Registration Now Open for the 2027 Education Forum!


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-Located with IWCE

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IWCE offers four days of content and networking and two days of exhibits to explore to over 4,000 critical communications professionals. IWCE addresses the needs of critical communications professionals at every stage in their career. Global industry professionals attend from government, public safety, emergency management/disaster response, utilities, education, transportation, healthcare and other critical infrastructure sectors.


Who attends Education Forum?

Attendees at the ETA Education Forum include: individuals concerned with current industry trends, emerging technologies and educational programs; 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.

Need a justification letter to convince your boss? Try this one!




Education Forum Logo

March 8-11, 2027
Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, NV







Apply Today for Wireless Communications Scholarships to ETA's Education Forum!

ETA and IWCE have partnered again to offer scholarships to attend the Education Forum in an effort to increase awareness of the growing demand for certified wireless communications professionals, and to encourage students and United States military personnel to pursue careers in the industry.

Scholarships Include:

  • One training workshop of winner's choice, sponsored by Education Forum trainers
  • One 4-day All Access pass to the IWCE show
  • One coach class plane ticket with a value up to $600 to travel to and from the show*
  • A three-night hotel stay at one of IWCE's host hotels
  • Invitation to join ETA at its dinner
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IWCE Logo

How To Apply:

Submit a 1,000-words or less essay describing your ideal career in wireless communications and how this scholarship will benefit your future professional endeavors. Include a recent resume, cover letter, and picture as separate attachments by the January 2, 2027 deadline to eta@etai.org.

  • Students must be currently enrolled in school and have at least a 2.5 GPA
  • Military personnel must be either active duty or an honorably discharged veteran

*If the student scholarship winner is under 18 they must bring a chaperone. The chaperone will receive one coach plane ticket for up to $600 as well.


2027 Technical Training

ETA International is proud to provide training through outside vendors in popular technology areas leading to ETA certification. Training courses must be purchased separately and are not part of any IWCE conference package. Registration includes access to IWCE's Exhibit Hall. Please check back often for updates.


Cybersecurity: Information Technology Security Training (ITS)

Presenter: Eric Ingram, CETsr, University of Massachusetts Global
Date: Wednesday, 3/10 and Thursday, 3/11, 8:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification

REQUIRED: STUDENTS MUST BRING A LAPTOP OR TABLET TO THE CLASS.

This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully take the ETA International Information Technology Security (ITS) exam. The Information Technology Security certification covers all areas of cybersecurity for information technology. ITS-certified specialists are expected to have the major knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to perform the professional tasks associated with the development of security plans and processes for information technology and cybersecurity.

This class will prepare the student with a specialized knowledge of computer hardware and software security measures, as well as wireless communications security, device security, cryptography, social engineering, virus detection/mitigation, troubleshooting, disaster prevention/recovery and site risk analysis. It is suggested that students have prior computer systems and computer networking experience.

Topics covered include the development of security plans, common vulnerabilities and attacks, and processes for immunizing information technology systems from threats. This course is presented as a combination of lecture time and guided study. All course materials will be provided for the class in advance.

Key Takeaways

  • Learn about developing security plans and processes for IT and cybersecurity.
  • Gain knowledge of hardware and software security measures and wireless communications security.
  • Review common vulnerabilities.

Prerequisite: None

ITS

Course Cost: $1150 | Test only option $105

Certification: ETA's Information Technology Security (ITS)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

DAS Code Compliance NFPA 1225 2027 (DASC)

Presenter: Ira Wiesenfeld, PE, CETms(RF), IWA Technical Services, Inc.
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification

This two-day course gives technicians, designers, contractors, inspectors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's) a working command of the 2027 edition of NFPA 1225.

Students first build the radio-frequency foundation needed to understand why the code says what it says — decibels, link budgets, system components, interference and antenna behavior — and then work section by section through Chapter 18 (Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems), Chapter 20 (Testing and Inspection) and the explanatory material in Annex A. The emphasis throughout is practical: what the requirement is, why it exists, how to meet it in the field, and how to document it so the system is approved the first time and stays compliant for its full-service life.

