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Limited Time Offer: Claim your FREE Expo Hall pass with code IWCEEXPO

Get Certified!

IWCE is proud to partner with ETA® International (ETA) to offer unparalleled access to certification and training in specific technology areas. Accredited by the International Certification Accreditation Council (ICAC), ETA is a not-for-profit 501(c)(6) trade association that serves technology-related industries by providing accredited individual certifications per the ISO 17024 standard for certification bodies. You can find ETA-certified professionals working for many well-known companies like Motorola Solutions, Google, Disney, Verizon, and the United States Armed Forces.

Training Options

At IWCE 2024 you may choose from 11 multi-day training options across the spectrum of wireless and related technologies. Each pass will also provide access to the IWCE Expo Hall.

Registration includes access to IWCE's exhibit hall on Wednesday and Thursday, the cost of the ETA certification exam, lunch on each day of your training, and the opportunity to take the exam right onsite at IWCE!

*ETA Courses are not included in any IWCE conference package and must be purchased separately.

Training Classes

Training classes and test-only passes available for:

  • Practical Antenna Basics - Making Sense of RF Propagation Everyday Communication Systems (PAB)
  • Line and Antenna Sweep Training (LAS)
  • General Communications Technician Training 1 (GCT1)
  • DAS Installation (DASI)
  • Microwave Fundamentals (MRT)
  • Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)
  • Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)
  • Fiber Optics 1-2-3 (FOI)

For pricing, see our registration page. Keep reading for complete session descriptions.

Practical Antenna Basics - Making Sense of RF Propagation Everyday Communication Systems (PAB)

Dates: Monday, 3/25 and Tuesday, 3/26 

Time: 9am - 5pm  

Instructor: Bill Bailey, ETA International 

Prices: $999 pre-event; $1049 onsite (includes Testing fees) 

This is a two-day course. 

In this course participants will be introduced to basic antenna theory. We will examine the fundamental principles of RF propagation and explore the antenna’s critical role in wireless communication systems. A major problem in any wireless communication system is the efficient transformation of internal circuit voltage and current into electromagnetic energy. Encoded and modulated with analog intelligence or digital data, electromagnetic radiation can then be propagated though space. The transformational complexity often results in an over-simplified explanation of an antenna as just a passive device with strange and magical abilities. Those attending this course will learn to dispel any mystical nature and develop a sound practical understanding of how antennas work. Topics addressed will include: the evolution of antenna theory (Maxwell’s equations, Faraday’s law, Ampere’s law, Marconi and Hertz); electrical to electromagnetic conversion (E and H field interaction, polarization, wave-fronts); characteristics of RF propagation (refraction, diffraction, fading, and travel path); half-wave dipole antenna development (effects of impedance, radiation and induction); antenna power ratios (dB’s and dBm’s); antenna performance (gain, directivity, reciprocity, radiation fields, beam-width, directionality); antenna feed lines (resonant and non-resonant); antenna design considerations (monopole antennas, antenna arrays, and electrical vs. physical length); specialized antennas (log-periodic, small-loop, folded di-pole, and slot antenna); microwave antennas (horn, parabolic reflector, lens and patch antennas); and common non-proprietary antenna installation, alignment, and maintenance practices. Upon successfully passing ETA’s antenna competency examination participants will be awarded ETA’s practical antenna basics (PAB) certification. 

Certification: ETA International Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop 

Line and Antenna Sweep Training (LAS)

Dates: Monday, 3/25 and Tuesday, 3/26

Time: 9am - 5pm

Instructor: Jay Thompson, Tactical RF

Prices: $999 pre-event; $1049 onsite (includes Testing fees)

This is a two-day course.

REQUIRED: Students should bring their VNA, calibration kit, and a laptop for the manual.

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. 

Certification: Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS) 

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop

General Communications Technician Training 1 (GCT1)

Dates: Monday, 3/25 and Tuesday, 3/26 

Time: 9am - 5pm  

Instructor: Chris Miller, Heartland Community College, and AJ Wiesenfeld, IWATSI

Prices: $999 pre-event; $1099 onsite (includes Testing fees) 

This is a two-day course. 

