Training and Certification - LAN Wiring - page 443

with intensive classroom training interspersed with self-study sessions. After comple-
tion of the final session, an end-of-course exam is administered. Additional courses are
offered in commercial and residential structured cabling design, fiber-optic cabling,
local area networks, outside plant design, estimating, sales, and project management.
The ACP offers several seminars, conferences, and trade shows throughout the
year. Some of these are in association with industry publications and manufacturers.
The Cabling Business Institute is associated with the publisher of Cabling Business
Magazine . The magazine holds an annual conference that includes comprehensive
training sessions that are requisites to the institute's certification program. Training
videos, seminars, and trade shows are also offered by Cabling Installation &
Maintenance , a trade magazine.
In addition to these training programs from industry associations, short
courses are available from a variety of private training organizations.
Several excellent technology training organizations offer appropriate training
for cabling installers and designers. Consult the LAN wiring Web site for current
information on companies and offerings. In some instances, these outside training
resources may include the requisite information for formal certification. Such train-
ing may be offered more frequently or in more convenient locations than the train-
ing from the industry associations.
Manufacturer-Specific Training
Product-specific training is offered through a number of sources, but this training is
always sponsored or sanctioned in some way by a particular manufacturer or con-
sortium. The best way to obtain this type of training is through a business relation-
ship with a cable-component supplier or manufacturer. Many of the component
distributors have their own training programs, which are often underwritten by the
various manufacturers. In a few of these, training in several products may be
offered, particularly when those products require similar installation techniques.
For example, training on 110-type outlet connectors is essentially the same from one
manufacturer to the next. Likewise, many fiber-optic connectors are assembled in
the same manner, and the basic techniques for preparing the fiber for termination
are quite similar.
Links for a number of manufacturer/supplier training resources are included on
the LAN wiring Web site, www.LanWiringGuide.com. Training may also be offered
through multimedia courses. Videotapes and CD-ROM training are available
through several sources. Videos offer a great way to introduce new installer-trainees
to the concepts and practices of cable installation and are a good source of general
information.