Jeff, NABCEP has figured this out, in my opinion. I'm somewhat biased because I'm soon to be NABCEP certified myself and contracted to provide training (enough to pass the test) to others for one week a month, maybe two weeks, we'll see. But I say they have figured it out, because we're doing exactly this (not online yet, but better, with classroom and hands-on "demo" system installation at the training facilities a few miles south of me in Carlsbad).
Right now, we need instructors all over the country also. Phoenix, Orlando, and Houston are first up after SoCal and NorCal regions. But it's exactly like what you describe otherwise. NABCEP has given the first-ever authorization for such instruction and test-giving, to Applied Professional Training Corp. See http://www.aptc.edu/partners/solar.aspx The main guy here will be at my office in an hour and things get started next week. I'll ask him if he wants me to reach out to Wrenches and I'll introduce him here, if the web link is not enough. If you're in SoCal (or anywhere in the US really) call me for more info or Become A Network Installer. See http://www.solar-powered-homes.com/info/become_a_network_installer.htm We all know the Solar Revolution will not happen if the direct labor and general admin labor is not in place. Sincerely, Peter Duchon Technical Sales & Logistics ASAP POWER! is "As Solar As Possible" Oceanside, California, USA Toll Free 866-724-3444 O 760-724-3777 F 760-724-3888 F e-fax# upon request I www.asappower.com & www.solar-powered-homes.com C 760-717-3779 E [email protected] S peter.duchon -----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 7:23 AM To: [email protected]; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] NABCEP "rant" I was recently notified that in order to renew my electricians license, the state had decided to require an code update course and test on the recent changes in the NEC. Last year I wanted to become certified in the green buildings program. Two years ago I wanted to take certification training and testing for the LEEDS program. What did all these have in common? All I had to do was check the web site for one of the standard testing centers across the US, select the date I wanted, and paid the fee. When I arrived I had to prove who I was, and a licensed testing proctor took care of starting and stopping the test, making sure nobody was cheating, and when the time was up, they placed the tests into a sealed document that was FEDxd to the organization, or in some cases, the tests were completed on line and the proctor was just there to make sure everyone stayed honest and took care of the official start and stop time. These testing centers are certified and bonded, and can provide both training and testing for any organization anywhere. These testing centers are now in every city in the US and in many community colleges, and they offer everything from a room full of web-based testing computers, to training rooms that provide large audio/video screens so a distant presenter can be live in 100 other classrooms in 50 different states at the same time. Two years ago I took part in a live web based evening training session by John Wiles and from my desk computer I could see him live, see his power-point presentation, talk live back with questions, and send text messages as he talked. No fuss, no problems, and very convenient. So what is the problem? If every other association, certification, and licensing board can utilize these centralized training and testing centers to make it easy for their members to be tested or trained without driving 400 miles, how come NABCEP can't figure this out? Jeff Yago _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: [email protected] Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
