IWCE 2027 Passes and Pricing

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training description: 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.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: The WNT course is designed to prepare the student to take the ETA-I WNT examination. The fundamental knowledge of RF technology used in wireless communications and how intelligent information is communicated for specific applications along with system design components and their requirements is presented. The course continues with an exploration of wireless solutions and standards used today in Personal, Local, Metropolitan, and Wide Area Networks. An in-depth look into WiFi technology (802.11), the predominant technology used for Local Area Networks (LANs) is presented.

Prerequisites: None, background in electronics is helpful.

Key Takeaways: Learn about antenna theory, transmission lines, RF propagation, and modulation schemes. Examine both fixed wireless and mobile wireless applications. Comprehensive study of Wide Area Network technology including microwave and satellite solutions.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: This two-day course gives technicians, designers, contractors, inspectors and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ's) a working command of the 2027 edition of NFPA 1225.

Students first build the radio-frequency foundation needed to understand why the code says what it says — decibels, link budgets, system components, interference and antenna behavior — and then work section by section through Chapter 18 (Two-Way Radio Communications Enhancement Systems), Chapter 20 (Testing and Inspection) and the explanatory material in Annex A. The emphasis throughout is practical: what the requirement is, why it exists, how to meet it in the field, and how to document it so the system is approved the first time and stays compliant for its full-service life.

Who Should Attend:

• ERCES / DAS installers, integrators and service technicians
• RF system designers and engineers preparing designs for AHJ approval
• Fire marshals, fire inspectors, plan reviewers and other authorities having jurisdiction
• Two-way radio shop staff and public safety radio system managers (frequency license holders)
• Fire alarm, electrical and low-voltage contractors who interface with ERCES
• Building owners, facility managers and consultants responsible for ongoing compliance

Prerequisites: None

Key Takeaways:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Explain the life-safety purpose of ERCES and the roles of the AHJ, the frequency license holder, the building owner and the FCC.
• Apply decibel math, absolute power levels (dBm) and link-budget calculations to in-building coverage problems.
• Identify passive and active DAS architectures, Class A and Class B signal boosters, and every major system component.
• Recognize sources of interference — oscillation, intermodulation, passive intermodulation (PIM), near-far effect, downlink egress and time-delay interference — and the design choices that prevent them.
• Interpret and apply the NFPA 1225-2027 Chapter 18 requirements for approval, personnel qualifications, design, coverage, signal strength and quality, components, cabling, power, monitoring, annunciation and signal booster shutdown.
• Interpret and apply the Chapter 20 requirements for acceptance testing, periodic inspection, annual testing and the five-year quantitative test.
• Use Annex A to understand the intent behind the requirements and to resolve questions of interpretation with the AHJ
• Plan and document grid testing, delivered audio quality (DAQ) evaluation and acceptance records that satisfy the AHJ.
• Apply safe work practices for RF exposure, rooftop work, electrical power and lockout/tagout.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: GCT1 covers the 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. 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.

Prerequisites: None

Key Takeaways:

• Practices and procedures common to radio communication technicians.
• Learn to work within the Incident Command System (ICS) organizational structure.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: Building on the foundational GCT1 program, GCT2 expands the attendee’s knowledge base to include advanced elements of communications concepts and technologies. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on training and is customizable to meet specific industry and employer needs. It is modeled after U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) guidelines, covering all the disciplines outlined in the COMT program as well as the APCO/ANSI technician standards. By combining DHS-modeled instruction with ETA’s certification standards, the GCT2 program ensures technicians are prepared for advanced responsibilities in critical communications environments. Successful ETA pathway completion and certification of GCT1 and GCT2 fulfill the requirements of FCC regulation 47CFR90.433 Industry Certified Technician as an ETA Certified Electronics Technician (CET).

Prerequisites: General Technician Training (GCT1)

Key Takeaways:

• Advanced Technical Proficiency:

- Expanded knowledge of RF theory, transmission lines, and antenna systems.

- Ability to diagnose, repair, and optimize complex communication networks.

- Practical understanding of propagation, interference mitigation, and advanced test equipment use.

• Hands-On Field Experience:

- Real-world exercises in system setup, troubleshooting, and signal analysis.

- Proficiency in reading schematics, wiring diagrams, and site documentation.

- Hands-on familiarity with industry-grade analyzers, meters, and service monitors.

• Enhanced Problem-Solving Skills:

- Capability to identify system performance issues through data-driven analysis.

- Skilled in isolation and correction of interference, grounding, and intermodulation issues.

- Ability to develop structured troubleshooting methodologies in high-stakes environments.

• Career and Professional Advancement:

- Recognition as an ETA-certified technician, the gold standard in communications industry credentials.

- Increased employability and credibility for roles in Land Mobile Radio (LMR) fields.

- Pathway to additional certifications such as LAS, DASI, DAST, and RFIM for further specialization.

• Network of Industry Experts:

- Access to a community of certified professionals and ongoing learning opportunities.

- Exposure to real-world case studies from public safety, transportation, and utility sectors.

• Operational Readiness:

- Ability to lead or support communication system installations and upgrades with minimal supervision.

- Understanding of project management basics—planning, documentation, and coordination with AHJs.

- Readiness to perform at an advanced technician level within mission-critical communication environments.

Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: Designed for technicians working in wireless communications, public safety, utilities, aviation, maritime, broadcasting, and related RF fields, the course prepares participants for FCC Element 1 — Basic Radio Law & Operating Practice and Element 3 — General Radiotelephone.

Prerequisites: None

Key Takeaways:

• Day 1 — FCC Rules & Operating Practices | Element 1

- GROL licensing requirements

- FCC regulations and operating practices

- Emergency and international communications procedures

- Element 1 exam preparation

• Day 2 — RF & Communications Systems | Element 3

- RF and electronics fundamentals

- Propagation, transmitters, receivers, and antennas

- Transmission lines, SWR, and RF safety

- Troubleshooting and test equipment

• Day 3 — Advanced Communications & Exam Preparation | Element 3

- Analog and digital communications

- Modulation and data transmission

- Maintenance, calibration, and documentation

- Comprehensive Element 3 review and exam preparation

Participants will be prepared to confidently attempt the FCC Element 1 and Element 3 examinations required to earn the General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL).

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: 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.

Prerequisites: None

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about the latest Interference Hunting technology
• Prepare for 100 Question exam for ETA Certification

Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Training Description: This course is designed to prepare the student to successfully take the ETA International Information Technology Security (ITS) exam. The Information Technology Security certification covers all areas of cybersecurity for information technology. ITS-certified specialists are expected to have the major knowledge, skills, and abilities in order to perform the professional tasks associated with the development of security plans and processes for information technology and cybersecurity.

This class will prepare the student with a specialized knowledge of computer hardware and software security measures, as well as wireless communications security, device security, cryptography, social engineering, virus detection/mitigation, troubleshooting, disaster prevention/recovery and site risk analysis. It is suggested that students have prior computer systems and computer networking experience.

Topics covered include the development of security plans, common vulnerabilities and attacks, and processes for immunizing information technology systems from threats. This course is presented as a combination of lecture time and guided study. All course materials will be provided for the class in advance.

Prerequisites: Prior computer systems and computer networking experience

Key Takeaways:

• Learn about developing security plans and processes for IT and cybersecurity.
• Gain knowledge of hardware and software security measures and wireless communications security.
• Review common vulnerabilities.