the basic understanding of device security such as Bluetooth and IoT; Develop a detailed comprehension of software exploitation and vulnerabilities; Gain a clear awareness of operational policies, standards, and risk assessment; Have a firm grasp of disaster recovery and computer forensics; Understand the fundamentals of cryptography and its relationship with IT infrastructure; and develop a cognizance of social engineering attacks and countermeasures in-depth. |
ITS |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Information Technology Security (ITS) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Distributed Antenna Systems (ERCES) - Code Compliance (DASC)
Presenter: Ira Wiesenfeld, PE, CETms(RF), IWA Technical Services, Inc.
Date: Monday, 3/27 & Tuesday, 3/28
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Monday and Tuesday. This training addresses recent code changes that include requirements needed to approve, design, build, and test procedures as spelled out in the recently updated International Fire Code (IFC) Section 510-2021 Emergency Responder Radio Coverage (ERRC) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1225-2022 code. This class incorporates specific discussions to ensure that the ERCES is in compliance with the current standards. This two-day course is for anyone interested in learning the fundamental theories, components, installation, maintenance and support of in-building Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems. It also focuses on the application and optimization of active and passive BDAs used in today’s Public Safety DAS systems. Students completing this course will better understand how DAS systems function and why the design is critical to proper operation. Exposure to RF energy and related safety subjects will be addressed. This two-day course is for anyone interested in learning the fundamental theories, components, installation, maintenance and support of in-building Public Safety Distributed Antenna Systems. It also focuses on the application and optimization of active and passive BDA’s used in today’s Public Safety DAS systems. Students completing this course will better understand how DAS systems function and why the design is critical to proper operation. Exposure to RF energy and related safety subjects will be addressed. Discussions will include:
Antenna types, mounting techniques, propagation, gain and losses, decibels, pattern distortions, return loss, distance-to-fault, range, impedance matching, bandwidth, efficiency, power levels, types of BDA’s, selecting the correct components for optimal results, polarization, transmission line selection, fiber optic connectivity, antenna diversity, splitters, couplers, taps, lightning protection, donor antenna to distribution antenna isolation, FCC licensing requirements, commissioning, optimization, and troubleshooting, along with NFPA 1225-2022 and IFC 510-2021 Code Compliance. Hands-on demonstrations will include: Testing fundamentals, connectorization, reflectometers, RF wattmeters, calibration, determining problems, distance-to-fault measurements, system sweeps, spectrum analyzers, fiber optic test equipment, and specific tests required by the new code. |
DASC |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Distributed Antenna Systems - Code Compliance (DASC) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Fiber Optics 1-2-3 (FOI)
Date: Monday, 3/27 - Thursday, 3/30
Time: 9:00am-5:00pm (Mon/Tues) & 8:00am–5:30pm (Wed/Thurs)
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place Monday through Thursday with a 2.5 hour lunch break Wednesday/Thursday to allow time to visit the IWCE exhibit hall. This instructor-led course provides a fundamental understanding of fiber optics, coupled with the practical hands-on skills training required to install and maintain fiber optic networks. Perfect for those new to fiber or those looking to enhance their current skill set. Two days of classroom time are dedicated to the understanding of fiber technology and network components, followed by two days of hands-on skills training to develop cable preparation, termination, splicing, and testing skills. Classroom Topics (Monday/Tuesday):
Hands-On Skills Lab (Wednesday/Thursday):
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FOI |
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Course Cost: $2,300 Certification: ETA's Fiber Optics Intaller (FOI) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
General Communications Technician Training - Level 1 (GCT1)
Date: Monday, 3/27 & Tuesday, 3/28
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Monday and Tuesday.
