By offering its one-day review course and certification exam at InfoComm in Orlando, Florida, this June, ESPA will help novice commercial electronics systems technicians (ESTs) jumpstart their training and their careers. 

By offering its one-day review course and certification exam at InfoComm in Orlando, Florida, this June, the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA) will help novice commercial electronics systems technicians (ESTs) jumpstart their training and their careers.  The ESPA Certified-EST® tests an EST candidate's understanding of industry basics and is a true indicator of whether or not the technician is prepared for an electronic systems career.

As part of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) University track, the ESPA Certified-EST® review course on Monday, June 15, will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Candidates can take the exam from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on either Wednesday, June 17, or Thursday, June 18.  The review course and exams are at the Orange County Convention Center. The review course is aimed at currently employed ESTs with 0-18 months of experience that need a refresher to help pass the certification exam.  Those that have not yet entered the industry should look to alternative training options on www.ESPA.org. 

“Training is high on the priority list for technician’s job satisfaction, as we found in our EST survey earlier this year,” said Grant Mydland, executive director of ESPA.  “Plus in this slow economy, now is the perfect time for technicians to hone their skills and get certified, so that they’re ready to handle more advanced projects when business picks up.”

The ESPA Certified-EST® is aimed at the entry-level technician, providing a set of fundamental best practices common across all tech markets – structured wiring, distributed audio and video, satellite, theater rooms, lighting, security and life safety systems and automation controls. ESPA provides one entry-level gateway by delivering high-quality education and certification that is universally recognized as the path to a career in electronics systems, including the commercial industry that NSCA represents.

“There are thousands of currently employed ESTs that have never been certified.  ESPA is here to help those ESTs get on the right track with their training to ensure they have all the core skills, are prepared to learn new skills, can control their own future, and help employers and consumers reap the benefits of a highly trained and productive workforce,” added Mydland.  After achieving ESPA Certified-EST® certification, technicians can get help from ESPA to pursue jobs and advanced training based on the industry vertical that appeals to them.

 
ESPA Certified-EST® covers five key domains: electrical basics; tools; construction methods and materials; wiring and installation practices; and standards, codes, and safety practices. Candidates can find out more about the program at www.ESPA.org and register for the course and exam at http://www.infocommshow.org/.  The review course costs $299, and the exam costs $199.