Key takeaways:

  • ERCES / DAS installers, integrators and service technicians
  • RF system designers and engineers preparing designs for AHJ approval
  • Fire marshals, fire inspectors, plan reviewers and other authorities having jurisdiction
  • Two-way radio shop staff and public safety radio system managers (frequency license holders)
  • Fire alarm, electrical and low-voltage contractors who interface with ERCES
  • Building owners, facility managers and consultants responsible for ongoing compliance

Key Takeaways:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

  • Explain the life-safety purpose of ERCES and the roles of the AHJ, the frequency license holder, the building owner and the FCC.
  • Apply decibel math, absolute power levels (dBm) and link-budget calculations to in-building coverage problems.
  • Identify passive and active DAS architectures, Class A and Class B signal boosters, and every major system component.
  • Recognize sources of interference — oscillation, intermodulation, passive intermodulation (PIM), near-far effect, downlink egress and time-delay interference — and the design choices that prevent them.
  • Interpret and apply the NFPA 1225-2027 Chapter 18 requirements for approval, personnel qualifications, design, coverage, signal strength and quality, components, cabling, power, monitoring, annunciation and signal booster shutdown.
  • Interpret and apply the Chapter 20 requirements for acceptance testing, periodic inspection, annual testing and the five-year quantitative test.
  • Use Annex A to understand the intent behind the requirements and to resolve questions of interpretation with the AHJ
  • Plan and document grid testing, delivered audio quality (DAQ) evaluation and acceptance records that satisfy the AHJ.
  • Apply safe work practices for RF exposure, rooftop work, electrical power and lockout/tagout.

Prerequisite: None

DASC

Course Cost: $1,315 | Test only option $105

Certification: ETA's Distributed Antenna Systems Code Compliance (DASC)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

General Communications Technician Training - Level 1 (GCT1)

Presenter: Chris Miller, CETsr, Heartland Community College
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm, and Wednesday, 3/10, 8:00am-5:00pm

Course Description Certification

GCT1 covers the 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. It is intended for 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.

Key takeaways:

  • Practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians.
  • Learn to work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure.

Prerequisite: None

GCT1

Course Cost: $1,500 | 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)

Presenter: AJ Wiesenfeld, PE, IWA Technical Services, Inc.
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm, and Wednesday, 3/10, 8:00am-5:00pm

Course Description Certification

Important:

The General Communications Technician – Level 2 (GCT2), an ETA Journeyman certification, has two years of electronics experience by field experience, trade school, or college as part of its program requirement. By registering for this class, you must have this experience or your certification may not be issued until that experience is attained.


Building on the foundational GCT1 program, GCT2 expands the attendee’s knowledge base to include advanced elements of communications concepts and technologies. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on training and is customizable to meet specific industry and employer needs. It is modeled after U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines, covering all the disciplines outlined in the COMT program as well as the APCO/ANSI technician standards. By combining DHS-modeled instruction with ETA’s certification standards, the GCT2 program ensures technicians are prepared for advanced responsibilities in critical communications environments. Successful ETA pathway completion and certification of GCT1 and GCT2 fulfill the requirements of FCC regulation 47CFR90.433 Industry Certified Technician as an ETA Certified Electronics Technician (CET).

Key takeaways:

  • Advanced Technical Proficiency:
    • Expanded knowledge of RF theory, transmission lines, and antenna systems.
    • Ability to diagnose, repair, and optimize complex communication networks.
    • Practical understanding of propagation, interference mitigation, and advanced test equipment use.
  • Hands-On Field Experience:
    • Real-world exercises in system setup, troubleshooting, and signal analysis.
    • Proficiency in reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and site documentation.
    • Hands-on familiarity with industry-grade analyzers, meters, and service monitors.
  • Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills:
    • Capability to identify system performance issues through data-driven analysis.
    • Skilled in isolation and correction of interference, grounding, and intermodulation issues.
    • Ability to develop structured troubleshooting methodologies in high-stakes environments.
  • Career and Professional Advancement:
    • Recognition as an ETA-certified technician, the gold standard in communications industry credentials.
    • Increased employability and credibility for roles in Land Mobile Radio (LMR) fields.
    • Pathway to additional certifications such as LAS, DASI, DAST, and RFIM for further specialization.
  • Network of Industry Experts:
    • Access to a community of certified professionals and ongoing learning opportunities.
    • Exposure to real-world case studies from public safety, transportation, and utility sectors.
  • Operational Readiness:
    • Ability to lead or support communication system installations and upgrades with minimal supervision.
    • Understanding of project management basics—planning, documentation, and coordination with AHJs.
    • Readiness to perform at an advanced technician level within mission-critical communication environments.