The General Communications Technician-Level 1 certification program introduces the attendee to 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. LMR communications, satellite, telephone, data, and computer technologies used in incident response and planned events. 

General Communications Technician-Level 1 trains technicians on the practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians. This course will help communications technicians work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure. 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. Individuals who are responsible for managing a Strategic Technology Reserve (radio cache, mobile communications vehicle, or other deployable communications assets) are encouraged to attend. GCT1 is modeled after the US Department of Homeland Security's COM-T program. 

Certification: ETA International General Communications Technician-Level 1 (GTC1) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop 

 

DAS Installation (DASI)

Dates: Monday, 3/25 and Tuesday, 3/26 

Time: 9am - 5pm  

Instructors: Ira Wiesenfeld, PE and CETms(RF), and Joseph Delio, CETma,ms(RF), IWATSI  

Prices: $999 pre-event; $1099 onsite (includes Testing fees) 

This is a two-day course. 

This hands-on Training Hosted by ETA Focuses on the installation of Active and Passive Bi-Directional Amplifiers used in Today's Distributed Antenna Systems. This two-day course is for anyone interested in learning the fundamental theories, components, installation, and pre-optimization of in-building DAS. Each attendee will participate in a hands-on training lab concentrating on connector installation, a simple install, a simple antenna design, and how to identify cabling problems. Exposure to RF energy and related safety subjects will also be addressed. 

DISCUSSIONS INCLUDE:  

• Antenna Types • Mounting Techniques • Propagation • Gain and Losses • Decibels • Pattern Distortions • Return Loss • Distance-to-Fault • Range • Impedance Matching • Bandwidth • Efficiency • Power Levels • Types of BDAs - Active/Passive • Polarization • Transmission Line Installation • Fiber Optic Connectivity • Antenna Diversity • Splitters, Couplers and Tags • Lightening Protection • Isolation  

HANDS-ON EXERCISES INCLUDE:  

• Testing Fundamentals • Calibration • Spectrum Analyzers • Connectorization • Reflectometers • RF Wattmeters • Determining Problems • System Sweeps • Distance-to-Fault Measurements • Fiber Optic Test Equipment • Troubleshooting the Installation  

Certification: ETA International Distributed Antenna Systems (DASI)  

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop  

Microwave Fundamentals (MRT)

Dates: Wednesday, 3/27 and Thursday, 3/28 

Time: 8am - 4pm 

Instructor: Bill Bailey, ETA International 
Prices: $999 pre-event; $1049 onsite (includes Testing fees)  
This is a two-day course. 

With the explosion of new digital applications in today’s communication networks microwave radio offers many advantages. They are capable of carrying large amounts of information (voice, video, and data); they require smaller antennas than other RF communication bands; microwaves signal easily propagate around objects; and microwave equipment has proven very reliable. The microwave spectrum is generally described as running between 500 MHz and 300 GHz. At these frequencies, wavelengths become relatively short, and measure between 1 cm and 60 cm in length. Microwave systems have proven capable of effectively processing and transmitting both analog and digital intelligence. Microwave technicians, therefore, must be equally versed in frequency modulation (FM) and digital modulation techniques. In this course we will take a system approach in our examination and analysis of microwave radio communication. Participants will be exposed to: RF safety fundamentals; RF spectrum and frequency concepts; microwave radio system configurations; RF modulation schemes (CW, AM, FM,& PW) ; digital microwave coding/decoding techniques; principles of Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) and Phase Shift Keying (QPSK); microwave radio equipment (TX & RX block diagrams, microwave/digital interfaces, performance indicators, bit error rates (BIT), microwave timing and synchronization schemes, and radio protection configurations); microwave propagation characteristics (line-of-sight restrictions, electromagnetic waves, path-related anomalies, and Fresnel zone clearance); microwave antenna systems; and common microwave test equipment and procedures. Upon successfully passing ETA’s microwave radio technician (MRT) examination participants will be awarded ETA certification. 

