Training and Certification

NSCA training provides convenient, affordable solutions to industry challenges to help you work more efficiently.

Convenient

Regional Training
Several of NSCA University’s most popular classes, including project management, are available regionally throughout the year. Call NSCA University at 800.446.6722 or view the training calendar at www.nsca.org to find out what’s coming to your area. More information.

Online Offerings
Train at your pace ... when it fits into your schedule with e-learning opportunities from NSCA University. Study from your home, office or anywhere you have a connection to the Internet. Students have 30 to 60 days to complete the coursework, including quizzes and exams that qualify for both EST renewal and NSCA University Learning Units toward a Certificate of Completion. More information.

Industry Trade Show
NSCA brings more than 80 courses to the industry’s annual trade show, InfoComm, held each June. Attendees can take advantage of:

Courses that range in length from 90 minutes to two days.
NSCA certification review classes and exam testing.
Project management, technical, sales, design and business classes.
Industry-specific information open exclusively to professionals.
More information.

Solutions for Your Specific Challenges

TechWeek
It used to be costly and time-consuming to get your technicians the required product- and service-specific training and certificates they need to do their jobs. You had to send them to multiple cities and pull them out of the field for a few days here and there throughout the year. Not anymore. NSCA and InfoComm partnered to NSCA TechWeek, sponsored by InfoComm, where you can get your required training — plus attend technical courses and test for certifications — all in one location during one week.

This education and certification event is focused on installers and technicians; it’s not another trade show. The intimate venue gives attendees the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the manufacturers who build and sell the products they work with every day. Plus, several networking opportunities are included in the schedule so techs can chat with their industry peers and find out what works for them. More information.

Tech Tutorials™
Get in-depth technical information about a variety of systems and best practices within our industry to help you maximize your business. Core material for this online and printed technical resource, published by NSCA and Pro AV magazine, is included in the pages of Pro AV magazine and introductory and advanced information is located on the NSCA website, including:

Ongoing technical tips and techniques
Installation best practices for our industry
Short tests that can be used to maintain NSCA certification credentials

Thorough Information for Complete Training

Convenient, In-Depth Training
Increase your margins, motivate your staff and build your reputation when you enroll your technicians and installers in the NSCA EST Training Series. This nine-month program helps you train your staff according to their experience levels and skill sets. Choose from three levels in this blended learning experience – a combination of instructor-led online teaching and local, hands-on instruction. The program covers the basics common to all technologies, as well as specifics across the industry, and also serves as preparation for certification testing. More information.

MasterFormat™ Tools and Training
Having trouble maneuvering through the CSI MasterFormat ‘04 specifications? NSCA members can access tools and training sessions to help you use MasterFormat to build your business. Available resources include:

Frequently Asked Questions: The FAQs introduce MasterFormat ‘04 and the changes present in divisions 25, 27 and 28.
Guide Specifications: These tutorials help specifiers and integrators write and/or respond to three-part specifications and manufacturers develop compliant specifications. Specifications are available for subsections within Divisions 25, 27 and 28.
Training Delivered to You: NSCA provides MasterFormat ‘04 training at your location. From a basic, one-day session to an advanced, two-day workshop, customized training focuses on how you can best utilize MasterFormat.
Mini Manual: The mini manual includes:
- History of the revision’s effects on the commercial electronic systems industry.
- Comparison matrix that cross-references divisions and sections from the ‘95 version to the ’04 version.
- Abbreviations, descriptions and definitions for terms commonly used in the construction industry.
- Applicable industry codes, standards and industry certifications by subsections.
Quick Reference Card: This handy tool helps you locate information in the ‘04 version. One side of the card helps you find sections by term and the other side by number. It fits into your MasterFormat ‘04 book for easy reference.

All of these resources are available in NSCA’s bookstore. For more information, contact Member Services at 800.446.6722 or memberservices@nsca.org. More information.

Advance Your Career

Certification
Certification can help your company generate new business, train and motivate your staff and differentiate yourself from your competition. Begin with the Electronic Systems Professional Alliance (ESPA), the career path for systems technology professionals. ESPA offers an entry-level industry certification, and professionals can then specialize in the commercial industry that NSCA represents. In addition to the highly regarded designation, EST-L2 certificate holders also benefit as NSCA educates the specification community on the rigorous certification program, which makes consultants and other specifiers more likely to require the certification for those who work on their projects. More information.

Certificate of Completion Program
If you are dedicated to continuing your education, want to boost the value you add to your company, and in turn, help your company add more value to the services it offers to its customers, consider obtaining a Certificate of Completion from NSCA University. Certificates can be used to promote the value you provide to your customers and to differentiate your company from others in the industry. More information.

Apprenticeship
NSCA’s EST apprenticeship program is cost-effective for employers and results in highly skilled workers, which makes it a win-win for both. Apprentices gain real-world experience along with classroom study, and upon completion of the program can apply their credits towards a college degree. And, because the program meets licensure requirements in many states, it's also a good option for companies struggling with local licensure requirements.

Product-Specific Training
Students who attend select courses from NSCA University’s Partner Providers are eligible to apply that training toward NSCA Learning Units (LUs). Visit nsca.org for a full listing of participating companies and applicable classes. More information.

Affordable

NSCA Education Foundation
The purpose of the NSCA Education Foundation is to provide and promote educational opportunities for those pursuing careers in the commercial electronic systems industry. Therefore, the Foundation offers scholarships and education credits to current industry professionals, professionals who are new to the industry and students. Individuals working in the commercial electronic systems industry may apply annually for $200 in education credits through the Foundation to use toward courses approved by NSCA University. More information.