[RE-wrenches] NABCEP "rave"

[ASAP POWER! 2]

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 info at asappower.com 
S     peter.duchon

-----Original Message-----
From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org
[mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago
Sent: Friday, January 16, 2009 7:23 AM
To: allan at positiveenergysolar.com; 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