Certification: Microwave Radio Technician (MRT) 

Certification Cost: included in the price of the workshop 

Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)

Dates: Wednesday, 3/27 and Thursday, 3/28 

Time: 8am - 4pm 

Instructor: Chris Miller, Heartland Community College 

Prices: $699 pre-event; $799 onsite (includes Testing fees)  

This is a two-day course. 

The Associate certification is designed for technicians who have less than two years of experience or trade school training for electronics technicians. Topics covered include: DC Electronics, AC Electronics, Components & Semiconductors, Analog Circuits, Re-cabling & Telecommunications, Digital Circuits & Microprocessors, Troubleshooting, Test Equipment & Repair, Shop & Service Management. Every Certified Electronics Technician (CET) candidate must pass the Associate exam before they can qualify to sit for the full Journeyman certification. Once a technician has completed the four-year term, they should specialize and take a Journeyman option. It is strongly encouraged to have CETa study guide for this training. A CETa study guide can be purchased at eta-i.org

Certification: ETA International Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop

Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)

Dates: Wednesday, 3/27 and Thursday, 3/28 

Time: 8am - 4pm 

Instructors: Tom Brinkoetter, Radio Test Site; Jay Thompson, Tactical RF 

Prices: $1099 pre-event; $1149 onsite (includes Testing fees)  

This is a two-day course. 

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 

Certification: Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop

Fiber Optics 1-2-3 (FOI)

Dates and times: 

Monday, 3/25 and Tuesday, 3/26:  9am - 5pm (Lecture/Classroom) 

Wednesday, 3/27 and Thursday, 3/28: Time: 8am – 4pm (Hands On) 

Instructor: TBA 

Prices (pre-event and onsite):  

$1300 Two-day Lecture/Classroom only (does not include certification test) 

$2400 Four-day Lecture/Classroom and Hands-On (includes Testing fees) 

This instructor-led course provides a fundamental understanding of fiber optics, coupled with the practical hands-on skills training required to install and maintain fiber optic networks. Perfect for those new to fiber or those looking to enhance their current skill set. Two days of classroom time are dedicated to the understanding of fiber technology and network components, followed by two days of hands-on skills training to develop cable preparation, termination, splicing, and testing skills. 

Classroom Topics (Monday/Tuesday): 

  • Fiber Basics 
  • Fiber Optic Transmission Theory  
  • Multimode and Single-mode Fibers 
  • Fiber Optic Cables 
  • Connectors and Connector Endfaces 
  • Splicing 
  • Fiber and Cable Management 
  • Installation 
  • Test Equipment 
  • Testing Best Practices 
  • Restoration 
  • Active and Passive Devices 
  • Loss Budgets 
  • Safety 

Hands-On Skills Lab (Wednesday/Thursday) 

  • *Connectors 
  • Prepare Fibers for Termination 
  • Hand-polished Anaerobic Connectors 
  • Cleaning and Inspection
  • Mechanical Splice-on Connectors 
  • Identify Nearby Bends and Breaks 
  • Assemble an ETA-compliant Patchcord 
  • *Cable Preparation for Termination 
  • Prepare Stranded Cable for Panel Installation 
  • Prepare Buffer Tube for a Splice Tray 
  • Prepare a Fanout Kit 
  • *Splicing and OTDRs 
  • Modify Typical OTDR Settings 
  • Recognize and Interpret Events 
  • Use a Launch Box 
  • Modify Typical Splicer Settings 
  • Perform Arc Calibration 
  • Fusion and Mechanical Splicing 
  • *Optical Loss Testing 
  • Wet and Dry Cleaning Methods 
  • One-, Two- and Three-cord Reference Testing 
  • Create a Sample Loss Budget  
  • Detect Active Fibers 

Certification: Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) 

Certification Test: included in the price of the workshop

Special Thanks

Wireless Network Technician
Training Support

Fiber Optics 1-2-3
Training Support

For more information about specific course materials, visit ETAi.org.

Questions? Contact [email protected].