ETA INTERNATIONAL

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. ETA-certified professionals are working for many well-known companies like Motorola Solutions, Google, Disney, Verizon, and the United States Armed Forces.

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2025 Training Classes

At IWCE 2025, attendees were able to choose from multi-day technical training options across the spectrum of wireless and related technologies. Registration included access to IWCE's Exhibit Hall on Wednesday and Thursday, as well as IWCE keynote sessions, the highly anticipated Wednesday evening networking reception, lunch vouchers for each day of training, the cost of the ETA certification exam, and the opportunity to take the exam onsite at IWCE. Attendees could also add an IWCE package to any training class to make the most of their time in Las Vegas.

DAS Technician Training (DAST)

General Communications Technician Training 1 (GCT1)

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

Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM)

General Radio Operator License (GROL) (Elements 1 & 3)

Line and Antenna Sweep Training (LAS)

Microwave Fundamentals (MRT)

Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)

Communications Site Installer (R56) Training

DAS Technician Training (DAST) & General Communications Technician Training 1 (GCT1)

DAS Technician Training (DAST), a Two-Day Course

IWA Technical Services Inc. delivered a comprehensive Distributed Antenna Systems Technician (DAST) training programme, led by Ira Wiesenfeld and Joseph Delio, combining in-depth theoretical instruction with hands-on experience. The course covered key topics such as start-up procedures, system calibration, and component optimisation, while practical sessions enabled participants to use advanced test equipment, including the PCTEL Seehawk scanning receiver. This approach helped attendees gain proficiency in preventing signal interference, maintaining system performance, and ensuring compliance with IFC and NFPA standards. The ETA International DAST certification test was included in the workshop price.

General Communications Technician Training 1 (GCT1), a Two-Day Course

Led by Chris Miller of Heartland Community College, the General Communications Technician-Level 1 (GCT1) certification programme introduced attendees to fundamental concepts in communications technologies, including electronics, radio systems, cabling, antennas, IP networks, fibre optics, satellite communications, and site safety practices. Designed for novice technicians and those needing a technical foundation, the course also addressed communication systems used in emergency response and helped participants understand how to operate within the Incident Command System (ICS). It was particularly relevant for professionals managing deployable communications assets. The ETA International GCT1 certification test was included in the workshop price.

Practical Antenna Basics - Making Sense of RF Propagation Everyday Communication Systems (PAB), a Two-Day Course

Taught by Bill Bailey of ETA International, this course provided participants with a practical introduction to antenna theory, exploring the fundamental principles of RF propagation and the antenna’s vital role in wireless communication systems. Attendees gained a clear understanding of how antennas function—dispelling myths and addressing topics such as electromagnetic conversion, RF propagation characteristics, antenna performance, feed lines, design considerations, and various antenna types including microwave and specialised designs. The course also covered installation, alignment, and maintenance best practices. The ETA International Practical Antenna Basics (PAB) certification test was included in the workshop price.

Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM) & General Radio Operator License (GROL) (Elements 1 & 3)

Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM), a Two-Day Course

Led by Tom Brinkoetter of RadioSiteTest and Jay Thompson of Tactical RF, this course provided in-depth training on the frequency spectrum, RF signal theory, and interference mitigation. Attendees explored the causes and sources of interference, gained hands-on experience with commercial spectrum analyzers, and reviewed key tools and techniques for interference hunting, including real-time and swept spectrum analysis. A “Tiny SA” spectrum analyzer was provided for lab use. Topics covered included modulation, propagation, antennas, and field measurements. The ETA International Radio Frequency Interference and Mitigation (RFIM) certification test was included in the workshop price. Attendance was limited to 25 students.

General Radio Operator License (GROL) (Elements 1 & 3), a Three-Day Course

Taught by Saleh Ahmed of Love Aviation, the FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) course was an intensive three-day in-person training designed for those seeking to operate and maintain radio equipment across aviation, maritime, land mobile, and global communication services. Covering radio communication principles, FCC regulations, and equipment maintenance, the course fully prepared participants to pass the FCC Element 1 and Element 3 exams. Hands-on skills and regulatory knowledge were key components. ETA handled exam processing, with the FCC issuing licences upon payment. The ETA International GROL certification cost was included in the workshop price.

Communications Site Installer (R56) Training, a Four-Day Course

Led by Shane Morris and Christopher Hoch of Motorola Solutions, the Site Installation Practices (R56) Workshop provided comprehensive training on the standards and guidelines for installing Motorola communication systems. The course covered key areas such as building design, grounding, power sources, surge suppression, and equipment installation, helping participants understand how proper installation minimises downtime and ensures system reliability. Students were required to bring a laptop and were encouraged to download the Preparation Guide. The ETA International Communications Site Installer (R56) certification test was included in the workshop price.

Microwave Fundamentals (MRT), Line and Antenna Sweep Training (LAS), & Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa)

Microwave Fundamentals (MRT), a Two-Day Course

Taught by Bill Bailey of ETA International, this two-day course provided an in-depth, system-level exploration of microwave radio communication, focusing on its advantages for modern digital networks. Participants examined RF safety, modulation techniques (FM, QAM, QPSK), microwave system configurations, propagation characteristics, and key equipment including transmitters, receivers, and test tools. Emphasis was placed on both analogue and digital signal processing, with hands-on understanding of performance indicators such as bit error rates and synchronisation schemes. The ETA International Microwave Radio Technician (MRT) certification test was included in the price of the workshop.

Line and Antenna Sweep Training (LAS), a Two-Day Course

Led by Jay Thompson of Tactical RF, this two-day course focused on Line and Antenna Sweep (LAS) testing, a vital process for installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting antenna systems. With advancements in portable test equipment, technicians can now perform line sweeping in the field with ease. The course covered key concepts such as decibels, Return Loss, and VSWR, along with standard LAS testing procedures. Hands-on exercises and real-world examples ensured participants gained practical understanding. Students were required to bring a VNA, calibration kit, and laptop. The ETA International LAS certification test was included in the workshop price.

Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa), a Two-Day Course

Taught by Chris Miller of Heartland Community College, this two-day course prepared entry-level technicians for the ETA International Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) certification. Aimed at those with under two years’ experience or trade school training, the course covered core topics including DC and AC electronics, components and semiconductors, analogue and digital circuits, microprocessors, troubleshooting, telecommunications, and test equipment. It also addressed shop and service management fundamentals. A CETa study guide was provided, and the certification test was included in the price of the workshop.

ANY QUESTIONS?

Please contact Erin LeMoine.

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