The General Communications Technician-Level 1 certification program introduces the attendee to basic elements of various communications concepts and technologies. This includes basic electronics, fundamentals of radio, tools, test equipment, power systems, cabling and installations, environmental systems, antennas, transmission lines, operating principles and details on radios and radio systems, serial data and IP networks, basics of fiber optic lines and systems, telephony, satellite communications, physical plant considerations, site procedures and safety practices. LMR communications, satellite, telephone, data, and computer technologies used in incident response and planned events. General Communications Technician-Level 1 trains technicians on the practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians. This course will help communications technicians work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure. It is intended for the novice technicians or anyone that needs a basic technical understanding of communications systems. This course is ideal for federal, state, local, and tribal emergency response professionals and coordination/support personnel with communications backgrounds. Individuals who are responsible for managing a Strategic Technology Reserve (radio cache, mobile communications vehicle, or other deployable communications assets) are encouraged to attend. GCT1 is modeled after the US Department of Homeland Security's COM-T program. |
GCT1 |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's General Communications Technician-Level 1 (GCT1) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
General Communications Technician Training - Level 2 (GCT2)
Date: Wednesday, 3/29 & Thursday, 3/30
Time: 8:00am–5:30pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday with a 2.5 hour lunch break to allow time to visit the IWCE exhibit hall.
The General Communications Technician program is customizable “hands-on” instruction modeled after the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines that cover all the disciplines listed in the COMT program and the APCO/ANSI technician standards. GCT-2 brings the GCT-1 apprentice to the next level on the pathway of becoming a seasoned Certified Electronics Technician by taking a much deeper dive into everyday problems encountered by the field engineer. GCT-2 expands the attendee’s knowledge base to include advanced elements of various communications concepts and technologies. The course focuses on everyday activities including, field installation, troubleshooting, and service procedures. You Will Learn
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GCT2 |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's General Communications Technician-Level 2 (GCT2) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS)
Date: Monday, 3/27 & Tuesday, 3/28
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Monday and Tuesday. Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS) testing has been with us for more than 50 years but it was primarily lab based. Handheld units now bring line sweeping into the field at a technician level. Carrier and equipment manufacturers develop installation Methods of Procedures to ensure every decibel of signal strength is maximized in the increasingly crowded RF spectrum. Line and antenna sweeping are critical tests for the installation, maintenance and troubleshooting of antenna components and networks. The course is about moving beyond a simple wattmeter test when installing or maintaining any antenna system. A review of decibels, Return Loss and VSWR along with the standard tests used for LAS will be covered. Many examples will be presented and hands on exercises will be conducted to ensure students are prepared to better understand antenna systems. The ETA LAS certification test will be available upon completion of this course. |
LAS |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Microwave Fundamentals - Microwave Radio Technician (MRT)
Date: Wednesday, 3/29 & Thursday, 3/30
Time: 8:00am–5:30pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday with a 2.5 hour lunch break to allow time to visit the IWCE exhibit hall. With the explosion of new digital applications in today’s communication networks microwave radio offers many advantages. They are capable of carrying large amounts of information (voice, video, and data); they require smaller antennas than other RF communication bands; microwaves signal easily propagate around objects; and microwave equipment has proven very reliable. The microwave spectrum is generally described as running between 500 MHz and 300 GHz. At these frequencies wave-lengths become relatively short, and measure between 1 cm and 60 cm in length. Microwave systems have proven capable of effectively processing and transmitting both analog and digital intelligence. Microwave technicians, therefore, must be equally versed in frequency modulation (FM) and digital modulation techniques. In this course we will take a system approach in our examination and analysis of microwave radio communication. Participants will be exposed to: RF safety fundamentals; RF spectrum and frequency concepts; microwave radio system configurations; RF modulation schemes (CW, AM, FM,& PW) ; digital microwave coding/decoding techniques; principles of Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and Phase Shift Keying (QPSK); microwave radio equipment (TX & RX block diagrams, microwave/digital interfaces, performance indicators, bit error rates (BIT), microwave timing and synchronization schemes, and radio protection configurations); microwave propagation characteristics (line-of-sight restrictions, electromagnetic waves, path-related anomalies, and Fresnel zone clearance); microwave antenna systems; and common microwave test equipment and procedures. Upon successfully passing ETA’s microwave radio technician (MRT) examination participants will be awarded ETA certification. |
MRT |
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Course Cost: $949 and $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Microwave Radio Technician (MRT) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) - Making Sense of RF Propagation in Everyday Communication Systems
Date: Monday, 3/27 & Tuesday, 3/28
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Monday and Tuesday. A lunch break is built into the schedule. In this course participants will be introduced to basic antenna theory. We will examine the fundamental principles of RF propagation and explore the antenna’s critical role in wireless communication systems. A major problem in any wireless communication system is the efficient transformation of internal circuit voltage and current into electromagnetic energy. Encoded and modulated with analog intelligence or digital data, electromagnetic radiation can then be propagated though space. The transformational complexity often results in an over-simplified explanation of an antenna as just a passive device with strange and magical abilities. Those attending this course will learn to dispel any mystical nature and develop a sound practical understanding of how antennas work. Topics addressed will include: the evolution of antenna theory (Maxwell’s equations, Faraday’s law, Ampere’s law, Marconi and Hertz); electrical to electromagnetic conversion (E and H field interaction, polarization, wave-fronts); characteristics of RF propagation (refraction, diffraction, fading, and travel path); half-wave dipole antenna development (effects of impedance, radiation and induction); antenna power ratios (dB’s and dBm’s); antenna performance (gain, directivity, reciprocity, radiation fields, beam-width, directionality); antenna feed lines (resonant and non-resonant); antenna design considerations (monopole antennas, antenna arrays, and electrical vs. physical length); specialized antennas (log-periodic, small-loop, folded di-pole, and slot antenna); microwave antennas (horn, parabolic reflector, lens and patch antennas); and common non-proprietary antenna installation, alignment, and maintenance practices. Upon successfully passing ETA’s antenna competency examination participants will be awarded ETA’s practical antenna basics (PAB) certification. |
PAB |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation (RFIM)
Date: Wednesday, 3/29 & Thursday, 3/30
Time: 8:00am–5:30pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Wednesday and Thursday with a 2.5 hour lunch break to allow time to visit the IWCE exhibit hall. This course will provide a background in the frequency spectrum and RF technology and review causes and sources of interference. Spectrum analyzers will be covered in detail along with software functions and tools to support interference hunting. Many interference hunting cases will be presented. Students will have hands-on time with a variety of modern commercial spectrum analyzers. A “Tiny SA” spectrum analyzer will be given to the students for use during the labs. The content will include:
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RFIM |
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Course Cost: $1,049 or $1,099 onsite | Test only option $105 Certification: ETA's Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation (RFIM) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Wireless Networking Technician (WNT)
Date: Monday, 3/27 & Tuesday, 3/28
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Room: TBD
| Course Description | Certification |
|---|---|
This is a multi-day course that takes place on Monday and Tuesday. This course provides students with an introduction to the world of wireless communication technology that is impacting every sector of our interconnected world today. The fundamental knowledge of RF technology used in wireless communications and how intelligent information is communicated for specific applications along with system design components and their requirements is presented. Antenna theory, transmission lines, RF propagation, and modulation schemes are discussed. Brought to you by UMass Global, this two-day program prepares students to sit for the ETA Wireless Network Technician (WNT) Certification exam. The course explores wireless solutions and standards used today in Personal, Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. This includes solutions for both fixed wireless and mobile wireless applications. An in-depth look into WiFi technology (802.11), the predominant technology used for Local Area Networks (LANs) is presented. The course provides a comprehensive study of Wide Area Network technology including microwave and satellite solutions. Upon successful mastery of this course, you will be able to:
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WNT |
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Course Cost: $949 or $999 onsite | Test only option $80 Certification: ETA's Wireless Networking Technician (WNT) Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop |
Congratulations to the 2023 ETA and IWCE Wireless Communications Scholarship Winners!
About ETA
Founded in 1978 by electronics technicians, ETA® International is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) association whose mission is to represent and support the technical professional. ETA offers over 80 accredited, vendor-neutral certification programs in a variety of technology fields such as fiber optics, communications, electronics, biomedical, smart home, and renewable energy.
ETA aligns with the ISO 17024 standard, vocational and education curriculums, and businesses’ resource initiatives through certification programs, conferences, and publications. Download ETA's Certification Booklet to see how ETA can help your career, business, or school.
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