Prerequisite: Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) OR General Communications Technician - Level 1 Training (GCT1)

GCT2

Course Cost: $1,500 | Test only option $105

Certification: ETA's General Communications Technician - Level 2 (GCT2)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License - 3-Day Intensive (GROL)

Presenter: Saleh Ahmed, Love Aviation
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm, and Wednesday, 3/10, 8:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification
Important:
As a courtesy, ETA processes and files the license exams with the FCC. If you would like ETA to file for you you must have the following:

  • Examinees will need to have an FCC Registration Number (FRN) prior to attending the course.
  • The examinee will receive an invoice from the FCC in the amount of $35 for their filing fee. Once payment is received, the FCC will issue the license.

Designed for technicians working in wireless communications, public safety, utilities, aviation, maritime, broadcasting, and related RF fields, the course prepares participants for FCC Element 1 — Basic Radio Law & Operating Practice and Element 3 — General Radiotelephone.

Key takeaways:

Day 1 — FCC Rules & Operating Practices | Element 1

  • GROL licensing requirements
  • FCC regulations and operating practices
  • Emergency and international communications procedures
  • Element 1 exam preparation

Day 2 — RF & Communications Systems | Element 3

  • RF and electronics fundamentals
  • Propagation, transmitters, receivers, and antennas
  • Transmission lines, SWR, and RF safety
  • Troubleshooting and test equipment

Day 3 — Advanced Communications & Exam Preparation | Element 3

  • Analog and digital communications
  • Modulation and data transmission
  • Maintenance, calibration, and documentation
  • Comprehensive Element 3 review and exam preparation

Participants will be prepared to confidently attempt the FCC Element 1 and Element 3 examinations required to earn the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL).

Prerequisite: None

GROL

Course Cost: $1,950 | Test only option $50

License: FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS)

Presenter: Jay Thompson, CETsr, Thompson Communications, Inc.
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification

Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS) testing has been with us for years but now test equipment size and cost have dropped dramatically. 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.

Prerequisite: None

LAS

Course Cost: $1,265 | Test only option $105

Certification: ETA's Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)

Presenter: Jay Thompson, CETsr, Thompson Communications, Inc.
Date: Wednesday, 3/10 and Thursday, 3/11, 8:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification

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: Basic RF Signal Theory; Frequency Spectrum; Decibels; Unlicensed vs. Licensed; Modulation; Radio Propagation; What is interference; Sources of Interference; Interference Examples; Antennas; Spectrum Analyzers; Key specifications; Real Time vs. Swept; Spectrum Analyzer Measurements; Interference Hunting Tools; Field Measurements.

Key takeaways:

  • Learn about the latest Interference Hunting technology
  • Prepare for 100 Question exam for ETA Certification.

Prerequisite: None

RFIM

Course Cost: $1,265 | Test only option $105

Certification: ETA's Radio Frequency Interference Mitigation (RFIM)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

Wireless Network Technician (WNT)

Presenter: Eric Ingram, CETsr, University of Massachusetts Global
Date: Monday, 3/8 and Tuesday, 3/9, 9:00am–5:00pm

Course Description Certification

The WNT course is designed to prepare the student to take the ETA-I WNT examination. 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. The course continues with an exploration of wireless solutions and standards used today in Personal, Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. An in-depth look into WiFi technology (802.11), the predominant technology used for Local Area Networks (LANs) is presented.

Key takeaways:

  • Learn about antenna theory, transmission lines, RF propagation, and modulation schemes.
  • Examine both fixed wireless and mobile wireless applications.
  • Comprehensive study of Wide Area Network technology including microwave and satellite solutions.

Prerequisite: None, background in electronics is helpful.

WNT

Course Cost: $1,150 | Test only option $80

Certification: ETA's Wireless Networking Technician (WNT)

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop